hikers, ramblers, long distance power walkers: what socks and shoes please?

[racingheart]

I'm doing a walking marathon in two weeks time and another two weeks after that.

Footwear could be:

hiking boots (old, bit knackered, heavy leather, tiny but tight but not uncomfortable and don't rub.)

MBTs - by far the most comfortable but slippery when off road, especially if there's any scrambling to do

running shoes. Newish. Light as air, but not very cushioned and they felt when I tested them on a six- mile power walk today, as though they needed really soft, well padded sock to go with them.

Can anyone recommended a brand of incredibly cushioned, very soft, cotton rich socks for power-walkers?

And can anyone advise on which shoes? I even wondered about packing a spare pair in my backpack so if one pair starts rubbing I can swap them. Got to complete the marathon in 8 hours, so it's pretty non-stop power-walking to get through it on time.

Thanks for any advice.

Merino socks would probably be better than cotton. Good brands include Icebreaker and Smartwool. A reluctant convert, as I thought wool would be itchy, and shrink in the wash - but I was wrong on both counts. Although a bit pricey, they do last for ages.

Thank you LadyMud. I wanted to avoid wool for the same reasons, and that they might get a bit hot on a long fast walk. But will try both brands. Happy to pay if they will last the day in comfort.

You definitely need merino socks...they are amazing. And not sweaty in the heat. I did a 20km hike with 950m of ascent in 28 degree heat last month and my feet were blissfully comfortable.And my feet didn't smell .