Warm, dry feet from first feed to last gate.
Farm work is hard on feet and harder on socks. Here is what to look for, and which Capricorn pair suits which job.
You are up before light. You are on your feet until after dark. Your feet spend most of that time inside rubber.
That is a tough brief for a sock. Most fail it by lunchtime.
Why Farm Days Are Hard on Socks
A wellington boot does not breathe. Sweat has nowhere to go, so a damp sock gets cold the moment you stop moving.
Add all-day standing, stop-start work and uneven ground, and the usual problems follow:
- Cold, damp feet - cotton holds moisture and loses warmth when wet.
- Rubbing and blisters - feet slide around inside a loose-fitting welly.
- Worn heels and toes - repeated boot on/off and hard use wear cheap socks out fast.
- Socks that slip down - a sock bunched under the heel is a blister waiting to happen.
Quick Answer: the best socks for farmers are long, cushioned, moisture-wicking and hard-wearing. Mohair with a little nylon for strength does all four.
Why Mohair Suits Farm Work
Mohair is a smooth, strong fibre. It draws moisture away from the skin and stays warm even when it gets a bit damp.
- Warm without bulk - useful when your welly is already a snug fit.
- Moisture control - less sweat sitting against the skin, so fewer cold feet.
- Hard-wearing - a strong fibre that stands up to daily use.
- Smooth against the skin - less prickle than coarse wool.
- Knitted in Leicester, dyed in Leeds - UK-made, so you can ask who makes them.
We add nylon where it matters. The Northumberland, for example, is 70% mohair and 30% nylon. Mohair has little stretch of its own, so the nylon adds strength and abrasion resistance.
Did You Know? Standing still is colder than walking. Your feet stop generating heat, so a sock that holds warmth when damp matters more on a cold yard than on a hill. We covered the same problem in Best Socks for Autumn Fishing and Cold Riverbanks.
Which Capricorn Sock for the Farm
| Sock | Best for | Good to know | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northumberland | Cold days, full-length wellies, long shifts | Long ribbed sock with a turnover top, padded heel and sole. 70% mohair, 30% nylon. | £19.96 (end of line) |
| Yorkshire | All-round daily wear in wellies | UK-made mohair welly boot sock, 3/4 length. Our most popular wellington boot sock. 65% Mohair 35% Nylon | £22.95 |
| Yorkshire - Short | Warmer days, shorter boots, lambing and summer work | Ankle-length, black. 70% Mohair 30% Nylon | From £17.45 |
Northumberland: the cold-day one
This is the one for a long, wet shift. The turnover top stays put and the ribbed leg stays up, so no bunching at the ankle.
Yorkshire: the everyday one
A hard-wearing sock for wellies, day in and day out. Keep a spare pair in the truck.
Yorkshire - Short: the lighter one
For short wellies, warmer days and jobs where you are on and off the quad.
Customer Feedback: Great socks for wearing when wearing my wellies! Really comfortable and keep my feet toasty!!
Three Things That Are Not the Sock
- Fit the boot. A welly that is too big lets your foot slide, whatever the sock. Wellies with a snug calf and ankle help.
- Dry your boots. Stand them upside down or use a boot dryer overnight. Damp boots undo a good sock.
- Take a spare pair. A dry pair at lunchtime makes the afternoon a different job.
Looking After Them
- Wash at 40C or by hand. Do not tumble dry.
- Wash separately for the first few washes in case colours run.
- If a pair gets washed too hot, soak in a little hair conditioner to loosen the fibres.
Sizes
Northumberland, Yorkshire and Yorkshire Short comes in -
Small (UK 4-7)
Medium (UK 8-10)
Large (UK 11-13)
Frequently Asked Questions
What socks should I wear with wellies on the farm?
A long, cushioned, moisture-wicking sock that stays up. Mohair is a strong choice because it stays warm when damp and wears well.
Why do my feet get so cold in wellies?
Rubber does not breathe, so sweat builds up and cools. Standing still makes it worse. A moisture-wicking sock and a dry boot help most.
Do mohair socks smell after a long day?
Damp cotton is the usual culprit. Mohair draws moisture away, so there is less for odour to build on. Rotate pairs and let your boots dry.
Can you machine wash mohair socks?
Yes, at 40C on a warm or wool cycle. Do not tumble dry.
How many pairs do I need?
Three or four if farm work is every day, so there is always a dry pair. Free UK delivery on four pairs or more, so it makes sense to stock up.
Do you make large sizes?
Yes. The Northumberland goes up to UK 13 (Large, UK 11-13).
Warm feet, dry feet - knitted in Leicester, made to be worked in.
