SealSkinz Waterproof mid weight, mid length Walking and Hiking Socks for Men and Women
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Waterproof mid weight, mid length Walking and Hiking Socks for Men and Women Vital Statistics: Colours: Black Sizes: S, M, L, XL SRP: £30.00

Waterproof mid weight, mid length Walking and Hiking Socks for Men and Women

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black

Sizes:
S, M, L, XL

SRP:
£30.00

Features to Note:

3 layer construction
Elasticated arch and ankle
Inner: 41% Merino wool, 44% Acrylic, 14% Nylon, 1% Elastane
Outer: 91% Nylon, 9% Elastane

In-use Test:

My main walking boots are waterproof, so to check out the waterproofness of these Sealskinz socks I devised my own test that subjected the socks to rather more extreme 'wet' conditions than I would normally expect to experience. I'd been cleaning a pair of my older walking boots and had rather overdone the wetting - so the boots were actually soaking wet.

I prefer to wear two pairs of walking socks anyway so I put on my normal socks, added the Sealskinz socks over them then put one my very wet boots. I then spent about 5 hours on a low level walk around Oxfordshire.

At the end of the walk, I removed the (still) wet boots, removed the Sealskinz socks - and found that the inner sock (and my feet) were pretty well completely dry. So I'm now convinced that these Sealskinz socks most definitely are waterproof!

There also did not appear to be much build-up of perspiration - so the waterproofness does not appear to have been at the expense of breathability either.

These mid-weight socks are calf length and do have a reasonable level of padding in the sole and around the heel. The inside is quite soft - unlike the exterior which does have a slightly harsh feel.

Although I worn them with a liner sock for walking, I have worn them on their own for cycling when they've been warm enough during Autumn. I've yet to test them in cold Winter weather, but I think I would need a liner/second sock then.

Buying Advice:

If your walking boots have ceased to be waterproof, then these Sealskinz will certainly rectify that situation! You may need to add liner socks to increase thermal properties in colder weather.

What do you think?

Have you got a pair of SealSkinz Waterproof mid weight, mid length Walking and Hiking Socks for Men and Women?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of SealSkinz Waterproof mid weight, mid length Walking and Hiking Socks for Men and Women - so we can publish your important views below.

• Don't waste your money buying at your local outdoor store. I've bought a pair of genuine military issue ones off ebay for £18.00 & they are just as good Certainly do as they say in keeping your feet dry, i usually wear a pair of thin cotton socks inside them to make them super smooth.

Steven Gill, Leeds

• I bought some of these due to my feet's magnetic attraction to bogs. They are very good at preventing liquid from passing through them. But in my case they did an excellent job of keeping water IN. So much so that I could pour water out of them. They aren't worth the money at double the price of normal socks.

Matthew King, Grays

• Hi, I'm 6'6" & take a sie 14 in boots. I can get the boots no problem & 100% waterproof, however, I couldn't always get proper mountain socks until i bought my 1st pair of Sealskins about 5/10 years ago in Fort William. They are super waterproof and I've been recommending them to all of my walking friends & others who don't walk at all. They may be expensive but they're well worth the money. I have both knee length & mid length. When the weather is bad & very rainy I wear them inside my sneakers going to work & my feet remain dry & comfortable all day. I suffer with bad legs due to Varicose veins & Cellulitis & have to wear Elastic supports. The Sealskins are very tight at the top of the sock in the shorter pair and cause my legs to swell, so I have to wear the supports with the Sealskins - that's the only drawback. Otherwise I would highly recommend them to everybody.

Seamus Fleming, Inchicore Dublin

• Day 2 of Coast to Coast I stepped into a thigh high bog in my beloved but suspectly waterproof boots and arrived that evening at my destination with very wet feet. Miraculously this was at Grasmere where there is a brilliant Cotswold Rockbottom shop. I bought some Sealskin socks and walked another soggy 100+miles with dry feet. This made it worthwhile re sole-ing the dear boots so I don't have to rely on my blister causing Meindls for long hikes. I also use their gloves for wet muddy press ups 60020806in British Military Fitness outdoor sessions. Great product!

Brenda Evans, Cambridge