If I wear breathable enough shoes and light SmartWool™ socks my feet don't get (or stay) so sweaty that it's an issue, and my gait is much more natural.

You're warmer in a wetsuit while your skin remains dry, it's just that when water does get in the tight fit of the wetsuit limits the amount and prevents it from moving around too much. So the theory goes, I've previously used waterproof boots - but they still get wet so what's the point. Honestly, after trying out water proofing (even that 3M magic stuff), wax, gaiters, and even sewing with velcro some homemade gaiter like tops a la Rough Country Gaiters, I've come to the conclusion the best defense is just to bring another pair of shoes, switching them out and letting them dry as needed, with lots of extra socks. I see the same is true for a lot of people on here, but I've had quite a few pairs of Sealskinz (and some cheapy Aldi equivalents) and don't think any of them weren't letting water at least a bit within 5 runs, let alone 5 years.After 5 hours cycling and running in wind rain and snow yesterday my feet stayed warm and dry, wearing Sealskinz. The turning point was getting a pair of the long Warmbacs big enough to wear some liner socks under to stop the chafing - been toasty ever since! I've never tried it, all the Sealskinz I've had were too thick to wear with another pair of socks as well - I'd probably need to go half a size up with the shoes to do that. But they are the only sock I've had that are comfortable when wet, and the synthetic material dries much faster than wool. Injinji toe socks - the thin liner socks - go well under any sock at any time of year, though the Dexshells are extremely comfortable by themselves - wore them yesterday on Fairfield!

V.P (Water Vapor Permeability index) of 65% and has been tested to withstand a column of water (hydrostatic head) >10,000mm. They'd potentially be a good alternative to neoprene especially - 'Aquatherm' fabric is less stretchy than neoprene but also tougher, thinner and doesn't have that 'spongy' feeling. The first time I bought some I made the mistake of sizing them down a bit and had to send them back because they were too small. Having done the HPM a few times i know how cold your feet can get constantly flushing cold water and comparably the sealskins were really good at keeping my feet warm (though not entirely dry). After making it back to my vehicle and taking off my sodden boots to slip into my emergency winter boots I keep in my truck all winter, I put one wet, woolen sock on one foot and kept the other foot bare.Often apparel designed to work in one sporting activity very nicely crosses over to other similar activities. The increased comfort of having dry feet all the time made a big difference to the pleasure of my trips. Our Geckowear waterproof socks are the ultimate foot-protector in wet and wintry landscapes, and are a must for any serious explorer.

I don't know if the creases in polybags round a foot would cause blisters if running, perhaps not with socks between them and skin. Not sure why you keep banging on about this, I'll decide when I want to wear waterproof socks thanks. Gaiters absolutely essential in winter conditions, to stop snow getting in your boots - don't really wear them much otherwise, overtrousers perfectly adequate for rain/wet vegetation. These knee-high sport socks have a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep you dry and comfortable and there is a flat seam on the toe line.For me gaiters are good, but they still have that hole in the top and water can still wick down into my boats. We're headed to a bunch of National Parks in the second half of September (we fly back to DC on October 1). Our Waterproof Socks are designed to keep your feet dry and warm, whether you’re fishing in wet or cold conditions. A couple weeks ago, though, I learned the lower limit of the Trail Gloves when I ran out of the house to get to the Hirshhorn on the last day of the Ragnar Kjartansson exhibit. Yeah, Sealskinz were pretty much essential on the Dark Mountains and, for me, any long winter activities.

More importantly, they stay warm, even if slightly damp, whereas the next cold puddle would make them cold again with normal socks. I'm due for a new pair of lightweight shoes, a little more ankle support than trail runners, but I'm thinking waterproof because I usually just get wet over the tops of my foot. On preview, barchan is right though, the sand is definitely going to be a bigger problem than the cold/water. Stupid I know, but I got the second pair because I just couldn't believe how bad the first pair were! If you want warm and dont mind wet then neoprene would be your ideal, Ive not found a pair of socks that both hold water in and let sweat out, either way my feet are wet.My only criticism was the longevity, they seemed wrecked by the one run but I took them back and got a replacement pair with no hassle. The size chart shows the suggested size for each of these socks, allowing you to pick the one your require. Note, if you are doing any river crossings this is their demise as you would have to take them off or otherwise they would fill up with water! A drysuit with attached feet is top notch for horrible cold and wet, but although a dry suit never leaks, it will gradually get damp inside if you’re working hard, and eventually even if you aren’t, limiting its use to really wet conditions below 55F. PS testing revealed very low insulation value (see “ Sailing Socks,” PS January 2019) and this round of testing cemented our opinion.