Have you tried the Porelle Waterproof Socks? Unconvinced that they work?
Well, try the latest range of "SealSkinz" from the makers of Porelle may well change your mind, I did!
My pair of SealSkinz Mid-Light Waterproof socks popped through the door this morning and to my surprise they are actually nothing like my Porelle Drys. This new breed of breathable waterproof sock is much softer, lighter, thinner and more flexible than the original socks making them very comfortable and easier to put on and take off. I also received some thermal liner socks; these are designed to be used in conjunction with the waterproof ones for added warmth and comfort.
I couldn't wait to get out with my socks and test them so I quickly planned a 20-mile route around my local Leicestershire countryside and headed off into the drizzle. For a change I was riding straight through puddles and fording streams where possible to really give these socks a run for their money. And they stood up to it all! The usual plunge into a shallow stream leaves your feet feeling damp and cold but with the combination of Mid-Light Waterproof Socks and the Thermal Liners, I noticed only a very slight drop in temperature and my feet came out dry.
Later in the ride I found myself walking through a field of long wet grass with several frisky Fresians who seemed to be trying to mug me and nick my socks. I emerged on the other side unscathed but relieved to have survived the cows and still have dry, toasty warm feet.
On returning to my Loughborough house (with warm, dry feet) I decided that these socks were too good and they must fail at some point, so it was time to do a scientific test. I filled the bath until it was about 9 inches deep with cold water and then stepped in and splashed around for a few minutes, I then stepped out and the water just ran off the socks like water off a ducks back, I peeled back the sock and my feet were still dry! I then repeated the experiment but without the thermal liner socks. This too was a success and only a slight cooling sensation was felt when I dipped my feet in. Well it wasn't so scientific but I thought it was a good test and it confirmed my view that these socks do actually work.
As a summary to my test ride and experiment, I can conclude that the SealSkinz I tested performed admirably, faultlessly providing warm waterproof protection and they were effectively breathable. The weather was not cold but had it been I think my feet would have still been pleasantly warm and I would certainly not have felt the numbness you often experience with regular socks in cold weather. My only reservation is that the thermal liner socks are not machine washable but this is only a minor grumble.
I am happy to say that I am very impressed by the socks and SealSkinz will be my first choice for Waterproof Socks in the future.
For more information about SealSkinz products please visit their website at: www.SealSkinz.com You can also buy these socks and more SealSkinz products online at www.SealSkinz.com
Note:I will remind you that all reviews on Offroad Adventures - Online are carried out in an unbiased fashion and If we don't like something we will tell you. The fact that SealSkinz sent me these items to test and the fact that they are advertising on Offroad Adventures - Online has no bearing on the outcome of any tests carried out on the site.
Last Updated 21-12-2000
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