jdrocks wrote on Jan 27^th, 2010 at 3:27am:

i would not use neoprene unless i felt i had to. if you use a neoprene bootie, extra foot care required.

That would be my take too.

I have a pair of 3mm(?) neoprene socks somewhere but gave up on them after a few years inside various footwear in favor of GoreTex socks.

I try to keep whatever I can dry so I'm a wet-booter but not a wet-footer unless air if not water is warm or I know I can dry/warm my feet sooner rather than later.

As far as insulation value goes, Smartwool drains and breaths. Neoprene does not and so does not make for happy feet after a few hours and the discomfort gets worse every day. Personally I never thought neoprene insulated very well for the weight and especially the bulk - not when it comes to canoeing fsocks at least. It's fine for the usual civilized water sports when you can change into whatever when you get tired but wrong for BW/Q type canoeing footwear IMO.

My mid-wieight Capilene socks have all been replaced by smartwool for trips. The lightweight is still great for warm water and hot days. Easy to rinse and quick to completely dry. The heavyweight still has a place when things are frigid yet I still bring a pair or two of white cotton for when true comfort calls.