Well over a year ago, pre any of the lockdowns, I started looking into the market for waterproof socks. They were not a new thing, they've been around for a while but I kind of dismissed then as a bit of fad and a gimmick that wouldn't really work for the purpose I required. They seemed quite bulky and due to being waterproof I assumed they'd be pretty hot. After all I had Goretex boots for walking/mountaineering and when you feet get wet whilst running, well you just keep moving. That is until you do some winter mountain running and cold and wet feet can mean frozen feet.
I came across a few pairs and put them to use. I was pretty surprised how good they were and used them on most of my winter runs across Dartmoor. The ones I tried were as I thought though, a bit bulky and took up what little toe space I had in my running shoes. My feet also got quite hot f no matter the weather, and I found they had a strange feel to them on the inside. A trade off for being waterproof. I pretty much went of the idea of them. As if in answer Dex Shell got in touch and offered me a pair of their waterproof socks to try out. I've actually had two pairs from them now and the most recent is more angled at running.
The DexShell Running Lite Socks are the thinnest DexShell have to offer. Obviously they're not going to be as thin as standard running socks, they still have to fit a membrane in between the drirelease liner and the outer. I'd estimate they're about the same thickness as standard pair of lightweight walking socks, but far less bulky than any other waterproof socks I've ever tried
Fit
So how did they do in practice? Well my primary reason for trying them was for cold weather (freezing) and prolonged distance in really wet conditions when trench foot might be an issue! First off, the fit was great, I'm a size 12 and went for the XL. They fitted fine and were not too loose and held my foot well. No issues with sliding around and most importantly, no blisters from movement or rubbing. To put it in perspective, on the last few runs they felt comfortable enough that I forgot I was wearing waterproof socks, to the point I needlessly avoided any wet encounters!
Performance
Quite simply, they do what they're meant to do. I have used them for trail runs, mountain runs, hiking and scrambling through really wet conditions and they've kept me dry when my shoes have been saturated. The furthest I have run in them is around the 15 mile mark and they were great throughout.
I wouldn't necessarily wear them too often outside of late autumn / winter, unless I was expecting a particularly prolonged wet and miserable day. I found my feet did get a bit sweaty in warmer weather or in bulkier less breathable trail shoes or boots. In walking shoes or boots I over came this by doubling up with a thin liner sock, but just rode it out when running.
So, if you're in the market for a waterproof sock, I would really recommend checking out the DexShell Running Lite sock. For a waterproof sock, they're exceptionally comfortable whilst still performing as they're meant to. No more bulky socks with a weird rubbery feel, a waterproof sock that's does what its meant to well enough to wear all day for a multitude of wet weather sports.
What DexShell say;
"The DexShell Running Lite Socks are waterproof socks designed for wet and muddy trail and mountain running. They have a Porelle membrane for waterproof breathable performance and a drirelease inner for great moisture management. They also have a close fit with elastic arch support to ensure they maintain a good fit even when wet.
DexShell use advanced technologies to produce waterproof socks, hats and gloves that are remarkably flexible, breathable and comfortable to wear. All DexShell products are engineered to be a durable as possible. We back all our products with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defaults."
Find out more at; dexshell.co.uk/
Comments