Many hunters and hikers think that socks are not important as long as they have good boots. While good boots help, if your feet get hot and sweaty and begin to rub, even the best boots can cause blisters. The key is keeping your foot dry and reducing friction against your skin.

Heat, moisture, and friction are the primary causes for blisters. If you can correctly manage the environment around your foot, you can effectively avoid all blister troubles.

Most people usually accomplish this with a two-sock system, involving a thin liner sock and a well-cushioned outer sock. However, some hunters and hikers still want to wear just one sock. If you opt for two socks, the inner sock is best to be a moisture-wicking variety that transports moisture away from your foot. This sock usually fits your foot very snugly to prevent any friction from occurring between the sock and your skin. The outer sock can hold the moisture until it is transported out of your boots. This sock will also have dense cushioning at key points on your foot to soften the blows from the trail.

The New Ultimax® Series of Socks
Whether you are "one-socking" it or going for two, Cabela's has changed the way I look at socks with their new Ultimax series of socks. Named appropriately, these socks are the ultimate. Cabela's designed them to have all the quality features you would want in a sock. All models have zonal construction, giving you the right amount of cushioning and support where you need it, but avoiding excess bulk.

The other thing I noticed about these socks was the support. Your socks don't do any good if they keep sliding down in your boots and bunching up. The Ultimax socks stay in the same place all day long, with foot hugging and ankle hugging support. This support also lasts. I have been testing several models of the Ultimax socks for over a year, and unlike inferior socks, Ultimax socks do not stretch out after a couple of uses.

Ultimax Socks
These socks are made exclusive for Cabela's by Wigwam® to be the ultimate in moisture control. Other socks just wick away moisture, but the Ultimax uses a unique Lumiza fiber to actually channel moisture up and out of your footwear. Lumiza is one of the only moisture absorbing acrylic fibers on the market. This soft, lightweight fiber absorbs moisture and then uses a capillary action to move the perspiration away from your feet. Combined with polypropylene, nylon, and spandex, these socks definitely have the right recipe for support and moisture control.

When I started testing the Ultimax, I wasn't expecting to notice a difference from other synthetic socks. However, I soon changed my tune. I used the 11" liner sock on several strenuous summer hikes as well as all fall hunting seasons, and I was impressed with how it moved the sweat away from my feet. At the time, I was also testing a pair of new boots, and these socks were the key to keeping me blister free. Blisters can ruin a trip in a hurry, but these socks are like purchasing blister insurance. If you want to count on your feet making it through a trip, count on Ultimax.

For those looking for the ultimate sock liner, the Ultimax is offered in a 11" and 17" liner sock. If you prefer a heavier sock to wear by itself, the designers added a small amount of wool and came up with a 10" medium weight and a 13" heavy weight design sure to fit your personal preferences.

Wool Ultimax Socks
Many guides, hunters, and hikers have always chosen wool socks for their superior warmth and durability, so Cabela's didn't want to leave them out with the introduction of their new Ultimax line. Last fall, they introduced a Merino wool version of their popular Ultimax. Merino has been making big strides in the sock industry, famous for its no-itch, no-shrink features. For the Wool Ultimax, Cabela's chose a finer-grade Australian Merino that is shrink-treated and guaranteed not to irritate your skin. They combined the Merino with Olefin, stretch nylon, and spandex to create a sock that would provide excellent moisture control, support, and have the comfort of Merino wool.

I have worn these socks everywhere from spring turkey hunting to some summer hiking, mountain climbing, and all last fall from the duck blind to the bird fields, and I love them. One of the things I noticed the most was even though my feet would sweat, the socks would not feel damp like some cotton or wool socks can. The additional warmth they provide makes them an excellent choice for the fall hunting season. The medium-weight design works great by itself for warm weather wear or with a liner for added moisture management. Or, take the heavy-weight version and add a liner for superior all day cushioning and warmth for those long, cold days afield.

To purchase a pair of Ultimax Socks, click here.

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