In my line of work, I need the very best footwear money can buy with price as (seriously) no object. I wear custom made heavyweight leather boots and have them rebuilt about every other year due to wear.
Cotton is a terrible fabric for socks and synthetics, such as orlon, are just about as bad. Wool/synthetic mixes are better, but not nearly as good as high grade wool. The British army figured that out in India a hundred years ago.
I have tried every higher end sock on the market purporting to be quality. Frankly, I am a sucker for any sock promising better performance and longevity. Most simply do not measure up to hard use under extreme conditions, even if with celebrity mountain climbers endorsing them. Not for very long, anyway.
For heavy duty use with work boots, you might consider Filson.
Personally, I prefer their heavyweight worsted Merino wool at $25. But they offer several options.
http://www.filson.com/family/index.j...069836.2065000
They have outlasted "Smartwool", Wigwam, Thorlo and others by at least 4:1, probably more. I was lucky to get a "season" or so out of the Smartwool and Wigwams (heavy versions). The Filsons are going on their fourth maybe fifth year.
As long as one is not allergic, high grade merino wool is the most comfortable....winter and summer, wet all day or dry and hot. For exceptionally extreme conditions, particularly in snow, a silk liner sock is a good idea. I like to buy at least dozen pair and allow them to wear evenly. You must be fastidious about washing them on gentle and not ruining them in the dryer with high heat. These are not 6/$1.99 sweat socks and they dont belong in the same load with your underwear.
I recommend that you buy a couple of pair of several brands and make your own decision based on your own field trials. You may find one of the cheaper brands suitable enough for your needs.
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