by Sam Gravestock
We have all heard the old saying "good boots and good bed - if you aren't in one, you are in the other". Whist this statement is one I personally agree with and follow the advice in it I feel it misses one vital item - Good Socks!
Socks can be the crucial factor between a pleasant amble and the trek from hell. They can influence your body temperature, the way you walk, the fit of your boots, to name but a few things a humble sock can affect.
Most if not all outdoors folk have heard the advice from many experienced walkers to wear two pairs of socks to minimise friction which can cause crippling blisters. Personally, I have never bothered wearing two pairs of socks due to the fact my feet overheat and begin to smell, erm how show we put this... unpleasant, which is a mild way of describing it I can assure you! I have always preferred to trust in one pair of thick socks and foot powder for both blistering and also rancid feet.
Recently I was sent a pair of Blister-Free Socks to review. These socks are double layered to offer no friction thus no risk of blisters and also extra comfort. They have an anti-odour effect and are hard wearing. Impressive claims for such well-priced socks! I must say I was dubious about all the claims above and almost wanted to prove them wrong.
Having worn these socks for camping, walking and just general day to day use I can confirm they are indeed comfortable. They feature stretch areas across the toe area and over the top of the foot, areas which move the most when walking. The heel also features the same material to allow movement without friction or discomfort. The heel and toe materials are also hard wearing as these are the areas most vulnerable to wear and tear (or at least they are the first areas to wear out on my socks).
The socks feature an innovative copper insole which eliminates 99% of bacteria. Now I have tested this in the only way I know how to - wearing the socks for far longer than is wise (four days). Usually this results in me being forcibly cleaned (otherwise known as hosed down) and also me wishing I was taller than I am so I am further away from my own feet! However I can happily report that the anti-bacterial copper insole worked a treat. Whilst not shower fresh my feet were not classified as a bio hazard.
The blister-free claim can also be confirmed as well. I am not a distance walker by any stretch of the imagination but in the spirit of a fair review I felt obliged to do some. Because I am not a distance walker my feet are not the toughest, despite this and walking a fair distance my feet remained blister-free which was a definite bonus. Having walked with some truly horrific blisters in the past this is a true relief as I am sure others will understand.
The double layer of sock did take some getting used to for me as it is not something I am familiar with and if not putting the socks on properly the layers can bunch up at the toe but this is easily solved with a little thought whilst putting them on (this becomes second nature very quickly and no longer thought about). Another merit of double layering is that it adds some more warmth to the socks when you are stationary whilst checking the map or relaxing after the day's hike.
As I said at the start of this review good boots and good bed needs amending to include good socks and these are the socks I think of when I add it.
You can buy the Blister-Free Socks directly from this site.
January 2013
