When it comes to staying dry, Sealskinz has you covered. They know that one of the keys to outdoor comfort is managing moisture. Wet feet quickly put a damper (pun intended) on outdoor fun. So their line of socks includes technology that not only keeps water from getting in, but lets your feet breathe. Because wicking sweat away is just as important as blocking water in the first place.
In order to accomplish this, the socks are made with multiple layers. On the outside, a mix of 91% nylon, and 9% Elastene create a membrane that keeps water out. For the inner lining, 35% Merino Wool, 33% Acrylic, 28% Polyester, 2% Elastodiene, 1% Elastane and 1 % TPU is soft and breathable. Note that the Merino also helps regulate temperature too, while being antimicrobial. Finishing all that off is a silicone-free elastic tape at the top of the cuff. Whether you’re sweating hard, or splashing through water, this stops it from running into your shoes. Overall, that’s a lot of tech for a pair of socks.
Out of the package, the Sealskinz sock’s shape and structure remind me more of lightweight booties, like the kind worn for water sports. When I first put them on, I felt very aware of their structure. Of course, after wearing them with both shoes and boots for a while, that feeling went away. Before I knew it, they were just like any other socks.Well, except for the warm and dry while playing in the cold and wet part. Other than that, they were just like any other socks. Over the winter, I got to test them thoroughly, and they become my go-to socks. Considering that I probably have 25+ other pairs to choose from, that says something.
One of the big reasons I like them so much is the SealSkinz Hydrostop technology. Keeping water from seeping into your sock from the top down served me well in the winter, and the wet spring months. I can see where they will excel for MTB water crossings too. If you look at the photo above, you’ll see the where the magic happens. Really, I can’t say enough about this feature. Anyone who has suffered through wet socks is going to love them.
If you hike or bike in wet or cold weather, you owe it to yourself to give them a try. With a $50 MSRP, they’re not cheap. But when you consider how much they can improve your outdoor experience, they are worth it. It’s a small price to pay to extend your play time. By the way, Sealskinz has a broad range of waterproof socks, as well as performance socks, for all seasons. Check them out at Sealskinz.com.
Brian
I’d like to thank Sealskinz for providing their socks for this review. After a very convincing demo at Outdoor Retailer, it’s been great to put them to my own test.