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So I'm breaking in some new boots - Asolo Sasslongs - and have about 10 miles on them. Did some hiking up a steep grade last weekend and developed blisters low on my heel on both feet. Sidehilling and going down wasn't any issue but straight up is what did it. I wore Smartwool medium weight socks. Anyhow I'm looking at using a liner to reduce the friction, what do you guys like? I found some poly GI issue fairly cheap so I have them coming but wanted to see what else I should be trying.

Thanks

I've had them too many years to know the brand any more but I have nylons that work very well. The thing is to find some that are slick so they slide over the foot with minimal friction.

It has been my experience that while better sox are always an improvement, liners seldom are. Oftentimes you must use thinner sox to make room for the liner. If your boots are a half size too large, that might help.

Different boots will rub in different spots, getting them broken in helps of course, then just getting your feet toughened up. One pair of thick Smartwools work for me. I'll occasionally get a hot-spot, and I apply duct tape to that area BEFORE I get a blister. YMMV.

I've never been all that picky on liners, but I have always used them. Wigwam or Thorlo have always been around. I cannot say I have a preference. Both have last a decade or more of regular wear

Someone mentioned using Walmart dress socks as a cheap easy alternative. I've never seen them in my size, but the ones I've seen look like they would work.

No magic. As above just thin slick, nylon liner socks work fine and don't affect fit much if at all. They have a habit sometimes of walking themselves down your foot and bunching up sometimes though which defeats the purpose of avoiding hot spots. That or you have to stop and make adjustments. Cheap nylon dress socks can work too if the toe seams don't chew on you.

You may want to wear a good synthetic boot sock while you are doing the break in instead of the smart wool. I like wool but with a new boot something like the Fox river or Thorlo seems to slide better on hot spots. I find the Fox River socks are a little too tight on the calf a lot of times though so I end up with Thorlos which also work better for me in the heat than wool.

This is my experience as well. Liners IMO are right up there with waterproof hiking boots in ideas created by non-hikers. Toe socks are worth a try if you get blisters up front. When breaking in new hiking shoes I try not to wear them everyday, alternate with your old shoes until they are broken in- and never leave on along hike with brand new shoes unless unavoidable.

Many liner socks have the toe seam sewn on the inside so I wear them inside out so the seam doesn't chafe my toes, I try to find ones that have a knitted seam. Some have a very tight elastic band at the very top and taking a tip from my diabetic mom you can cut the tight band off and the won't unravel even in the wash.

I've found that if I get blisters on my heels from climbing, nothing will really help because the boots don't fit my feet well. It's the main thing I do when I'm trying out a new pair of boots. Most boots will work fine on flat ground and even side-hilling and down-hilling aren't a problem but straight up is. I went thru lots of pairs of boots before I found a pair that really fit my feet well.

Every boot breaks in differently. I have a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extremes that took forever to break-in. I finally started wearing liners and medium weight merino wool socks and finally broke them in�after more than 50 miles. They are now the most comfortable boots I own. I was fortunate, my Asolo Sasslongs broke in quickly (in less than 10 miles) with only medium weight wool socks. I had blisters breaking in both boots. Don't give up and you will be rewarded with a comfortable boot.

Liner socks are a good idea. It took me years to discover them. My sister-in-law is a hiker and camper, and she enlightened me about 30 years ago. They let your sweat wick to the outer sock and prevent blisters. Another good idea is a vapor barrier sock. You wear it over your outer sock and your boots stay dry inside. My feet are very sweaty, and my boots get wet inside. If you have ever been on a hunt where you camp out, you will understand. Try getting up in the morning when it is freezing out and putting on wet boots.

SmartWool liners. Tough and comfortable. I wear a pair everyday of the week.

Did a short hike tonight with a 60lb pack using Kenetrek liners (didn't know I had them) and the smartwool socks. No signs of hotspots or anything, really comfortable. Will try to stretch the distance this weekend.

Thanks all

I wear SmartWools with a very thin polypro type liner if I'm traveling any distance. The polypro supposedly wicks moisture to the outer sock, keeping the foot dryer. Any "hotspots" or rubbing will be exacerbated with dampness.

Before starting out I also tighten my boot laces pretty tight, and may tighten somewhere along the way if I feel they've loosened. That keeps the foot from moving around in the boot, and helps to keep the socks from bunching anywhere.

Anyway, it works for me.

On short hikes I don't bother with liners.

+1 on the polypro. And an old trick - tighten your boots as needed - if you need the front loose, leave it that way and tie a square knot midway up the boot. THen you can adjust the tightness as needed. Since I wear Russell moccasins, haven't needed to do this, or even break them in.