What's your favorite liner sock?

I'm breaking in some new boots and want to play around with using a liner sock.  I haven't used liner socks in 20+ years because they would slide down in my outer sock and that was super annoying, but I'm giving it another try as blister avoidance and also to allow me to play with VBL socks (I'm just VBL-curious at this stage).  What liners do y'all like taht are super thin so I don't mess with sock/boot combo fit?  Are silk liners still a thing?  Edumacate me please!

Few people use liner socks these days, knitting technology has developed to not need them anymore instead having a wonderfully anatomically knit sock. Buy a quality sock from darn tough, smart wool, or the mirriad of other high quality sock brands and you won't have any issues(atleast not with the sock).

Shoe technology has gone the same way, unless you are one of the few people buying a old school, single piece leather, beefy boot, you probably won't be breaking in your new boots and they should be fairly comfortable straight out of the box.

VBL are also mostly irrelevant in mountaineering boots, insulation comes from the boot not the socks so keeping them dry isn't really necessary. A VBL will just cause your feet to move around inside the boot which may lead to blisters.

The best way to improve breathability and comfort in your socks is to use the best and thickest wool socks in your boot as possible, the wool will have a greater capacity to absorb moisture before feeling wet and will help the breathable membrane function by more slowing the release of water vapour. 

If you want blister avoidance, I’m a huge fan of Leukotape. Works extremely well.

https://sectionhiker.com/leukotape-blister-prevention-tape-for-running-and-hiking/

Injinji toe socks. Hands down. I specifically like the  wool liners. If toe socks are off putting to you, it actually isn’t a bother at all (aka doesn’t feel weird) and prevents blisters in between the toes.

Tried and true by thousands of long-distance thru-hikers, including myself.

Disclaimer: I have never tried them with mountaineering boots, only trail runners but for $15, may be worth a try in a boot if you’re open to it. 

Ry C wrote:

Injinji toe socks. Hands down. I specifically like the  wool liners. If toe socks are off putting to you, it actually isn’t a bother at all (aka doesn’t feel weird) and prevents blisters in between the toes.

Tried and true by thousands of long-distance thru-hikers, including myself.

Disclaimer: I have never tried them with mountaineering boots, only trail runners but for $15, may be worth a try in a boot if you’re open to it. 

I will second that. Liner socks are highly recommended by professional mountain guides. Lots of people recommend, swear by, and effectively use liner socks. Try them, if they work for you - great, if not - rock some Darn Tough. I would avoid definitive statements that are an individual’s subjective experience. For me - Injinji socks were a game changer, no more blisters, no more sweat, I love them. I wear them running, mountaineering, backpacking, and during military maneuvers (Marine Infantry). Bought one pair a year ago and now I have a match pair for every pair of Darn Tough. 

Eric M wrote:

Are silk liners still a thing?  

I like using my silk sock liners with a standard wool sock in my mountaineering boots and tele ski boots. I also use them as socks with my less-tight rock shoes.