US
Sweat Happens: How to Keep Your Feet Dry in Work Boots
One of my favorite things about working landscaping was seeing the day to day progress of a job: looking at how much wall we built in a day, or how a particular demo could move incredible amounts of dirt, rock, and brush to make way for something new. The part that I didn't love? Sweaty, swampy feet.
When I was younger I truly didn't realize the amount of sweat your feet can produce. While the feeling of kicking off your boots after a full day is great, clammy feet and soaked boots often became a compounding problem that led to blisters, discomfort, and boots that are soaked the next work day. While I learned some things the hard way, I hope this post can help set you up for a faster learning curve.
No question, hard work makes you sweat, but hard work in the heat, humidity, and direct sunlight takes that sweat to a whole other level. While you don’t want to stop sweating (and risk things like dehydration, heatstroke, etc.) there are several things that can really make the difference for someone dealing with sweaty feet. Footwear and socks are an essential part of the equation. The goal is to manage the moisture throughout a shift and really take care of things between shifts.
3 Key Takeaways
- Waterproof boots can block outside water, but may still trap sweat inside.
- Moisture-wicking work boot socks manage sweat more effectively than absorbent cotton.
- Drying boots, rotating footwear, and changing damp socks are as important as sock choice.
Why Do Feet Sweat So Much in Work Boots?
Why do your feet sweat so much in work boots? Because you’re working! On average, feet sweat about half a pint per day.
Work boots are made to keep you safe. One of the tradeoffs of that is often work boots are a bit more substantial than your regular sneaker, which can limit airflow and make moisture more noticeable. Add in physical labor, long shifts, and hot weather, and it can make it seem like work boots are your sweatiest footwear. Lastly, long shifts can really compound the problem, making it harder to dry out your boots before the next shift.
The first thing to think about is your style of work boots. Tradeoffs like waterproofness and breathability really make a huge difference depending on the conditions, temperatures, and type of work you are doing.
In hotter weather I prefer a shorter 6” unlined leather boot. A lot of people also like the more sneaker-style fit available with some synthetic boots. While leather isn't the most breathable material, it brings durability, fit, and insulation. Insulation can keep both cold and heat out. All of this factors into comfort for a long day in your boots.
Waterproof membranes are often touted as great additions to work boots (and come with an additional cost). They are well worth it if you work in wet locations or need the extra protection from external water sources, but can create a tradeoff with less breathability and more sweating.
Why Cotton Socks Stay Wet
Socks can be seen as the dark horse factor for keeping sweaty feet from ruining your day. But really socks might be the most important factor. It is the piece of gear that directly contacts your feet, your first line of defense! That is why sock material is so important.
Starting out, many workers default to cotton socks. While cotton is great at absorbing moisture, it retains that moisture and will feel wet. Moisture increases friction, which is why cotton socks so often lead to blisters. Damp cotton also commonly loses its shape and can bunch, causing more hot spots.
While cotton socks tend to have a lower price point than Merino Wool or synthetic socks, you not only lose performance, but durability as well. You end up spending more money in the long run just because you’re buying more socks.
How Merino Wool Manages Moisture in Work Boots
Your socks are the single most important factor in managing moisture in your work boots. Merino Wool helps your feet by absorbing up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet to the touch, wicking that moisture away from your skin to release it up and out of your boot, all while helping regulate temperature.
You don’t need to stop sweating, and in fact, you probably can’t. You want your socks and boots to manage that moisture and keep you thinking about the job in front of you, not wet, uncomfortable feet.
We commonly hear from people who think Merino Wool is only for cold weather and doesn’t perform in the heat. But Merino’s thermoregulation works across all temperature swings. Merino fibers have a wavy structure which creates tiny air pockets. These air pockets help with airflow to shed excess heat in sweaty, hot conditions, while in cold conditions these air pockets help insulate and keep you warm.
Additionally, the fit of your work socks is an important factor in moisture management. We produce socks with a high-density knit and performance fit. Darn Tough socks are knit with three simple ingredients of Merino Wool, Nylon, and Elastane (spandex), making them the most versatile socks for all environments. The nylon adds durability, the elastane improves fit retention, and the Merino Wool manages moisture and temperature (and odor) to really give you a work sock that works for you.
Sweat vs. Outside Water: Why the Difference Matters
Rain, snow, mud, broken irrigation lines, power washing equipment – the list of external forces that can leave you with wet feet is literally infinite. Working outside brings a certain amount of variability that could never be controlled. At some point you will get wet feet, and you will likely just have to work through it.
Different jobs have different footwear, and waterproof boots might be the best option for the job in front of you. The tradeoffs of waterproofing often leave you more susceptible to less air circulation and conditions prime for sweaty feet.
The difference between immersion in water and sweating through your footwear is often the amount of time it takes to overwhelm the system. The takeaway I would stress is even in the case where your feet are soaking wet, a Merino Wool work sock is still the better option over a cotton sock to manage that moisture and protect your feet.
How to Keep Feet Dry in Work Boots
Ultimately keeping your feet dry comes down to several clothing decisions and a few daily actions.
- Choose moisture-wicking socks - Choosing a sock material designed to manage perspiration throughout the workday will give you more peace of mind and keep you focused on the job. Avoid cotton for long, sweaty shifts, and look to Merino Wool or synthetics.
- Match sock weight to the temperature - Lightweight socks are a good option for the hottest days; they have all the benefits of fit and performance without bulk. Midweight socks are a great all around option – warm enough for most cold days, and cool enough for all but the hottest days. Heavyweight works for the coldest days and anyone whose feet run frigid.
- Make sure boots are not too tight - Fit matters more than you think. When boots are too tight, you get less circulation in your feet and little to no air flow around your feet. This can absolutely impact your footwear’s ability to wick moisture and cause your feet to stay wet longer.
- Take care of your boots after work - Set yourself up for success tomorrow. Dry boots completely between uses. Depending on how wet they are that could mean leaving them untied and propped up, or using a boot dryer. Remove insoles when drying boots helps too. Cleaning mud and dirt off the uppers also helps with breathable materials. Address leaks or damaged waterproofing and repair or replace boots that are not in working condition.
- Rotate out socks and/or boots - Having a backup pair of boots or rotating out the boots you wear daily can give them more time to air out and dry. Old timers in cotton socks used to swear by switching out socks at lunch time; I would argue that this is not as necessary with Merino socks but can still be a good habit to really keep on top of those extra hot, humid days.
The goal isn’t to stop sweating; it is to manage your feet the best you can to stay productive for your whole workday.
Choosing the Right Sock Weight and Cushion for Sweaty Work Boots
The right sock weight and cushion for the job can vary depending on several factors. While lightweight work socks tend to be the right choice for warmer days, you might get better performance with more cushion and a heavier sock that can absorb more sweat without compromising performance.
The majority of our work socks actually come in midweight and are designed to work across a large temperature range. These midweights use a targeted cushion in the foot to give a comfortable fit and more Merino material to help keep your feet feeling dry. Whether midweight or lightweight, cushioned socks have a higher Merino Wool percentage that helps pull more sweat away from your feet.
As mentioned earlier though, the right sock should fit well in your boot. If the boots are a bit tight, you may want to go with lightweight socks.
Does Sock Height Matter for Sweaty Feet?
Sock height is another important factor in helping move moisture away from sweaty feet. You actually want some sock peeking out above the top of your boot, because this helps your sock move moisture away from the foot and up and out of the top of your boot. A good rule of thumb is:
- No Show & Quarter work socks for work shoes/safety sneakers
- Micro Crew & Boot work socks for most other work boots
Sock height is one of the lesser factors in managing sweaty feet on the job, but still can make a meaningful difference.
What Socks Should You Wear With Waterproof or Rubber Work Boots?
Rubber work boots and chore boots are great for jobs in truly wet conditions, as they keep water out and are significantly easier to clean. These boots have earned their place in work wear, and if you don’t have something that fits that bill, I would strongly consider getting something - even if it is just to wear for rainy days or for power washing your equipment.
The tradeoff is that they don't breathe, and your feet can get warmer in these styles of boots, causing them to sweat more. Waterproof or rubber boots can trap perspiration. That is why moisture wicking socks are in some ways even more important for these boots.
As stated earlier, wear a sock that is a bit taller than your boot, consider packing an extra pair of socks “just in case,” and prioritize boot drying. We designed the Stanley K and Emma Claire socks specifically with rubber work boots in mind; mesh vents up the leg enhance breathability.
Boot drying is a bit more specialized for rubber boots – remove the insole and consider boot dryers that hold the boot upside down to help drain moisture.
Should You Change Socks During a Work Shift?
Changing socks on your lunch break used to be the standard, and many people still swear by this tip. I’d argue that this was much more needed with cotton socks, but having a spare pair of socks is still a great tip. I do the same for outdoor sports; when going for a longer day hike, I’ll bring a spare pair in my pack just in case.
Rainy days, jobs where you are wearing rubber boots, and days where a shift is especially hot and physically demanding all could warrant changing socks midway through the day. Experiment with it and see if it seems to help. I’d recommend drying your feet off between pairs and dumping any water out of the boots before putting them back on. I would also wring out the worn pair to get a good idea of how much water they absorbed and help them dry out faster.
How to Dry Work Boots Between Shifts
A bit of maintenance between shifts can make a huge difference in both the day to day performance of your footwear and the longevity of your boots. Drying and cleaning your footwear should be a part of your daily routine.
Drying overnight is really dependent on how saturated your boots are and how humid your climate is. Sometimes you can simply loosen your laces and air dry. Other days you might need a bit more effort; pulling insoles out, using boot dryers, and cleaning mud and debris from the upper.
Step-by-step:
- Take off your boot – dump any excess water out of the boot. If you can, squeeze the upper foam to make the drying process faster. Any mud/debris that could impede drying should be removed.
- Loosen laces and open the boot – more air will help things dry faster.
- Remove insoles when possible – most boots have a removable insole or footbed that you can pull out; drying that separate from the boot will help both pieces dry faster. In addition this is the main point of contact for the bottom of your foot and where you could have blister issues.
- Air-dry in a ventilated space – a mud room or wash room often works great, especially putting them near a vent or in front of a fan to help move air through the boot. In more arid locations this is often enough to dry things between shifts.
- Use a suitable boot dryer to help dry things out – Avoid high heat that may damage your footwear and be aware how different materials react to heat. Rubber boots will dry differently than leather boots, and you may want to monitor this a bit closer the first couple times you are using it.
- Allow the interior to dry before wearing the boots again, add any insoles back into the boot and consider a regular maintenance routine, leather treatments, waterproofing, etc. These things don’t have to be done every day, but should be done regularly to keep the equipment performing.
Choosing Darn Tough Work Socks for Moisture Management
To close out this post, the goal should be to manage sweat, not stop it. By coupling performance work boots and a well crafted work sock, you can focus on your work, not be dealing with uncomfortable feet.
Darn Tough created work socks that were made to perform at work. The materials, the durability, and the fit were all factored into a piece of gear that works for you and helps you do your job. Merino Wool regulates temperature, supports breathability, and wicks moisture away from your feet.
Match the sock cushion and weight to what you are most interested in and don’t be afraid to experiment. The Steely Boot sock in midweight is a great place to start. You can move down to a quarter Steely or micro crew if you want something a little shorter. Or consider our lightweight work socks like the Emma Claire and Stanley K for tall, non-breathable footwear like rubber boots.
Best Socks for Sweaty Work Boots: What Our Customers Are Saying
“I've been using Darn Tough Socks for roughly 5 years now. They've kept my feet dryer, warmer, and cooler dependent on the time of the year. Highly recomMend!” — Jeff V. on the Steely Boot sock
“Great socks. Something strange about not having sweaty feet after taking the boots off but I sure do feel great throughout the day.” — Bill on the Paul Bunyan
“Feels great. Feet aren’t sweaty. In boots and on my feet for 10 hours a day“ — Aldo V on the Steely Boot sock
“Great for linework. They give the protection my shins need when working off a pole. It feels like I sweat less in these socks” — Robert K on the Paul Bunyan
“These are the perfect work sock, no blisters, lightweight, unmatched moisture wicking, never had a pair of socks I can wear more than one day in my job and these can last 4 or 5 which is rather impressive when I'm in 120+ heat and sweating like a pig.” — Levi S. on the Steely No Show
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my feet from sweating in work boots?
The simple answer is: you don’t. But a great pair of moisture wicking socks can make it feel like you aren’t sweating because they work to keep your foot dry even while you sweat.
Why are my feet wet inside waterproof work boots?
Your feet get wet one of two ways, from external moisture or from foot sweat. If you inspect your boots and there aren’t issues with the waterproofing, it is sweat. On average your feet sweat a half a pint worth of moisture a day.
Are wool socks good for sweaty work boots?
Yes, Merino Wool socks can help with sweaty work boots. This naturally moisture wicking material can help your foot feel dry by absorbing excess moisture and releasing it out of your footwear. Plus, it helps battle odor in your boots.
Should I wear thick or thin socks for sweaty feet?
This is really a personal preference. Midweight socks are a great option for sweaty feet, as more Merino Wool means there’s more fibers to manage that moisture. Lightweight socks can keep you cooler overall but have less material to absorb sweat. Regardless, choose cushion in the foot to absorb moisture and keep your foot feeling dry longer.
What are the best work socks for sweaty feet?
The midweight Steely boot sock is our best selling work sock. It is a great starting point if you have sweaty feet, as the midweight knit with cushion underfoot and in the toe box means there’s additional Merino in strategic places to manage sweat and moisture, while keeping the top of the foot airy.
How often should I change socks at work?
It is fairly common for people to change their socks midway through a shift, but with better sock materials and more breathability, we see less people doing this. It is not uncommon for us to see people wear the same pair of socks multiple days in a work week (Desmond Tse, a professional sider, once wore the same pair 101 days in a row). Whether you change your socks out mid-shift or wear them for days in a row comes down to what works for you - but do make sure to let your socks air out and completely dry between wears.
What are moisture-wicking work socks?
Moisture wicking work socks are made with performance fibers like Merino Wool that move the wetness from sweat, or the elements, away from your skin and release that moisture into the air, so the fabric doesn’t become soaked.
About the Author
Kevin is a climbing enthusiast and Darn Tough employee that can often be found roaming around Smugglers Notch between December and March. His favorite ice climbing areas are the South Fork (Cody, WY) and Hyalite Canyon (Bozeman, MT).
