• Wool is a staple of the DeFeet line. We source the highest grade wools on the planet. Combined with DeFeet construction, the result is the finest wool sock that you can buy. The DeFeet wool line is continually growing. This year we've added the Classico™ as well as a SpeeDe™. Wool has attributes that can't be found in other fibers. DeFeet wool socks stay cooler in the heat because of the construction of the mesh. They stay warmer when they are wet and in cooler temperatures because of the amazing thermal properties of wool.
• The Classico sock delivers modern performance in a 'retro' looking design. Other than looks, there is nothing retro about the Classico. The finest Merino wools give the Classico true four-season performance for cycling, running, nordic skiing, hiking, or just moving around town in a pair of clogs.

Initial Report - November, 2006

Arrival [return to top] The Classico Socks arrived on November 20, 2006. The package was received undamaged. Inside I found the socks in a standard retail hang package, along with the DeFeet Fall 2006 catalog. The packaging includes a diagram of the sock’s features (in English and French), as well as the ‘Ingredients’ and washing instructions, a sizing chart, and the one-year guarantee (also in English and French). There were no other contents, and all contents appeared undamaged.

Description [return to top] The Classico is the latest addition to DeFeet’s line of wool socks. They are crew length, with a ribbed cuff about 6 in (15 cm) high, and a ribbed compression band about 1½ in (4 cm) wide wrapping all of the way around the mid-foot. The top of the foot is woven in DeFeet’s trademarked Aireator mesh. The size – “LG” in this case – is indicated on the left of each sock, just below the mesh section and behind the compression band. The Classico is constructed of 48% Merino Wool, 6% CoolMax+Fresh FX (an anti-bacterial fiber), 43% nylon, and 3% Lycra. While the packaging indicates that the Classico is part of DeFeet’s ‘Thin’ line of socks, the catalog lists them under the ‘Full Cushion’ line, with the ‘Forefoot Cushion’ line existing in between. My initial impression upon feeling the socks is that they are a ‘Thin’ design.

First Impressions [return to top] The socks are exactly what I expected based on the web site, with one exception. In my experience, men’s size Large socks are usually US shoe size 10-13 – and are large enough to be too long for my feet – so I stick with Medium, as I prefer socks be slightly too small than slightly too large to prevent bunching. DeFeet’s size Large socks are US size 9.5-11.5, per the sizing chart on the web site. This sizing would put me in the lower range of Large instead of the upper range of Medium. With this in mind, and the large size of my calves, I chose the Large and am so far pleased with my choice.

Field Testing Plan [return to top] Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly, generally in the wooded areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. Almost all of these outings include a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures expected to be from lows around 15 ºF (-9 ºC) to highs around 65 ºF (18 ºC) during the 4-month test period. Elevations will range from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (450 m). We have added monthly hikes to our schedule as well. My wife and I, who between us have 3 high-ranking boy scouts (ages 15, 16 and 17), are also looking into additional camping without the scouts, and there are possibilities of some AT section hikes (with overnights) in Pennsylvania with my son as he works towards the Hiking Merit Badge. We have several trips definitely on our schedule so far for this winter: Thanksgiving weekend at a Scout camp, a Winter Survival campout held the first weekend in January, the Valley Forge Pilgrimage & Encampment (longest-running annual event in Scouting) in mid-February, and a possible ski trip in March. Temperatures last year for the regular events were perfect for testing, with Thanksgiving weekend ranging from a low of 23°F to a high of about 43°F (-5 to 6 °C) outside and maxing out at 50°F (10 °C) indoors, Winter Survival ranging from a low of 21°F to a high of about 31°F (-6 to 0 °C), and the P&E ranging from a low around 8-10 °F (-13 to -12 °C) to a high around 25-30 °F (-4 to -1 °C) with high winds and light snow. Temps and conditions this year should be comparable. I generally wear socks while hiking, foregoing them only during warm weather around camp in my sandals. As I hope to be on some even more varied terrain in the coming months as our Scouts start choosing new destinations for our monthly trips, I think it is time to add additional socks to my pack, both to keep my feet warm & dry and to try different types out. I plan to wear the socks on all coming outdoor trips, including camping and hiking, as well as wearing them to work (in an office) at least once a week, checking for both comfort and durability.

Things I am/will be looking for: [return to top] Fit. Do they fit me? Is the sizing on the web site accurate? Fabric. Is it durable? Does it stretch (permanently)? Does it fade? Is it windproof? Waterproof? Does it pill, pull, or snag readily? Warmth. How cold can it get and still keep my feet warm in sandals? How warm can it get and still keep my feet cool in boots? How much warmth do they add to my sleep system? Comfort. Do they keep my feet dry? Is the padding well located? Washability. Are there special instructions? Are they easy to follow? Do they dry well? Do they hold much dirt in the first place?

Things I like [return to top] Light. Comfortable. Things I don't like [return to top] Thinner than I expected.

Field Report - January, 2007

Field Testing [return to top] Over the weekend of November 24-26, 2006, we took our annual troop trip to go cabin camping at a local, wooded Scout camp – elevation around 500 ft (150 m) and hilly. The weather was damp (from rain earlier in the week) and cool, around 45 °F (7 °C), with a fairly steady breeze. I wore the socks with sandals on trail walks around the camp. I did not notice my feet getting cold, nor sliding around in my sandals. The sole padding provided plenty of cushioning, and the calf stayed basically put with just a bit of downward creep (I’ve got fairly large calves). I tried the socks out with my hiking boots, but found the boots – which are sized for slightly thicker socks – to have a few too many protuberances inside to be very comfortable for any significant length of time with socks this thin.

Over the weekend of January 6-7, 2007, we attended the 44th annual Winter Survival trip in our Scout district, just outside Philadelphia at a local park and right near sea level. Per the written requirements for this trip, I arrived in heavy boots and socks. Once setup and lunch had been completed however, and the boys were off taking part in their competitions, I changed out of my heavy footwear and switched to the Classicos and my camp shoes (Airwalk Clogs) to hang around in camp. Temperatures for the weekend set all-time records for both the event and for Philadelphia on that date, reaching 73 °F (23 °C), so the coolness of the socks was welcome. As the weather cooled to about 50 °F (10 °C) for the evening and the next day, my feet remained comfortably warm – in camp shoes – even as I added layers to my top half.

I have worn the socks to the office about once a week since my Initial Report, with a variety of shoes. With my New Balance 851s, which are about a half-size too small, the socks are great. They also work very well with my Keen Venice sandals. As I mentioned above, my hiking boots are just a bit large for socks this thin. This is also the case with my New Balance 748s. This is by no means a problem with the socks, as they are very nicely cushioned and comfortable, but I have fitted the shoes with different socks in mind. As such, I will probably limit the socks to use with the first two pairs of shoes – and my clogs in camp.

I have worn the socks with the following footwear:

Reviews > Clothing > Socks > DeFeet Classico > Chuck Kime > Test Report by Chuck Kime