The TRUTH About Waterproof Socks

[@PatrickGarrington]

Why am I watching a video about waterproof socks? Because you're genuinely entertaining, that's why.

[@StephenJReid]

Or maybe you’re easily entertained 🤪 Thanks for watching Patrick, appreciate it 🙂

[@B3ll3r0ph0nt3s]

@@StephenJReid Or maybe your are just an informative and entertaining host, and me and Patrick both enjoy our time with you

[@charver1]

This and this again. Have no ntention to buy waterproof socks but sat and watched this.

[@StephenJReid]

@@B3ll3r0ph0nt3s 🙂

[@StephenJReid]

@@charver1 🙂 🧦

[@pretzelproduction100]

The way we were taught to use them in training was to use normal socks in your boots during the day, accepting that your feet and socks will be wet, then in the evening/when you get to camp, dry your feet and put the waterproof socks on and into your boots and the heat will dry your boots for the next day whilst keeping your feet dry.

[@pgs1796]

The military wet dry routine but for the average joe on a hike I think waterproof boots are a better option.

[@jamesbrady7069]

That gore-texel joke is so niche and I’m here for it! Absolutley burst out loud with laughter 😂

[@StephenJReid]

Excellent, I love a highly obscure reference based joke. 😁

[@rossmacrae8406]

Totally agree, game changer in winter if you go through low altitude bog or slush - nothing worse than numb feet when they are wet in snow so great to change into waterproof socks. I also find the waterproof socks wet out after a few hours so I don't wear them unless I have to. Liner socks are great, I do the same with gloves.

[@StephenJReid]

Yup a tool for a job, just have to know how and when best to use.

[@checkerspotfarm3927]

Sheep nerd and hiking enthusiast and I am here for that joke! Brilliant! And truly, it would be a genius combo on a serious note! Texel wool is super sproingy and more durable than the merino that all brands seem to use. C'mon now they are feet, it doesn't need to be as soft as a scarf does. Texel liner socks with waterproof socks would be a fantastic pairing. Alas, I find my handknit socks are just a bit too thick to do multiday trips in, they just don't dry out well even tucking them your waistband and all those other old tricks, so I wish I could find commercial ones made of other breeds. We got a whole world of sheep out there making us wool for all uses!

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah I've wondered why merino gets all the attention. Other wool was used for centuries before modern textiles

[@checkerspotfarm3927]

@@StephenJReid Good marketing! Not even teasing there, they have an enviable marketing board. They do the same thing here with apple varieties. And it's not that it's a bad wool....just like Honeycrisp apples really are quite tasty, but people aren't always aware how good the others can be!

[@DannyRice01]

A lot of the commercial wool from IRE anyway goes to carpet and insulation as the microns are higher in it compared to merino leading to a scratchier product that less people want. Not all breeds of course but commercial wool prices are absurdly undervalued

[@Donscoular]

Toe socks and waterproof socks are a great combo! When wearing shorts and it rains, the water tracking down your leg into the sock is also another way they get wet, but still enjoy having them for bad weather

[@bartonianoutdoors]

Love my Sealskinz. Have used them since 2018, first for cycling and then with trail runners. I have the "super thin pro ankle socks with hydrostop", so as well as being thin the best part is the hydrostop grippy band on the inside which keeps them from falling down and stops most water from getting in the top, and I have briefly full submerged them!

[@wolfeadventures]

How long does exact pair last?

[@trevorbarrett9971]

Have used Goretex trail running shoes, great while they are waterproof, which doesn't last long in my experience. Have used a variety of waterproof socks, with similar experiences to yours. If there is any possibility of getting wet feet, I now just use neoprene socks wth a very thin liner. Once they're wet inside, like a mini wetsuit, and feet are warm, if a little squelchy!

[@heatherdickau5335]

I love your videos. Have been waiting for your newest video to tell you how you helped me. In one video, you used the term depressive inertia. It is so helpful to know someone else experiences this. And when I don't want to do something, I realize what it is and can power on. Thank you.

[@StephenJReid]

You’re very welcome Heather 🙂 I still get it all the time but I’m able to recognise the enemy for what it is now, I know it’ll pass and that helps a lot! Keep going 🙂

[@heatherdickau5335]

​@@StephenJReidI will hopefully get on my horse and ride instead of coming up with excuses not to. 😃

[@johnlilley2495]

Glenariff is lovely this time of year!! Waterproof socks. I love telling my daughter about your waterproof socks. She just rolls her eyes and says " he just doesn't understand wet /dry drills!"😊

[@VanLifeMum]

Great review 😊. I first heard about waterproof socks when training for the whw.. didn't believe it possible but youve proved me wrong !

[@tabs5375]

Completely agree with you on the SealSkinz socks. Very uncomfortable... so thick! They used to compress my feet so much that they wouldn't warm up, and that's with wearing a boot size above. I use waterproof socks after my hikes when relaxing at camp/bothy. Certainly found they hold in the moisture otherwise. Great vid, new sub gained 🙂

[@zagzeg]

I am happy I found your channel, ive been binge watching the lot! So addictive!

[@alangauld6079]

I started wearing waterproof socks last year when I got a discount on Black Friday. The brand was Hemy and I've been really pleased with them,. They also actively encourage you to tumble dry their socks! I walked the Rob roy Way last winter with them and had dry feet at the end of every day. In the summer I use them as camp socks to keep my feet dry inside my wet shoes/boots and thus allowing my daytime woolen socks todry out(a bit). I liked them so much I bought a pair of knee-length socks too, although I've yet to try them in anger... But I agree with most of your points except the pin-prick thing. I find if used in normal hiking conditions even a small leak isn't a big issue, you are only exposing them to water for a tiny period and not much gets in and it usually evaporates away again. The socks are under my trousers/boots mostly so it's only during stream.bog crossings that they get exposed and the tiny pinprick simply can't let that much water in.

[@wizzoneill]

Trail Run in wet conditions in Bridgedale waterproof socks, agree with everything you said, I also have suffered from sweaty feet build up of wet on the inside, but not all the time. Work well in Winter for wet runs where there are occasional deep puddles. Makes winter running more pleasant 😊

[@Rationalskeptic49]

I've got the Bridgedale socks which have been okay so far, although I've not tried them in the cold weather yet. I suffer from Raynauld's; keeping my hands and feet warm is important, and wet and cold conditions are usually the worst. Thanks for the advice on wearing woollen liner socks. The Noord socks look good, so I might have to get a pair (or add them to my Christmas wish list) for my wet winter runs.

[@billb5732]

Waterproof socks with non-waterproof shoes is a good combination. I tried GoreWear Shield Socks, which were bad -- they just absorbed water and did not keep me dry. SealSkinz work fine. As you say, they are thick and not the quickest to dry. My favorite so far is plastic bags or Tyvek "overshoes" as an outer layer between my socks and shoes. Having the waterproof layer outside my sock works better than a waterproof-breathable layer in the middle of the sock. A heat sealer works to shape a compactor or contractor bag to the right shape. I keep them loose so that they don't pinch my toes.

[@1333roni]

I just started hunting for waterproof socks yesterday, so perfect timing for me on this video! I bought 3 pairs of Noord on your recommendation. Thanks for the discount! Sadly, I couldn't use it since there was already a discount when buying 3, but hey! It's the thought that counts. :)

[@patrickculleton9939]

Thanks Stephen for another great video. Yes, in 2009 I did the LEJOG - it took me 14 days and it rained every day. I wore Sealskinz socks and half way up the country one started to leak big time around the big toe. I put it down to my toe nail but really they should reinforce the toe box to prevent puncturing due to nail abrasion anyway. Keep up the good stuff 👍

[@davidwilson-zs5xd]

Clever man very clever really enjoying your videos

[@davidbrown8947]

I didn't get on well with my socks when hiking, but they were great at work when I had to unload lorries in winter. Another enjoyable video 👍

[@natalieminnis]

I've been using waterproof socks occasionally for about 6 months. I love hillwalking but I'm going right off clumpy footwear. The main downside of lighter trail shoes for me is that my feet get soaked on boggy Scottish hills. I did buy waterproof trail shoes, but they were about £100 more expensive than non-waterproof, and the waterproofing wore off after a few months. Enter waterproof socks. My feet stay pretty dry the whole day - without them my feet get soaked as soon as I leave the path. I've just bought my second pair of Dexshells.

[@mikelivesey5044]

For quite a while now I have been wearing exclusively waterproof for walking/hiking. Not just for the waterproofing, but also because they are the only socks that are comfortable on skin of my feet. Even when the membrane starts to fail they are more comfortable than wool socks. However, not all brands are equally comfortable. I find Sealskin far too inflexible (as you have just said), and likewise Geckowear -- they bunch and ruck unpleasantly. Dexshell I find really comfortable, and have just discovered WrapMe, very elastic and even more comfortable than Dexshell. Also both these brands have a wide range of thicknesses. I have not tried Noord -- I will do. But I would never wear lining socks, because for me that would just spoil the feel on my feet.

[@JenniferSaxin]

Interesting video, thanks! I work in an outdoor shop and often have people asking for waterproof socks. I now have a couple brands to recommend them. 😊

[@DougieBegg]

Outside of winter, I just let my feet get wet, and usually, my feet remain warm and comfortable enough wearing merino socks. Both trail runners and socks will nearly be dry while wearing them before I reach camp, but I always bring a pair of waterproof socks (Ottersocks) to put on just in case my feet start getting cold. But I always wear waterproof boots in winter.

[@Jaqaroo]

Always enjoy watching your videos Stephen, whether they are about socks or sewage. Cycling in the winter my feet get so cold - this might be the answer.

[@Treefrogging]

Dexshell seem to work, ultralights, quite comfy . Mixed with injini liner and a powder to help wick water away from the foot, plus tape.

[@Burkkey2]

Love the vid mate! Never heard of the waterprooof socks, but may be worth looking into!!

[@CMZPICTURES]

I use them for cycling in winter. Definitely a game changer in terms of comfort. I didn't know about them until a friend told me. I've tried otter socks and seal skins and been pretty happy with both although I do seem to have a bit of a Norah Batty situation going on with my current pair :-) Full mudguards with old school rubber flaps also make a huge difference in terms of keeping feet dry while riding.

[@StephenJReid]

😂 they do tent to crumple weirdly on your legs

[@AjaySingh-228]

Thanks for the informative video Sir! I've been thinking about getting waterproof socks for hiking. I'll definitely consider Nord socks

[@DaRealSlimDavie]

Great video! I learned a lot. I had only heard of merino wool socks. The noord socks will be great for camping and cycling.

[@StephenJReid]

Glad to hear it 🙂

[@damedavidfrith55]

Heard of but not for me prefer quicker draining trail shoes ,love your explanation of them though 😊

[@StephenJReid]

What do you do in really cold conditions? They are the only thing that keeps my feet warm when running in slushy and really cold wet conditions. I know some runners who never get cold feet but I can’t feel mine after about 10mins when they get wet in those conditions

[@rowdyyates4630]

I was impressed as hell by you always jumping into every puddle in your trail running videos. Little did I know, waterproof socks exist.

[@StephenJReid]

Well most of the year I’m just wearing normal socks and embracing the water. 😂 I only get the waterproof socks out in properly cold weather

[@Martycycleman]

I've used waterproof socks before only on my bike. Many thanks Steven very entertaining 😊

[@davidhale1568]

My first pair around 20 years ago were berghaus they were a sort of over sock sock. Then the amazingly uncomfortable seal skins then the Bridge Dales. Gotta say I never got on with any of them. I suppose might come in handy to put on for a short while after doing a river crossing.

[@peterrobertson8141]

That ‘Gore-Texel’ joke certainly made me laugh 😂😂 But surely they only come in white 😂😂 On a serious note, I don’t wear waterproof socks for hiking, but they’re great as a windproof bridge between my boots and flying suit when up in my open-cockpit microlight in Winter.😊

[@jujujay]

Kayaking with the full length waterproof trousers etc and your feet stay very dry and in winter times like when the river has ice or snow alls I do is where a woolly sock under the seal skin waterproof socks and I’m happy out up to 8 hrs winter kayaking. I’d NEVER wear them trail or open mountain running … cycling maybe with inner sock and over shoe covers. But mostly only wear them kayaking.

[@Glownlight]

I have heard of waterproof socks but have had no interest in buying them because I don’t think I have a best case use for them. Nice video and I am assure the info you gave will be helpful thanks those in the market.

[@andydt82]

Ideal for long winter trail races (eg spine) but for the rest of the time I’d rather just wear a wool sock. Or, as you suggest, winter mountain biking

[@Lurchio01]

That’s it, enough binge watching, I’m subbed. 😂

[@beardedvikingmtber]

I’ve just got a pair of sealskins for when I mountain bike & so far they’ve been great

[@alanslade2319]

Come in the water fine. And love the special table. Thanks Stephen for your work.💯👍

[@joerileijs9970]

That joke, if you are Dutch (as texel sheep are), is so much beter then you thought it was! As gore means dirty, and we all should know how dirty goretex is by now...

[@arnoldmmbb]

Great video as always mate

[@andyreact]

I've only worn waterproof socks while cycling in the rain (wearing shorts) and they have simply filled up with water from the top, I would have been much better off wearing normal socks and letting the water out! 😅 I prefer to stick with merino socks, still keep your feet "warm" even when wet!

[@causewaykayak]

Calf length Sealskinz ok for sea kayaking even under a wetsuit. Works well enough for launching but not for practicing rescues. Then its best to accept wet feet. Question for Steven: IF you walk in shorts doesn't rain running down your waterproof skin get inside and fill ur socks eventually. Fun film sir!! ❤

[@Simon_W74]

Socktastic Mate! I even like that sheep joke. I have heard of them before, but not known anyone that uses them. They would possibly be hand for when we get changes in weather before or after we are donning Drysuits for Kayaking, but it is still cold enough to wear them in paddling shoes.

[@jamieofarrell4235]

Another excellent video Stephen. 👍 ❤

[@kaiying74]

2:10 - I think I've met that lad. For wet conditions I prefer a good pair of gators. I don't walk in shorts though...midges.

[@StephenJReid]

There’s a few around. Gaitors help, although only if your shoes are waterproof too.

[@valdius85]

For me, they make senes for running in muddy conditions for shorter periods of time. There is a rain and typhoon season where I live. The trails are less crowded during that time.

[@Goofballmcfunky]

G'day Stephen, arent gortex in trouble regarding the forever chemicals they use for the water proof properties they provide? I dont know if the socks you're talking about use goretex, but its something i learnt about on i think mylife outdoors channel. Thanks for your amazing work love ya mate!

[@StephenJReid]

@@Goofballmcfunky these socks don’t use goretex, but I think the PFAS which are causing the issues are mostly used in coatings rather than membranes. Some people are interpreting the issue as meaning any plastic based waterproof, which as far as I’m aware is not the case. It’s also not that goretex specially are “in trouble” this issue goes back to the 1950s, there are very few outdoor brands that haven’t used forever chemicals. It’s an industry issue rather than specifically gore-tex

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

Like wellies, waterproof socks are fine up to a certain depth. After max depth they are cold and uncomfortable, full of chilly water. Better to wear good woollen socks and accept wet feet, ideally with free draining shoes, like fell runners have done for decades. Warm enough, no blisters and weirdly liberating when faced with deep water.

[@StephenJReid]

I don’t mind that in warmer weather. My recent tiny tent video I had soaked feet the entire time and no issues as it was about 12C but when it gets cold enough my feet go numb quickly and stay numb the entire run. The waterproof socks helped with that a lot.

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

I recognise what you describe. Focus on warm body, legs and ankles, the feet sort themselves out. In cooler conditions,including snow, I’m running in three-quarter length tights, any longer just get wet & cold. The shoe/sock combination is also a place to experiment. Drainage after a dunking is what matters. You don’t want lots of water being retained or pooling but “wrung out” damp is fine. Socks shrink through washing, beware they aren’t too tight … but not a sloppy fit. For overnight stops, loose fitting dry knee length socks and a warm hat sort out cold feet quite well. I admit I’m known for being an overheater so enjoy autumn/winter running and suffer in summer. Hopefully something in my ramblings will help 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Doesn’t work for me. I can be roasted everywhere else and have cold feet and hands in the right/wrong conditions. Possibly I have circulation issue. It’s weird because I also tend to overheat when it’s warm

[@AmblingMan]

My otters are in my pack now, not actually walked in them yet, but they're ready for the cold tootsie days. They are a nicer alternative to bread bags for evening wear once feet are dry, but shoes still wet.

[@IvanDP1967]

Never tried waterproof socks, and to be honest I can't ever see myself needing any, I'm too attached to my thick comfy merino ones 😀 Great video as always though Stephen 👍

[@willadams6217]

The best waterproof socks in my experience are the Police/Military GoreText boot liners - not the SealSkinz ones but the GoreTex ones, they are black and made of stretch GoreTex. They are very hard to find now though but if you do find them, size up 2 sizes to fit over your regular socks. All the SealSkinz type (using Porelle membrane) are terrible, and only ok for an an evening round camp if you have had wet shoes during the day.

[@AndrewMcIntyre-u7u]

I bought my first pair probably around 1987 I guess, Berghaus if I recall correctly. First generation things, pretty waterproof but notoriously uncomfortable. In fact, one was re purposed into a camera bag, they were that uncomfortable. I bought a pair of sealskinz about 2003, still own them, but have to admit, I don't regularly wear them. They do live in my emergency dry kit bag when on the mountains in case I get benighted, They are a godsend if overnighting I find, put life back in my feet and you can pop the wet boots on over the top tp nip out for "a call of nature" without getting tomorrow's dry socks wet. Wouldn't go up the hills without my sealskins in my daypack. Can't recall what I paid for them, but they weren't cheap, but Aldi or Lidl were flogging a very similar looking item for about £14, and if someone only wanted a pair just for wearing in the tent, these are ideal, knowing someone who bought a pair and used them in anger. Very informative vid Stephen, you forgot to mention - don't dry them in front of a campfire😝

[@thewhofan1964]

My original pair were sealskinz about 20 years ago and they were great. Good fit. When they eventually failed I bought replacements but they were all a bad fit and 2 out of 3 were not waterproof from new and were sent back. I recently tried Ottershell and Dexshell. Neither were completely waterproof on the first use but the Ottershell was the best of the two. I will have to try the Nord socks. Just took a look at their website. Seems very basic with no information about the actual company, think I will give them a miss.

[@martianwalker4538]

I enjoy your videos. Lately I was watching another KZbin channel Nukes Top 5 and the channel talks about paranormal activities, but I saw a place in one of the most recent videos I am pretty sure I have seen in your videos. I believe the name of the place is the White Laggen Bothy? You should go back and spend the night and see if you experience anything odd.

[@danny.k.87]

Had the sealskins rubbish waterproof lasted 2 mins. Currently got otter ankle worked perfectly well feel far more comfortable than the sealskins. Don’t wash or tumble dry them numerous times like I I did don’t work anymore 👍

[@StephenJReid]

Yeah you gotta be careful with them

[@danny.k.87]

@ I learnt the hard way 🤣👍 Atb

[@natchaos5604]

You think you're weird!!?? I'm the one watching a video on waterproof socks... :)

[@StephenJReid]

Ya sock watching weirdo! 😜

[@B0ldtaar]

Try neoprene wet socks, perfect in wet and cold condition if you out trail running

[@AlysonHale-du2hf]

A whole video about waterproof socks!!I used to wear Sealskinz but the last pair I ordered was shapeless and baggy and really uncomfortable ,tried Bridgedale but they were far too bulky so I am now trying out a brand called Hemy and so far so good..I started using waterproof socks when I began using trail runners and lightweight fabric boots which start to leak before they're worn out. The best ,most comfortable waterproof socks I've ever had were from Aldi -I bought 2 pairs for cycling years ago -sadly they've not been in the shop since .

[@mr.145]

I got a pair in Aldi a fortnight ago for £10

[@BeeAFinch]

Thanks Stephen, now I know, why my waterproof socks did not work! I assumed it had something to do with sweaty feet and the weather conditions, but now I know for sure. For me the best use probably is to just wear them at camp, when my shoes are wet or for short hikes in cold weather and no waterproof shoes. Everything else makes no sense for me 😅

[@KCadbyRacing]

I'm not sure why but my feet always sweat more in cooler weather than they do during the summer months and I know it isn't a humidity thing (moisture doesn't evaporate faster here during Summer) and I'm in Florida where the humidity is always higher when it's hot vs during winter. I just came in from outside and my socks are a little damp 🤔

[@StephenJReid]

That’s weird. Wonder why that happens. I’m the opposite. I could go a week without changing my socks in winter (if I wanted) and in summer I near need to change them twice a day 👃 🧦

[@waxman4207]

Good breakdown mate.

[@chrisogrady28]

Your trail running cold feet problem is a skill issue (/shoe) As you're using Altra Via Olympus with a crazy amount of padding your foot muscles aren't working properly so you aren't getting enough blood flow to your toes. If you run in more minimal shoes your feet will get stronger, and stay warmer when wet. I have run 45km peak distruct ultras through the ice and snow in Vibram v-trails and injinji ultra run socks. The water goes straight in, but it also comes straight out, there's no sponge mass to hold onto the water, and the amount that cools your feet down is quickly offset by the blood flow from your hard working foot muscles.

[@StephenJReid]

Exactly the same thing happened when I was wearing vibram five fingers and you can’t get any more minimal than that without going barefoot. Happened with other shoes in between. I would be out for hours with numb feet and picked up more injuries because I couldn’t feel the ground

[@Greenmanure62]

You cheer me up. I may or may not buy waterproof socks! 😂😊

[@deetoher]

Waterproof socks have really helped prevent me from getting chilblains - which are triggered by cold and damp/wet feet.

[@TheMadmacs]

if you have sweaty feet you should put some vaseline between your toes, skin touching skin is the main cause of excess sweat. its also good for keeping feet warm in winter . ps. just tried my first darn tough socks, give the man your money and enjoy blister free walking.

[@feefee8ify]

From the land of the black faced yowe, I got your texel reference!

[@StephenJReid]

😁😁 🐑

[@TheUwaisPatel]

I had the exact same reaction to you when i submerged my feet in water with sealskins on. I could feel the water in my shoes and the coldness but my feet itself were dry. Very strange feeling.

[@Gn8Lif3]

Little funfact since you mentioned the strange feeling of standing in water We acctualy cant feel if something is wet or damp at all

[@long-long.]

Lol what a load. You can absolutely tell if your feet are wet. I think you mean temperature. We can't tell the difference between something being cold or wet.

[@Gn8Lif3]

@@long-long. i meant what i said and ofc you can feel tempreture Oo we only feel single indications like tempreture loss ,texture ,pressure ,densety ect and combine those to the result it is wet your body can easely be tricked into thinking something is wet there for you cant feel wet

[@ExoHugh]

At one point I decided the best summer cycle tour combo would be Keen sandals with optional waterproof socks for wet days... Except they got wet on like day 3 and stayed wet for the entire 3 week tour.

[@StephenJReid]

Sounds like my WHW experience. Good to be aware of the limitations!

[@fittappintrails8731]

I have the SealSkinz ones. Haven't used them yet.

[@inregionecaecorum]

Worst feeling it wading through a stream in your goretex boots, but the stream is too deep and your boots fill with water, you just cannot get it out or get them dry afterwards. Another idea though is neoprene socks like with a wetsuit, at least your feet will stay warmish.

[@jsimes1]

I did not know that waterproof socks even existed and I also thought that you had some kind of super power where your feet were impervious to water because of the way you are always bounding through ankle deep water in all of your videos! 🤣🌊🦶🏻

[@StephenJReid]

haha, well I don't always wear them, especially in warmer weather, a lot of the time, my feet really are wet

[@natchaos5604]

You should check out his video on fireproof socks!!

[@sillymoomoomoo]

I use geckowear socks, very happy with them.

[@Chilternwildcamper]

Great 👍 i must get some as i got numb wet cold feet on a boggy hike...

[@antine1279]

I'd love to know which merino socks you wear - haven't found any that are not too restricting with barefoot shoes. (i don't like the toe socks at all) Great video btw!

[@dakotacoburn]

How do you think waterproof socks would work as a vapour barrier? I’m looking into them for the opposite reasons, I want to keep my boots from freezing during the winter

[@JCJ7754]

I'm interested to hear how you keep your feet dry in wet/winter conditions when wearing your Vivobarefoot boots. (Vivo wearer here)

[@StephenJReid]

Watch this space. Trying out new Vivo winter/waterproof boots soon. Until now I end up switching to normal boots for winter weather as the Forest ESC, while brilliant most of the year, don't work for me in really cold weather. During the rest of the year I make sure to retreat the leather after every single hike and that goes a long way to keeping the Forest ESC waterproof for longer

[@JCJ7754]

I agree with you on the cold weather and Vivos, the thermal insoles they sell helps a little. I have bought the NOORD socks you recommended to try with Vivos 🤞 Maybe time to look at alternatives for winter (hate wearing regular boots!)looking forward to your next Vivo review 👍

[@JS-JackSparra21]

For me the main advantage is that they keep your feet squeaky clean. Yes your feet get wet but there’s no grit in there to cause friction.

[@LairdDavidson]

The issue I have with waterproof socks is that the membrane fails fairly quickly. Like goretex lined boots, which also has a membrane that doesn't last, they're great when new but have a short life.

[@LairdDavidson]

I'll add that Aldi did "special buy" waterproof socks one week. I got some and they're definitely waterproof. They're comfortable but I have no idea how long they'll last.

[@Olan...]

They always shrink significantly after washing, even after fairly cool cycles. I have about 9 different pairs/brands some i think might be made in the same factory. Aldi do some for 9.99 and they had a sale on 2 weeks ago for 4.99 so i bought 4 pairs. They feel as comfortable as most and perform equally as well as Seal Skins but they still shrink 😏

[@ferryvantichelen6521]

Texel is a nice place to visit though. But, in a weird plot-twist, for some reason you pronounce the "x" in "Texel" as an "s", so you should say "Tessel" (Dutch spelling requires the double "s" here to make sure you pronounce the first "e" correctly as well) Also, gore-tex is made with PFAS and that is basically poison. Just get normal wool socks and they will keep your feet warm even when wet. Please don't ever buy gore-tex (or any other products containing PFAS, like non-stick frying pans)

[@StephenJReid]

Really? Interesting! Someone better tell all the farmers 🤣 So it's a Dutch breed? Didn't actually know that. I've just worked on a few agriculture video projects over the years.

[@markpatterson575]

Goretexel!! Class Stephen 😂used to have a pair of sealskin years ago , very thick , gonna check out these noord socks, what’s those trail runners you had on ?

[@deetoher]

You made me laugh with the sheep breed joke...

[@StephenJReid]

😁😁😁

[@sam3317]

waterproof socks are called plastic bread bags in my world.

[@StephenJReid]

😂 been there, done that during a 2 day mountain race.

[@sam3317]

@@StephenJReid see that's where you're going wrong Stephen, mountains are not for running up, you've got to saunter.

[@andyward87]

This is the Way

[@Justin_the_Runner]

I got my skydiving cert from Texel! Got your joke.

[@EileenMurphy]

I havent heard of the wp socks, but I do have some gore-texels!

[@Boost00130]

I got gifted a pair of waterproof socks for trail running and just can't stand them. I am someone who gets sweaty feet so even on the driest day I get wet feet, and even in the dead of a Canadian winter I find that wet feet warm up very quickly when running.

[@Jeff-q4u]

No I hadn't heard of them, and they don't sound easy to wash after a trek!

[@StephenJReid]

Gotta wash them carefully but doesn’t take long.

[@twiglet2214]

There's also waterproof wool from a sub species of Merino known as Sub Merino but my research suggested that they are as about as useful as a cat flap on a submarine - Oh i hear you say - i thought you were going to mention the dyslexic Yorkshireman that walks around wearing a catflap.I have a PhD in Sockology - they call me the Sock Doc so your research has been very informative - hope i haven't put my foot in it ? Would it be possible to use the socks to store liquids that can then be put in the freezer - custard/ribena/soup etc ?

[@RoadReality]

Ewe got me with the sheep joke :D

[@najsbajsmedmajs]

I don't really get the point of waterproof socks. If I wear thin nitril gloves and dip them in water it feels wet despite my hands not being wet. If I wear waterproof shoes and I dip them in water, they feel wet while the outside of the shoes are drenched because they are cold in the same way. I haven't actually tried waterproof socks but I just can't imagine they'd feel dry when the outside part is all soggy wet and cold. They'd just decrease perspiration without making much of a difference when it actually got wet. That's my hypothesis at least.

[@sl0th115]

What are the type of laces you have in your shoes? ben needing something similar

[@StephenJReid]

Lock Laces, great for shoes that don’t need to be super tight fitting

[@sl0th115]

@@StephenJReid perfect, thanks for replying

[@paganed]

I use them for snow & slush

[@suppelientje]

OMG.. the Gore-Texel! Didn't see that coming 😂😂 Btw any chance you'll be paddleboard camping again soon..?

[@capness1228]

My favourite superhero, Swamp Foot

[@StephenJReid]

With the power of feet so stinky they can level a city block! 😅

[@adventurousdavee]

I bought a pair of sealskins army version back in the day from ebay , they were decent enough for a couple of runs out , then found one had a hole in the toe and ended up with one wet foot everytime 🙈