While wool socks are the preferred sock for most outdoor adventurers, there are other options, such as waterproof socks, that work better than wool socks under some conditions. For example, waterproof socks beat out wool socks when you spend a lot of time in very wet conditions, so wet that even the most waterproof boots fail to keep you dry. They are also great at protecting your feet, and keeping them warm, when sloshing through snow, or wading glacier streams. When wool socks get wet, they stay wet, are cold, and can cause a lot of skin irritation. A waterproof sock, on the other hand, keeps your foot dry under virtually any condition.

There have been a variety of waterproof socks around for many years, but most haven't been very durable or comfortable. But this is no longer the case. SealSkinz waterproof socks are made out of a patented material that has three layers, one of which is a waterproof, hydrophilic membrane. This membrane prevents water from coming through, but at the same time permits perspiration to escape, similar to how Gore-Tex works. The other two fabric layers, inside and outside, give the sock a lot of strength and durability, along with comfort.

Here's what makes SealSkinz Waterproof Socks world class:

• They are 100% waterproof. In fact, before each pair leaves the factory, they are pressure tested to ensure that there are no leaks.
   
• The ability of the socks to breath helps make them more comfortable to wear, although you will not want to wear then on warm or hot days. These socks are warm, and are designed for cool to cold weather.
   
• Another justification for wearing these socks, besides water protection, is the warmth they provide. SealSkinz even makes several models with a fleece inner lining for extra warmth.
   
• The socks are comfortable to wear, and fit similarly to a wool sock. The inside lining is soft to the skin. The seamless construction helps to prevent any spots that might contribute to rubbing or blisters on your skin.
   
•  The socks are tough. Although they are not a substitute for footwear, they can be worn by themselves, such as when crossing a stream. They hold up to tough use.
   
• The socks are easy to clean. Just drop then into a gentle cycle (cool or warm temperature) in your washer and dryer.
   
• Unlike wool socks, they are not as stretchable. What this means to you that you may need to try several pair on until you find the size that best fits you. These are not like wool socks, where large fits 9-13 shoe sizes.
   
• SealSkinz offers a variety of different sock models to meet different needs.

Who are these socks designed for? Some of the uses I can think of include: hikers, backpackers, trekkers, mountaineers, canoeists, kayakers, bikers, snowboarders, and so on. In any case where you feet have a chance of getting wet or very cold.

Using SealSkinz Waterproof in the Real World

Here are several observations I have made when using these socks. I recommend that you wear them along with a thin liner sock. This will help to move the perspiration away from you foot, to the SealSkinz sock, where it can better be moved out. In warmer weather, or under heavy activity, you feet will sweat in them.

These socks begin to stink after a single use, so you will want to wash them often. Fortunately, this not an issue. Washing, at home or on the trail, is easy.

If you have wide feet, you will want to definitely try them on before you purchase them in order to see that they fit you correctly. You may have to purchase a size larger than you would expect, as they don't stretch much width-wise.

While these socks are not too thick, they are thicker than standard wool socks. So if your current boots fit tight, it is possible that you may not be able to wear these socks with your boots. To be on the safe, side, try them on with the boots you expect to wear them with.

Recommendation

These are a very high quality sock that does exactly what they are advertised to do. If you have a need for waterproof or very warm socks, SealSkinz socks can't be beat.

Product Notes

SealSkinz makes a variety of waterproof socks, including the All-Season ($29.95 MSRP, reviewed here), the Over-the-Calf ($35.95), WaterBlocker ($39.95), and ChillBlocker ($49.95). They also make a series of waterproof gloves using the same material as their socks.