FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

BIG FOOT – Seeks boot socks

toolbear | Posted in Tools for Home Building on December 19, 2007 06:45am

BIG FOOT – Seeks boot socks…

@@@ Part of the joy of having a size 15 right foot and a 14.5 left foot is trying to find boot socks that (1) actually fit and (2) don’t get a hole chewed through in the toe in two days of use.

(The other part of the joy is trying to find boots in size 15, but that’s another story. A tale of pervasive discrimination!)

I need a medium to thick sock for my work boots – and not in size 12.

Any other Big Feet out there with a solution?

The ToolBear

“Never met a man who couldn’t teach me something.” Anon.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Dec 19, 2007 06:58am | #1

    ahhhhhhhhhhh Mr. Snowshoe sir....

    Fox River socks from REA or Shelplers...

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. toolbear | Dec 20, 2007 05:52am | #7

      ahhhhhhhhhhh Mr. Snowshoe sir....Fox River socks from REA or Shelplers...@@@snowshoes?? Nay, sir. Rather - skis. Not wide enough for snow shoes, but narrow enough for skis.Tnx for the tip.The ToolBear

      "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

  2. cargin | Dec 19, 2007 07:08am | #2

    Have you tried this website? Newberry Knitting

    I ordered glove from them for years and I have been very pleased.

     http://www.newberryknitting.com/detail.cfm?stylenum=SK100

    This is a link to their big sock.

    Rich

    1. splintergroupie | Dec 19, 2007 07:14am | #3

      Foot that size.......hell, i'd hand-knit him a pair.

      1. toolbear | Dec 20, 2007 05:53am | #8

        Foot that size.......hell, i'd hand-knit him a pair.@@@Might I expect them under the tree next week?The ToolBear

        "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

  3. caseyr | Dec 19, 2007 07:28am | #4

    I am only a 12 EEE, but all the size large boot socks I have bought lately would seem to cover at least another three sizes - they sometime stretch out after wearing with an inch or so loose hanging over my toes.

    I like the house brand cushion sole socks at Costco. I think they are four for $12, but they may have sold out by now. Costco used to carry Levi socks, which I actually liked slightly better, with only three for the same price - but they discontinued those when they came out with their very similar own brand. The better Wigwams and Columbia socks seem to be good also, except they cost about twice as much.

    I hate cotton socks. My feet sweat even in cold weather and after wearing cotton sock for a couple of hours they almost scour the skin off my feet. I like wool socks but the wool/synthetic blends seem to hold up better to washing and drying - although I am still careful to not let them get too hot in the dryer.

  4. MattSwanger | Dec 19, 2007 02:21pm | #5

    I hear you man,  I have a size 14 and finding socks and boots/shoes is tough. 

    I buy the longest regular white socks I can find,  double them up and thats all I wear. 

    I wear a semi insulated pair of Red Wings during the winter with two pair of socks and my "skis" never get cold. 

    I tried boot socks and insulated socks but my feet would sweat and  freeze soon after.

     

    Woods favorite carpenter

    FKA- Stilletto

    1. toolbear | Dec 20, 2007 05:55am | #9

      I hear you man, I have a size 14 and finding socks and boots/shoes is tough. @@@ I'd love size 14 - they make things in 14. That is where they usually stop.
      The ToolBear

      "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

      1. MattSwanger | Dec 20, 2007 06:57am | #11

        I can hardly find comfortable shoes without ordering them,  the current pair I bought 3 of, just in case they stopped making them.   Most shoes that size weigh as much as a pair of boots.  Woods favorite carpenter

        FKA- Stilletto

    2. JohnT8 | Dec 21, 2007 09:46am | #17

      I'm tromping around on 14's too, and have had good luck finding hiking/hunting/walking footwear at Cabelas.  Don't know if they have steel toe though (if that's your cup o tea).

      Last winter they had some Browing insulated hunting boots on clearance for half off or less.  Just love 'em.  Almost makes me wish we had more cold weather I could wear 'em in.

       jt8

      "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair

      1. MattSwanger | Dec 21, 2007 01:42pm | #20

        I don't have an issue with finding boots since I found a boot shop downtown here.

        It's the tennis shoes that I have a hard time finding.   Thats why I buy 3-4 pairs at a time when I find a good pair.  At my size I only get about 3 choices at Foot Locker and you have to have Frankensteins fat feet to fit them.  Woods favorite carpenter

        FKA- Stilletto

  5. john7g | Dec 19, 2007 02:42pm | #6

    ever try Thorlos?  Need a liner to go with them but they keep my feet pretty dry and comfortable.

    1. toolbear | Dec 20, 2007 05:58am | #10

      ever try Thorlos?@@@ Never. I'm googling now. Tnx.The ToolBear

      "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

  6. User avater
    Dreamcatcher | Dec 20, 2007 09:13am | #12

    Toolbear,

    Forget Hanes, redhead, Thorlos, Foxriver, Smartwool, etc.

    The best socks are made by Wigwam. In particular Wigwam Comfort Hikers. Merino wool. Form Fit. Snug around the calf and arches, loose around toe and heel. Softer than cotton, generic wool, or Synthetic. Wicks moisture. Feet stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Cost less than $8/pair online or $15/pair at the sporting goods store. High quality and last a long time. They are the only sock I wear now. Try one pair and compare, you will surely agree.

    http://www.sockcompany.com/merwoolcomhi.html

    Edit: Just looked and they do come in XL size 12-15

    gk



    Edited 12/20/2007 1:15 am ET by Dreamcatcher

    1. toolbear | Dec 21, 2007 05:08am | #15

      Forget Hanes, redhead, Thorlos, Foxriver, Smartwool, etc.The best socks are made by Wigwam@@@@Ordered 3 pair to see. Tnx for the tip.The ToolBear

      "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

      1. caseyr | Dec 21, 2007 06:49am | #16

        Toolbear - there are organizations to exist that allow people to swap shoes when they have different sized feet. Of course, finding someone who wants to buy the same type of boots you do and is willing to swap may be a bit of a problem. There are also some shoe stores on the internet that specialize in non-matching shoes.For those commenting on their large size feet - their was an article in the sports section yesterday of the tallest player in Division I college basket ball - 7 foot 7 inches, 360 lbs, size 25 shoe
        So, things could be worse...
        (Oh, and the article said he could play basket ball a little).

  7. User avater
    boiler7904 | Dec 20, 2007 07:04pm | #13

    I've got a similar problem where my left foot is a size 11 and my right is a 10 1/2.  Makes for fun times finding shoes that don't slide all around my right foot but don't crush the left at the same time.

     
    1. toolbear | Dec 21, 2007 04:51am | #14

      I've got a similar problem where my left foot is a size 11 and my right is a 10 1/2. Makes for fun times finding shoes that don't slide all around my right foot but don't crush the left at the same time.@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@Buy for the 11 and adjust the other side.I use orthodic inserts plus - in this boot - a felt insole below for a bit of bulk. Got the boots at an outlet mall. Made for a wider foot. Now, if I were a 12 again, I'd have options.The ToolBear

      "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

  8. JohnT8 | Dec 21, 2007 09:55am | #18

    As I just posted, I've had good luck finding footwear on Cabelas website.

     

    Don't know if my links will work but you can go there and search 15's.  Also make sure to check the bargain cave for clearance.  In the hunting/hiking search I see 14 choices offered in size 15.  Some examples in size 15:

    http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0020355812032a&type=product&cmCat=Search_Results_NYR&returnPage=search-results2.jsp&Ne=2510&noImage=0&Ntt=15&Ntk=Products&QueryText=15&Ntx=matchall&N=3115&trueNum=230

    View Image

    http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0047794812779a&type=product&cmCat=Search_Results_NYR&returnPage=search-results2.jsp&Ne=2510&noImage=0&Ntt=15&Ntk=Products&QueryText=15&Ntx=matchall&N=3115&trueNum=230

    View Image

    http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0020355812032a&type=product&cmCat=Search_Results_NYR&returnPage=search-results2.jsp&Ne=2510&noImage=0&Ntt=15&Ntk=Products&QueryText=15&Ntx=matchall&N=3115&trueNum=230

    View Image

     

    jt8

    "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Dec 21, 2007 09:59am | #19

      jt.....

      now yur making me wanting to find my way over to Cabela's 

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

      WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      1. JohnT8 | Dec 21, 2007 07:47pm | #21

        now yur making me wanting to find my way over to Cabela's

        I just go online and order it.  Took about 2 days for the last order to arrive, but then again they are in geared-up-Xmas-mode.

         jt8

        "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it." --Upton Sinclair

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Dec 21, 2007 08:46pm | #22

          glad the serve snacks and coffee there...

          takes a while to cruise the fishing department...

          and as if you couldn't guess... any reason will work to get me to stop in... 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    2. toolbear | Dec 22, 2007 07:20am | #25

      Tnx for the pix. I enjoy Cabela's. They make excellent GoreTex rain gear. One jacket lasted me 20 years. The stores are fun shopping - but I could not find a 15 in several of them. I see that there are more options on line. Downloaded their foot measuring tool.The ToolBear

      "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Dec 22, 2007 07:22am | #26

        Downloaded their foot measuring tool.

         

        ???????????

         

        you don't have a tape measure with the diamonds on it??? 

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        1. toolbear | Dec 22, 2007 03:54pm | #28

          you don't have a tape measure with the diamonds on it???@@Is that what those are for? I thought they were used to space trusses so the subs had to hunt to find them. This 16" O/C, 24" O/C is so cliche.The ToolBear

          "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

  9. LeeLamb | Dec 21, 2007 11:31pm | #23

    I wear a 14EEE and love Rocky white worksocks. They have worn like iron and actually still fit after numerous washings. I got mine from Hartville Hardware in Hartville, Ohio but they are probably available elsewhere on the web.

    http://hartvillehardware.com/

    I couldn't find the boots and socks on their latest version of their site. The last time I called them a HUMAN answered the phone with "Can I help you?" and did! Luckily I can drive there in 45 minutes.

    Goodluck, Bigfoot, er, I mean toolbear.

    1. toolbear | Dec 22, 2007 07:11am | #24

      I wear a 14EEE and love Rocky white worksocks.@@@Have we found the one who doesn't need snow shoes? That must be a challenge to fit.The ToolBear

      "Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.

  10. RW | Dec 22, 2007 08:20am | #27

    I'm with ya. In dress shoes I look like a circus act. I found a local joint that carries real heavy Wigwam brand, plain white sport socks but in a 14-15 size. They're out there.

    Serious though, why dont ya just go kick a couple of cows in the tail, knock the horns off, and be done with it?

    Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs

Listeners write in about ground-source heat pumps and weatherstripping and ask questions about engineered siding, concrete that slopes the wrong way, and why houses have pitched roofs.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings
  • Preservation and Renewal for a Classic
  • A Postwar Comeback

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data