Boots

you paid $50 for socks?

No i dud not. i got a pair as a gift. for camping and hunting.. but they are absolouely water tight up to the spandex cuff which holds them up. even after more than a decade they are still water tight

im no expert...but $50 for boot scoks is a steal

If you are gonna take the time, effort, and cash to get a pair that are specifically for LARPing and you want them to last, go with Son of Sandler and make sure you take care of them.  They are completely period, durable, come in a variety of styles/colors, and I think are the best you're gonna do without going to Catskill Moccasins (which are the best if you can spend $700 and up on a pair of boots...).  I abused mine and never took care of them, but while they don't look as pretty anymore they are still holding up incredibly well after 4 and a half years.  If you can't afford Son of Sandler, I honestly suggest getting yourself something cheap (I used to wear combat boots), and continue saving up.  Renboots I have heard bad things about, as in they fall apart, but not everyone seems to have had that experience. 

Thats my advice anyway.

depending on how much your willing to spend, I got my boots from motorcowboy.com.  I've gotten 2 pair from them and they are pretty good.  All custom work and you have to be pretty precise with the measurments you send them.

haha boot socks