What are suitable waterproof socks for the UK armed forces?

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ForeverSalty9484@reddit

She will be provided with kit but. Get spares if you can afford it.because stuff takes time to dry.but also dont overload with gear. And get sealskinz. Waterproof boots dont mean a thing without decent wicking socks. Sealskinz are issued to army nowadays dunno bout raf. Get Spare laces for boots tho ! And for the shiny boots-kiwu,chamois/yellow cloth, then the trippy hypnotic wonder of doing millions of little circles with polish on a cloth on your shoes.

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Jamie2556@reddit (OP)

Maybe the waterproof socks are optional and she just wants them? I will have to ask. Most things they have just given her eg uniforms, boots, pe kit.

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ForeverSalty9484@reddit

Aye,if you can afford it get em tho.you can never have too many socks.pants are optional.but socks matter. And proper foot hygiene and care. Proper fitting boot too. Tell her good luck and happy blisters when they come.🫡

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Superspark76@reddit

If she needs waterproof socks I'd say she needs to look at proofing her boots

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Jamie2556@reddit (OP)

I got her the polish from an online military supplies shop, what else would she need to have to waterproof the boots? She is going on “blue warrior”(?) in January and I would like to help as much as I can.

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Superspark76@reddit

Your best bet is someone with experience of this event to know the best kit for it

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spaceshipcommander@reddit

No such thing as waterproof boots when the water is higher than your boots. She's right that she needs socks but I can't belie they aren't provided. Anyway, sealskinz are the ones.

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spaceshipcommander@reddit

No this doesn't work. Waterproof boots are worse in seriously wet conditions because they still get wet and then they hold water in them. Waterproof socks are the answer. I'm not in the army but I hunt and walk across all terrain in all weather.

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Limp_Ganache2983@reddit

I’d want to know why her hotel is flooded… Seriously though, get her some sealskinz Once she’s out of training, no one is going to care what socks she’s wearing.

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laser_spanner@reddit

Where does it say her hotel is flooded? I can't see that in the post or any of the comments.

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Limp_Ganache2983@reddit

RAF joke.. On exercise, The Army digs in, the RAF Checks in…

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2wheeledGiraffe@reddit

The stars have been used for centuries, the navy navigate using them, the army are guided by them, and the raf judge hotels by them

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SirGuestWho@reddit

Just be careful because they do check that you are wearing the correct officially issued clothing and you can get in trouble for not.

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TangoMikeOne@reddit

Slight digression I work nights outside and I've found the mod clothing catalogue online (lots of lovely PCS stock numbers to compare with what people are flogging on eBay, so I get the item I want, in the size I want), but there's no mention at all of socks? Is there something I'm missing?

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Drewski811@reddit

During phase 1, yes. After that you're pretty free to wear non issued items (with caveats).

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generic-username9067@reddit

So, leave the fursuit at home until after basic?

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MGBGTLE@reddit

RAF have an exemption

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LJ161@reddit

Coming from a armed forces family that was my first thought. I wonder if she could find ones that would fit under her standard issue?

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Meat2480@reddit

You can buy surplus Sealskinz socks on eBay,

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Maleficent-Win-6520@reddit

Go on eBay and get some of the issue Sealskinz socks. As a female you should find the smaller sizes easier to get. She mustn’t be surprised if they don’t let her wear them though.

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Scared_Cricket3265@reddit

https://www.sealskinz.com/ do a range of waterproof socks but are quite expensive. But you should be able to get some deals in the black friday sales.

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Tom_Alpha@reddit

I was actually issued some of these

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parsuval@reddit

Ise use sealskinz water proof socks when camping. They work incredibly well. They feel a little strange when you first put them on. I think it's their weight and they way they are cut. But once you have a boot on, they are very comfy. Mine have a merino wool lining inside that adds to the comfort. You can literally wade into water wearing them and they will stay dry.

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Drewski811@reddit

She doesn't need them. If the boots are waterlogged to that extent, socks won't help.

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spaceshipcommander@reddit

Sealskinz are the best. Don't listen to anyone saying waterproof the boots. They have clearly never had wet feet. The boots are already waterproof but they aren't magic. Once you get up to your knees in water the water just runs in the top of the boot.

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Jamie2556@reddit (OP)

That makes sense thanks.

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FrankSarcasm@reddit

You have to be careful in cold weather with waterproof socks. The sweat from the feet doesnt havr anywhere to go and the water ruins the insulation.

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badgersruse@reddit

Ok l know nothing of our armed forces in detail, but why isn’t she being provided with her kit?

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WowzersTrousers0@reddit

Not everything is issued as standard.

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Heps_417@reddit

She would’ve. Waterproof socks are not standard issue, it’s a want not a need. I’m guessing she’s been issued Aku boots which are Gortex rated not approved. OP should head to the RAF subreddit. Not to mention waterproof socks wreck your feet.

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Jamie2556@reddit (OP)

I don’t know, they gave her everything else and boots and things like that. But she says she needs these socks (and a different stupid head torch).

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vientianna@reddit

Sealskinz are good but expensive. You can often get them cheaper on amazon or eBay

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jerzeibalowski84@reddit

M.O.D issue waterproof socks are (or used to be) made by sealskins and can be found on eBay or in army/navy stores for cheap, I’ve used them for mountain biking for years.

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Neddlings55@reddit

I use Geckowear and WRAP ME from Amazon. I find the latter the better. Good boots really are a must. I wear Altberg and treat them with Huberds boot grease. Everything wets through eventually though, especially if you are walking through wet/boggy places for extended periods of time, so waterproof socks are a good back up. Personally i have found Sealskinz overpriced and havent lasted long. Ive had about 6 pairs and the toe box developed a hole within a few months.

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Firstpoet@reddit

Waterproof socks = sweaty feet. Boots? Dubbin/ wax? That said, if you're out in really wet conditions for a long time any boots will suffer unless rubber or high rubber rand. Gore tex boots? Back to sweat problem.

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woods_edge@reddit

You can get her some sealskinz stuff on [SportPursuit](https://www.sportpursuit.com/join/557F5337D3E677) at the moment for a bit of a discount.

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Batmanswrath@reddit

Maybe try asking here r/RoyalAirForce

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