While there may never be a way to keep feet warm during below zero temperatures there have to be ways to keep them dry and comfortable. The following are tips from lumberjacks, men who know their way around some wet and uncomfortable socks and footwear!

Go For Merino Wool: “Merino wool is the best fiber on the market to keep your toes warm,” snowshoer, winter hiker, and REI retail sales manager Sam Mackey tells BuzzFeed Life. “Unlike raggwool—a tougher fiber used in more ‘rugged’ items—merino is itch-free, thermostatic (temperature-regulating) and inherently offers superior moisture management.”

Avoid Cotton: “Not only does cotton get wet with sweat very quickly, but it will won’t keep its warmth when wet, which means it’ll freeze and you’ll have a bad day,” Vancouver-based lumberjack and snowboarder Mark Hamilton tells BuzzFeed Life.

Get Toe Warmers: They are great if you’re going to be outside on a cold day and are more prone to getting cold feet, according to Mackey.

If You are Wearing Dressier Shoes for Winter ….: “I would recommend the REI Merino Wool Hiking Socks,” Mackey says. “They carry all the benefits of wool socks (warmth, moisture management, and cushion), but aren’t too bulky so they fit with almost any shoes.”

If Your Feet Are Always Cold Try Liner Socks: “Liner socks will add an additional layer of warmth,” says Mackey. But if your shoes feel too tight when you add the liner socks, just ditch them and opt for a thicker sock.

Use winter footbeds to keep cold from creeping in through the soles of your shoes.

Winter Boot: Thinner, Sneaker: Heavier: “When purchasing socks specifically for warmth, the most important factor to look at is what shoes you plan on wearing with them,” Mackey says. “If you have a thick boot, you won’t need a very thick sock, and on the flip side, if you are wearing sneakers in the snow, you will want a heartier sock.”

Wet Weather? Go Water Proof!: “I recommend the Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Socks,” says Mackey. “They’re breathable and have an anti-bacterial lining to reduce smell. Great for biking or even walking to work—the waterproof exterior repels water to keep your feet dry.”

To Dry Soaked Socks …: “If you’re hiking in the backcountry, strap wet socks to the outside of your pack so they can dry as you hike,” says Mackey. “If you had a soggy commute to work, use the hand dryer in the bathroom to help absorb some moisture.”

Don’t Drink Caffine!: “If you’re cold, stay away from caffeinated beverages (like coffee and tea) and nicotine,” certified climbing guide and Alpine Endeavors director Marty Molitoris tells BuzzFeed Life. “They cause your vessels to constrict, which limits blood flow.”

Always Carry An Extra Pair of Socks with You:  “First off, your feet sweat a good amount during the day,” Molitoris says. “When I am travelling to an area to climb for the day, I wear a street sock and shoe until I get to the trailhead. Then I change into a fresh pair of outdoor socks and my needed footwear for the objective.”

If you think these are good go over to Buzzfeed for more sock wearing advice! It may sound silly but as a survivalist, you know how tired, wet, cold and weak your feet can get after miles of hiking. If you are anything like us, once the feet get cold the rest will follow.

The only item that left us really flummoxed from the above list is the avoiding of caffeine. Yeah, we know it’s true but not drinking coffee or tea on a cold day? Something seems so wrong about that!

Featured Image via rei.com