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Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Incrediwear Hiking Socks with CBT > Test Report by Michael Mosack
INCREDISOCKS
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TESTER INFORMATION
I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing solo and group trips, with and without kids. I do day trips, weekenders and week-long or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates and seasons, from summer desert trips to Spring/Winter camping in Michigan, California and Grand Canyon, Arizona and I've worked in Afghanistan for 4 years & rely on my equipment constantly. I prefer to go lighter when possible and am always trying new items. Quality and reliability of items are paramount to me over price and weight.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Incrediwear INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Incredisocks Bamboo Charcoal Socks hereafter referred to as "Incredisocks" or "socks", are a crew length or mid calf length sock. They are described by the manufacturer as being for dress or athletics. The socks are constructed with a 3 dimensional weave to provide additional comfort and cushioning and the materials used are antimicrobial so as to not need daily washings during repeated use. The packaging (see photo) is attractive to me and simple in design. It provides quite a bit of information along with instructions and shows infrared imagery as evidence to back up their claim that these socks increase my foot temperature due to increased blood circulation. The packaging lists the information in two languages and gives a natural feel with the photo of a bamboo forest. The color green is consistent with nature, but it does not state whether there is any "Green" technology in the manufacturing processes. I did not locate any actual product warrantee information, but there is contact information listed on the packaging which I think shows that the company stands by its product. I should note that the packaging for the socks I received and am testing, show the size as M/L US Men 9.5-13 (EU 41-46). This size seems inconsistent with the website listed sizing information. The manufacturer states, "The socks are made in Taiwan from 5 year old mature Moso Bamboo found in the high mountains of Taiwan. Made from 100% bamboo charcoal and natural fibers" with a further breakdown on the packaging stating, "bamboo charcoal fiber 22%; cotton 48%; flexible fiber 30%." READING THE INSTRUCTIONS
Washing instructions which are printed on the packaging state, "Wash warm, tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not dry clean." TRYING IT OUT
I saw on the manufacturer's website where the company provides 19 individual customer reviews and every one of them reflect a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The reviews often do not actually clarify the specific product they are reviewing and the same 19 reviews are listed under all of the many different socks I clicked on. I am a skeptical person anyway, so such a high rating without any dissenting remarks seems awfully one-sided. I look forward to testing these socks for myself. SUMMARY
So far, I like the product. The socks appear to be well constructed and attractive. The website and packaging provide a good amount of information and tout their socks positively. I am interested to see if the customer reviews as listed on the website all reflecting 100% with a 5 star rating, are close to my upcoming experiences with these socks. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS I have worn these socks approximately 14 times during my daily travels in Afghanistan. The temperatures have ranged from 45 F (7 C) to 80 F (26 C). This is a desert type terrain with a surface ranging from a fine powder type dust to very rocky areas and bright clear sunny skies throughout. The elevations I have traveled during this testing phase have ranged from approximately 2200 ft (650 m) to over 7000 ft (2100 m). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
When I first felt the socks, I was initially concerned that their texture might not be very comfortable. My how surprised I was. These socks are definitely comfortable. They slide on my feet very easily and I can feel them hug my skin everywhere they touch. I have also noticed that my feet are a little warmer than when wearing other brands of socks. This is not a bad thing at all, despite what I first thought when I read the description of the socks when they were new. SUMMARY
To date, I have worn these socks many times and I have found that the socks are well made and quite comfortable. They stay up when I pull them up and they stay put when I wear them lower and nearer to my ankle. In other words, they are not quitters. So far the color has stayed pretty true to the original when new and they have not shrunk from the washing or drying. I did notice that some of the white colored letters spelling out Incredisocks have begun to wear off, but this has not affected the actual sock material. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
During this testing phase, I have been in eastern Afghanistan for the majority of the past two months. I have spent nine days with two overnight trips with three nights in the field with my socks, wearing them six times. I have also worn them an additional five times during this same period back at base camp totaling approximately 50 + miles (80 km). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I have not experienced any negative issues with these socks. Throughout the duration of this test, I have found that they maintain their shape and elasticity and are seemingly colorfast. I have hand washed these socks and allowed them to hang dry and have also machine wash and dried them as well. The machine settings have been warm water and the dryer settings I set at low to avoid any chance of shrinkage. I have worn these socks with standard military boots (Rocky C4 Trainers), civilian hiking boots (Oboz Beartooth) and running shoes and the socks have worked well for me each time. SUMMARY
I think the best feature about these socks is that I do not know they are even on my feet. I forget I am wearing them as they are that comfortable. The socks still do not seem affected by foot odor despite many washings and the pilling of the material isn't getting any worse than any other sock I own. They breathe well. They are easy to clean and they dry quickly. Read more reviews of Incrediwear gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Mosack Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Incrediwear Hiking Socks with CBT > Test Report by Michael Mosack |