Posts Tagged travel socks
Women’s Outdoor and Travel Sock Round-Up
A few weeks back, Tim posted a hiking sock round-up for men, and now it’s our turn! If you’ve been shopping for all-weather socks for outdoor activity, you know just how many brands and styles are out there. Early this year, I asked performance sock brands to send me the best they offer for skiing, hiking, and running/biking. After incasing my tootsies in Merino wool (non-itchy and a renewable resource!) and wool blends just about every day for the past two months, I bring you my top style picks from each brand.
Dahlgren:
What they do best: design (both aesthetic and functional). Dahlgren’s Sno sock uses their patented Dri-Stride technology in conjunction with soft alpaca and merino wool to absorb moisture in the toe, heel, and mid-foot section using what they call ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’. What’s really cool is the way the sock pattern designs (cherry blossoms in the women’s, neon stripes in the men’s) are actually cleverly disguised ‘super highways’ of moisture removal, helping to keep your feet dry and warm.
This puts a whole new spin on ‘form meets function’! The sock is lighter weight than other wool ski socks I’ve tried, yet just as warm. Plus, the shallow part of me really appreciates the unique designs…you won’t find the same-old, same-old ski sock patterns here! The only downside: the Sno Sock has a habit of sliding down my calf during the course of a ski. I’ll admit: this irks.
Also of note: Dahlgren’s hiking sock line includes five designs from backpacking to ultra light trail running, all made with similar Dri-Stride technology. I tried their Hiking Mid-Weight sock, featuring a fully cushioned leg and foot with the aforementioned ‘wicking rings’ and ‘wicking channels’ around the foot (even more useful in the hiking sock than in the ski and snow-sports sock, in my opinion). I wore these on a winter hike in Southern Oregon, where they performed well, keeping my feet dry (even more important to me than warm) as I exercised.
Bottom line: go with Dahlgren’s for serious warmth in a hiking sock or three-season wear in a sno sock. At $22 for the sno sock and even less for the mid-weight hiking sock, Dahlgren’s is a great value. But you might have trouble picking just one color! See all the colors and styles at Zappos.
Fox River:
What they do best: construction. I’m going to go ahead and play favorites: Fox River’s Outdoor Adventure Strive Ankle women’s sock in their Cross Terrain family is my top pick for an all-activity outdoor sock. It’s padded and substantial without suffocating my feet, and to date, has survived a dog attack (ours loves wool). No, it won’t work for skiing, but name just about any other outdoor activity, and this sock can perform. I’ve worn the Strive running, hiking, and around town all winter and spring. It’s made of nylon, wool, and recycled polyester, features memory-knit construction that helps it keep form (no worries about stretching in the wash), and has spandex compression zones that ensure it won’t slide down and give you a blister on your heel. If ankle-length isn’t for you, never fear: multiple lengths are available. They make a kids’ version as well.
Also of note: Also in the Fox River line is the Outdoor Hiking sock. Thicker than the cross-terrain (and no wonder, at 75% Merino wool), the hiking sock comes to mid-calf, and is incredibly warm, making it a winner for mid-winter, but not so hot (no pun intended) for multi-season wear.
Bottom line: Go with Fox River for a multi-season, multi-purpose sock. The Strive is my go-to sock I snag out of the drawer first, and that says more to me than a bunch of stats or facts. It’s survived many washings, and is only a few months old. You can find all Fox River styles, including the Strive, on at Zappos and the Strive in particular in several colors on Amazon for under $12.
Search Fox River socks at Campmor
Darn Tough Vermont:
What they do best: Well, I can’t decide. Construction? Check: Darn Tough uses the industry’s densest knitting. Design? Check: their colors and patterns are appealing and fun. The minute I saw their run/bike sock, it was love at first sight, with its thin mesh and ultra light construction (while still remaining tough as nails…they’re not kidding about that company name). I took the Mesh No-Show Run/Bike along for a 10 mile run, and when I returned, my feet (and the socks) were bone dry. I made my husband feel the socks for himself so he’d believe me! Darn Tough’s Hike/Trek sock performs just as well (despite the way my hiking boots normally overheat my feet), and it’s the only sock of its category I’ve found in to come in ankle-length instead of mid-calf without sacrificing any insulating bulk.
Also of note: It is darn tough to make my picky 10-year-old happy, but darn it, Darn Tough did it. He hates wearing socks because his feet get very sweaty (gross, I know!) but reported the same dryness I experienced while wearing the Kids Hike. Plus, they’re ‘cushion-y’ and cozy (no itches!). The designs are colorful, too.
Bottom line: Without doubt, I’d opt for Darn Tough for a running or biking sock, or any time a major workout is on the books. As a bonus, Darn Tough socks are unconditionally guaranteed, and though you probably won’t need to test them on this policy, it’s nice to know it’s there. Pick up many of their styles, including the run/bike at Amazon for around $14, or at many outdoor specialty sites. For example there’s a wide selection if you get Darn Tough Vermont at Campmor.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on March 20th, 2012
Some Light Hiking Socks for Your Consideration
Socks are important. For most weather, they’re vital. For travelers doing a lot of walking and hiking, they can make or break how well your feet hold up. Spending $100+ on your hiking boots is only going to get you so far if you’ve covered your feet in cheap socks underneath.
There’s just one problem with socks when it comes to a travel gear blog. There’s only so much you can say about a single pair.
So here’s a rundown of some fine footwear I’ve been using over the past year, from a variety of companies you probably haven’t heard of but should check out. For about 1/5 the cost of your average pair of shoes or hiking boots, these quality socks can really make you a lot more comfortable and keep your feet from breaking out in blisters.
Point6
Point6 makes a lot of great socks for men and women, from heavy-duty ski socks to fashionable pairs for everyday use. I’ve been using their Hiking Tech Medium merino wool ones, which mix that thread with nylon and a little Spandex. With merino you get a lot of useful properties for travelers: temperature management, odor-resistance, and warmth without the itch. Point6 pairs have also got all the properties you’ll find in a quality pair of socks like mesh ventilation where you need it and reinforced cushioning where you don’t. This is a great all-around pair in four sizes and six colors, running $16-$18 a pair at Amazon.
Bridgedale
Another hiking sock I’ve gotten a lot of good use out of is the X-hale Trailhead from Bridgedale. This is an international brand: based in Ireland, sold in 40 countries, and my pair was made in South Africa. They claim their “loop-within-a-loop padding” gives their socks more loft and cushioning with a light weave. If found them supremely comfortable for hikes or long walks in multiple kinds of shoes. and the blend of synthetics and merino wool wicked well. These list for $17, but this is apparently last year’s model though, because it’s on sale for under ten bucks at Altrec.com.
Dahlgren
Dahlgren makes a lot of great socks using using a variety of materials, including alpaca. I’ve been trying out their light hiking socks with Dri-Stride Alpaca, billed as softer, drier, and blister-free. Look at the details though and alpaca has but a supporting actor roll, playing behind nylon, polyester, and merino wool in differing mixes in different sections. I’m not sure who’s going to notice as these are comfortable, cushioned in the right places, and don’t seem to get sweaty. Hey, they look cool too and they’re made in the USA. You can get the men’s version or women’s version from PlanetShoes for $18 or a 3-pack from Zappos.
Teko
Last on the list for this hiking socks rundown is Teko, a company that distinguishes itself through its environmental cred. These socks are made from merino wool grown on organic farms, chlorine-free, and produced in the USA with wind power. But they don’t stop there. The plastic-free packaging is recyclable and part of your purchase supports The Conservation Alliance and the John Muir Trust.
But how ’bout the socks? These have a higher merino wool content than the others above, with 71 percent. These have seamless toes, reinforced heels and has “light cushion only in footbed, flat knit throughout the rest of the sock.” And like the others here, these list for about 18 bucks. You can buy them at Backcountry.com.
You can toss any of these socks in the washing machine, but I wouldn’t recommend putting them in a dryer if you can avoid it. They might come out fine, but in my experience there can be some shrinkage after a while.
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Posted by Tim L. in Adventure Gear, General Gear on February 16th, 2012
Vivarati Designer Socks
Vivarati Sidebar designer socks
Dress socks can be plain and boring. As a frequent traveler, I am constantly having to remove my shoes at airport security. It’s time to spice up my feet with clever colors and designs!
Vivarati has a full line of colorful, designer socks produced with high quality and eye-catching style. The company’s motto is creating “socks for the modern man,” and these socks are both modern and hip. Vivarati believes that socks should represent boldness and confidence, and these socks certainly express personality.
They are produced with high-quality Turkish combed cotton fiber (meaning impurities have been removed from the material before use) and have a hand linked toe meaning there is no line at the bottom of the sock connecting the base to the toes giving it a snug, comfortable fit. Vivarati.com offers high resolution photos showing the vivid designs, which makes shopping for your favorite pairs a cinch. Free shipping is another benefit, and returns are happily accepted through the use of a prepaid return shipping label.
The socks are thick and comfortable with a padded base and reinforced heels. A problem I face is that my dress socks usually end up with holes because I am walking so much, but these high quality socks feel both durable and comfortable thanks to the combed cotton material. They breathe so that your feet do not become too hot, which is another thing that I find important. The material stretches for comfort and keeps them from sliding down your leg. These socks are neither too thin or too thick making them perfect for year-round use.
Designers have also given their insight on how to pair these colorful socks with various clothing styles and colors. These socks are one size fits all. My favorite design is the Rollover, which has a certain Mad Men vibe to it. The Sidebar pair is another playful combination of colors. The socks are delivered in a classy gift box wrapped in paper making an excellent impression.
Vivarati has turned a somewhat boring piece of clothing into a fun, vibrant personality statement that is sure to turn heads at work or airport security. Unfortunately, they’re hard to find at retail at this point (online or off), so you’ll need to order direct from their own site.
See more reviews of good travel socks here at Practical Travel Gear.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on January 30th, 2012
Snoozies Fuzzy Travel Slippers
Cold feet, I have them. No matter the destination, be it Homer, Alaska, or Hana, Hawaii, I don’t ever seem to be quite warm enough. I have, for over a decade, packed wool socks and fleece slipper socks for every single trip.
I also like to have something comfortable for my feet on flights; I really prefer to be in my stockinged feet at almost all times. That’s not really appropriate on a place (or in any number of transit locations) so I stuff those same slipper socks into my carry on so I’m not wandering off to the loo in my socks. (Ewwww.)
This brings to the forefront my issue with Snoozies slippers as a travel companion. They’re fuzzy, they’re way comfortable, and they come in super wacky patterns. You can get them in kids’ sizes and they’re very light — it’s easy to find space for them in your luggage. They’ve got grippy stuff on the soles so you won’t slip on the hardwood, linoleum, some third slippery surface floors.
But the soles are fabric, so you don’t want to be wearing them in the messed up airplane lavatory where the person before you has, oh, let’s say they’ve been overzealous in their handwashing and splashed all over the place, just to keep it from being too icky. In order for these slipper to be really travel friendly, they need a sole that’s not going to act as a sponge when you step into a little over-spray. Good thing they’re machine washable.
It’s too bad they’re not more versatile because, I rather like them. They won’t work for the plane, but they’re fine for your cabin or hotel room. I’ve slept in them when it’s cold — they don’t stay on, but I didn’t really care about that.
I wouldn’t call them a travel essential — you could get the same use out of a good pair of fuzzy socks. When they’ve got a version that packs as small and is as comfortable but comes with a water resistant sole, I’ll revise my conclusions.
Want a pair for wandering around the house? They’re about 10 bucks on Amazon.
Posted by Pam in General Gear, Kids and Family on July 22nd, 2011
FUTURO Compression Socks for Air Travel
I’ve sampled compression socks for long-haul travel before, and it just wasn’t pretty. The socks were so tight, they really felt like they were cutting off circulation, and they left red welts where the bands cut into my calves. Naturally, I was skeptical when I reviewed a pair of black FUTURO Revitalizing trouser socks for women on a recent flight. However, these socks exceeded my expectations.
First, they appear like normal trouser socks. They aren’t so thick that they have that orthopedic look about them. I wore them, actually, with a pair of slinky black stretch pants and my black El Naturalista Mary Janes and I don’t think they looked silly at all. Plus, they have a stylish diamond pattern embedded into the material; again, it’s a pattern I might see in any “normal” trouser sock.
But these socks help prevent swelling of the ankles during long flights, as they improve circulation via maximum compression at the ankle, with decreasing compression up the leg. I can’t speak to the socks’ promise to help relieve symptoms of superficial spider and early varicose veins (I have neither), but I can report that these are comfortable socks. I felt good knowing the moderate compression helped my blood keep moving — thus, perhaps avoiding Deep Vein Thrombosis — on a long flight.
The heel and toe pocket, says marketing materials, help prevent “scrunching and shifting” while wearing. Indeed, these 95% nylon/5% spandex socks stayed put throughout the entire day I wore them. No smushing; no falling down.
These trouser socks come in mild and moderate compression; I had the moderate ones, and again, they worked out just fine for an entire day on the plane. The mild version might be good if you want to wear compression socks daily while on vacation. They come in sizes small, medium and large.
I found these socks for sale on Amazon.com for a reasonable $12.94.
Related post: Therafirm Core-spun Socks for Long Flights
Posted by Kara in General Gear, Travel Light on June 16th, 2011
