Sealskinz Waterproof Socks Review

9.5
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Completely waterproof socks sound like a fantasy, right? Wrong. They are real and they are available from Sealskinz. Sealskinz Waterproof Socks are mid-length, mid-weight, waterproof, and windproof. They are perfect for a wide variety of conditions and activities. In addition to all that, bring both breathability and warmth to the table.

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks include StretchDry technology. This feature prevents odor and provides breathability, warmth, and comfort. So no matter what you're doing, your socks are up for the challenge.

Sealskinz lined their socks with merino wool which provides moisture control thanks to wool's wicking properties. The merino will draw moisture away from your skin. Then it will transfer the moisture to the outer layer of the sock where it can more easily evaporate. The end result is drier feet. Which, as well know, are comfortable feet!

These socks also have cushioning in the toe, heel, and footbed. Altogether, this cushioning provides a huge amount of shock absorption. The flat seam at the toe closure will prevent skin irritation, allowing you to go farther. 

All of these elements are great on their own. But when they work together as they do in these socks, they offer a huge range of benefits. Drier feet reduce your risk of athlete's foot. And every feature on this sock helps reduce your risk of blisters. They are exactly what you need for long hikes or lengthy runs.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros

Waterproof

Windproof

Breathable

Antimicrobial

Supportive

Comfortable

Cons

Expensive

Some need more coverage

Brand

Sealskinz began in 1996 in the United Kingdom. The company was born of necessity. The need to be the first one in and the last one out. The need to beat cold and wet terrain. The need to perform at your best.

When you’re in the outdoors, you have an Achilles heel. And it could happen to be your ears, fingers, toes, head, or feet, depending on what you leave most vulnerable to the conditions. These areas are what need the most protection when you’re in harsh climates.

The need to protect our bodies from the elements is what brought Sealskinz to life. Sealskinz provided the first laminated sock to the world; one that can keep moisture out and warmth in. Following the socks came gloves and hats with the same technology. Check here for more waterproof products.

Fit

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks are mid-length and will rest around the middle to the upper calf area. They will provide you with protection wherever they’re covering your skin. If you get into water that rises above the top of the sock, you may end up with wet feet. For more protection, try these.

There is ribbed detailing and elasticated support throughout the sock to provide you will a secure and comfortable fit. The Y-shaped gore heel construction is implemented to bring you a more natural feeling curve in the heel, as well as additional security and support. Sealskinz Waterproof Socks fit men’s shoe sizes ranging from three and a half to fifteen.

Waterproof

How exactly do they accomplish a completely waterproof sock? Sealskinz Waterproof Socks include three layers of materials specifically designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The outer layer is a mixture of nylon and elastane. Nylon is naturally water resistant with good breathability, even when it’s wet.

Below the outer layer is a hydrophilic membrane which works to stop water in its tracks. Although it is a strong membrane, it is also flexible and soft, being able to move with your feet. It is also lightweight so that it minimally interferes with your performance.

The membrane will allow your Sealskinz Waterproof Socks to still be able to breathe by dissipating your sweat via diffusing the water molecules. Your feet won’t become saturated with sweat because it will be released through the membrane.

The innermost layer is made with merino wool, which will also work hard to bring you comfort through moisture control. The wool will wick away the sweat from your feet and send it to the membrane to be dispensed of. It will also keep your feet at a comfortable temperature.

To get the most out of your Sealskinz Waterproof Socks, pair them with waterproof shoes.

Breathable

How is it possible to have a waterproof product that is also breathable? Science and a good design team. With a solid hydrophilic membrane in the middle layer of the sock, which doesn’t allow any water to pass through, you’d think there wouldn’t be any breathability.

However, it just breathes differently. Water molecules from your sweat are allowed to pass through the membrane because the humidity and temperature are much higher inside of your sock than outside of your sock. The water will be passed through the membrane and pushed to the surface of the sock. If you have problems with foot sweat, try this.

The outer layer of the Sealskinz Waterproof Socks is made of nylon and elastane, which will dry quickly. In the end, your feet will be dry without having to suffocate for it. If breathability is more of a necessity than waterproofing, try these.

Support

No matter what your activity level is or how strong your bones are, everybody can benefit from clothing that gives them support. When it comes to socks, it’s especially beneficial. If you are someone who experiences pain and discomfort in your feet, there’s a good chance that a little bit of support is all you need.

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks deliver more than protection from moisture. You can count on them for support where you need it most. The ankle and instep are elasticated. If you struggle with plantar fasciitis, diabetes, arthritis, tendonitis, and/or other conditions, then having a sock with support short be at the top of your priority list.

Having a strong foundation is a great strategy to help improve your pain and discomfort. This means that you need to have shoes and socks that work together for a common goal - bringing you support and comfort.

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks can also provide you with extra stability thanks to the support. The stability can help improve your posture and alleviate pain and discomfort that is related to having insufficient stability. For shoes that will give you support, check here.

Anti-Blister

Whether you’re indoors, outdoors, in cold or warm weather, blisters are always something you want to watch out for. There are many factors that contribute to the formation of blisters, including bunching, slipping, improper fit, and sweating.

If you’re playing hard, or in the heat, you’re likely to cause your feet to sweat. Without the proper measures in place to take care of your sweat, it will be left to hang out on your feet and cause your sock to slip around. The friction that this creates will lead to uncomfortable spots that could turn into blisters. Thankfully, these socks are designed to keep your feet free of sweat.

The Y-shaped gore heel is designed to be anatomically correct, giving you a more natural feeling curve with a more L-shaped angle. This assists with lessening friction and slippage. The heel, toe, and footbed are also padded, again reducing friction.

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks take care of the threat of sweat via the moisture-wicking wool, the hydrophilic membrane, and the quick dry properties of the nylon. The friction threat is taken care of by the elasticated ankle and instep, ribbed design, and extra padding throughout the sock. If you have problems with blisters, there is help available.

Comfort

Every part of the design process for the Sealskinz Waterproof Socks was thought up with comfort in mind. Every aspect is meant to bring you comfort, whether it’s from stability, cushioning, dryness, temperature control, etc.

Your feet will be free of skin irritation and blisters because of the measures put in place to prevent rubbing. Enjoy a secure fit thanks to the hints of elastic accents in the ankle and instep, the flat seam toe closure, the padded toe, heel, and footbed, along with the Y-shaped gore heel that will hug the natural curve of your heel.

Keeping your feet dry is usually something that people link to comfort. These socks can do just that for you. Waterproofing isn’t often associated with breathability, however, Sealskinz Waterproof Socks has stepped up to prove that they can go hand in hand by creating the perfect system of materials that will wick away moisture and dry quickly, while the hydrophilic membrane works tirelessly keeping water out and warmth in.

The merino wool lining is designed to maintain an ideal temperature inside of your socks, in both hot and cold conditions. For more temperature controlled products, check here.

Shock Absorption

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks are reinforced with terry looping for additional cushioning and support in the heel, toe, and footbed. It also provides shock absorption. Your body will thank you if you wear products that work to take away the brunt of the impact from foot strike.

Socks with shock absorption can protect you from pain and discomfort that would otherwise be felt by foot strikes. It can also help to prevent future injuries while healing current ones. You don’t have to avoid being on your feet if you suffer from conditions like Achilles tendonitis. If you feel pain and discomfort when walking, you could most likely benefit from shock absorbent socks. These can help with foot pain as well.

Care

Caring for your Sealskinz Waterproof Socks isn’t too awfully tricky. You will want to turn them inside-out to wash. The ideal washer settings would be either hand-wash or wool-wash. The temperature should be below one hundred and four degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t need to invest in any special laundry soap, but you’ll still want to use a quality brand. Check here.

Instead of putting your Sealskinz Waterproof Socks in the hot dryer, let them air dry. First, dry the inside (while they’re inside-out), and then flip them the correct way and dry the outside. Avoid using a radiator or any other form of direct heat. Too much heat will damage the membrane that provides the waterproofing. If you need to use a dryer, you can use the lowest temperature setting.

You’ll want to be sure to keep your toenails trimmed up when you wear your Sealskinz Waterproof Socks. Sharp toenails can damage the waterproof membrane. Be sure to inspect your footwear for thorns, stones, and any other sharp objects capable of damaging the waterproof membrane. It is a good idea to have shoes that are also waterproof. Check out these waterproof shoes.

Guarantee

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks come with a one hundred percent waterproof lifetime guarantee. If you experience a problem with your product, please return it to the company so that it can be put through their testing process again. If it is found that there is, in fact, a manufacturing defect, Sealskinz will replace your item.

If you do experience a problem, you will be given a replacement, free of charge, via the lifetime guarantee, so long as; the product is deemed to have a manufacturing defect, the product isn’t overly worn, and you’re able to provide proof of your purchase.

Before a replacement or refund is offered, Sealskinz asks for items to be returned for testing and inspection. If you purchase your item from an authorized retailer, you must attempt to return the product directly to them first. When you send your product in for a return, make sure that it is in a clean and dry condition.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning a hiking trip, a fishing trip, a hunting trip, or even just a run that may take you through wet or cold conditions, you may want to stop to consider purchasing a pair of Sealskinz Waterproof Socks. Not only will they protect you from the water, but they are also windproof. From your mid-calf to your toes will be protected by the waterproofing technology from Sealskinz.

When you think waterproof socks, you probably picture your feet suffocating and drowning in sweat. They don’t. The merino wool helps your feet to stay dry from sweat by wicking it away and sending it out through the hydrophilic membrane.

Sealskinz Waterproof Socks are also supportive. They bring this extra support through elasticated ankle and instep components, reinforced terry loop stitching in the footbed, heel, and toe, and a Y-shaped gore heel for a natural, secure, comfortable fit. These may come at a slightly steeper cost, but with a satisfaction guarantee, what do you have to lose?