I wear Chacos sandals and mesh running shoes when I hike. I expect that my feet will get wet but I also know that they will dry really quickly so it’s not a big deal.

I would think that backpacking in the Grand Canyon in July would be really hot so I wouldn’t be too concerned about keeping your feet dry. Also I think neoprene socks would be too hot for summer desert wear.

The idea was not to keep my feet dry, I wanted something to keep my feet warm. The outfitter said these socks would work as well as neoprene, they didn’t.

My feet don’t usually smell, these socks gave off a strong stinky aura that permeated my world. My issue with the socks was the smell.

I think most gear is thought of while someone lies on their couch. They make a demo, then they go out for a six mile hike with it. If all goes well, it goes into production.

It looks like they are still selling these socks–probably to people who plan to go on six mile hikes–they are the ones who are most concerned with keeping their feet dry. Long distance hikers except that their feet will get wet.

I don’t mind wet feet. I try to keep my feet warm, pain free, and not too stinky.

I broke trail through 6 inches of new snow for 12 miles wearing neoprene socks and Chaco sandals. My feet were cold and I was worried, but they were fine.

I carry other socks too. I don’t just hike in neoprene.

Possibly the socks had a breathable layer. They cost 40 dollars, you wouldn’t think they would charge you 40 dollars for a plastic bag.

I don’t care what my feet look like at the end of the day, so long as they get me down the trail and they don’t hurt.

The smell is what was wrong with the socks.

Also, wouldn’t a sock that’s waterproof suffocate your feet? Make them look like big white prunes at the end of the day?

I do plenty of serious hiking in neoprene socks. Wouldn’t go on a long hike without them. They were wonderful as I was post holing over Muir Pass last year.

I maintain it was not my feet that stunk but the socks. My feet don’t smell that bad, but those socks were evil.

Yeah, I have used bag balm a lot and it works great on hands and feet. The problem is in the packaging–it’s not secure enough for backpacking. I would be afraid that it would get too hot and leak out of the can. I might find a way to repackage it in something more secure. Carmex comes in small secure tubes with a screw on lid and you can get it along the way.