Feetures! Outdoor Quarter Crew Socks
Field Report – July 17, 2006
Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Shoe Size: 9-10 US/42-43.5 EU depends on the shoe
Email address: c4jc "at" hotmail "dot" com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, U. S.
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 18 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the Boy Scouts of America and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am generally a lightweight hiker, but will carry extras to keep me comfortable. I have recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and spend most of my time hiking and backpacking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, but I can be found exploring the other wild areas of Washington!
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Feetures!
Model: Outdoor Quarter Crew
Size: Large (received), also available in Men’s sizes M and XL. Women’s sizes also available.
Color: Heather Grey, (received) also available in Charcoal and Khaki
Year of Manufacture: 2006
URL: www.feeturesbrand.com
Listed weight: None Listed
Measured weight: 2 oz/ 57 g, size large
| Men’s Listed Sizes: |
Medium 5-8.5 US |
|
Large 9-12.5 US |
|
XL 13-16 US |
Fabric Content: 35% CoolMax® Polyester, 28% Merino Wool, 18% Acrylic, 17% Nylon, 2% Lycra® Spandex
MSRP: $13.99 US
Country of Manufacture: They do not list a country.
Product Description:
Feetures! describes these socks as the “best of both worlds featuring the perfect combination of Merino wool for warmth, CoolMax® for moisture control, Micro-denier acrylic for strength, nylon for durability and Lycra® Spandex for our Famous Fit & Feel.™
- Unique “Power Bands” of Lycra hug the entire foot for maximum support
- Famous Fit & Feel™ - won’t slip inside your shoe
- Warms and protects without the bulk
- The Perfect Toe™ (No irritating toe seam)
- Size indicated on each sock for easier identification/matching”
For more information please see my initial report.
Summary:
So far the socks have performed very well. They continue to fit me well and show little sign of durability or wear issues. I have not noticed any extra support from the “Power Bands.”
Field Conditions:
I have used the socks on 11 backpacking and day hiking trips over the past two months. They have been worn on day hiking and backpacking trips in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest and the Buckhorn Wilderness in the Olympic National Forest. Elevation has ranged from sea level to 5500’ (1676 m). They experienced all types of precipitation including snow! Temperatures ranged from 80 F to 30 F (27 C to -1 C). In addition to backpacking and hiking, I have also used the socks while road and trail running, mountain biking, and playing golf.
Field Test Results:
I have been pleased with socks thus far in my testing. I have put 120 miles (193 km) on them in the past two months and they seem to be holding up well. All the seams are holding up well. The elastic cuffs are maintaining their shape nicely. The fabric is developing a knapped appearance but it appears to be only a cosmetic issue.
The socks are very comfortable and I have found them to be useful for multiple activities including backpacking, hiking, running, mountain biking and golf. I have not experienced any blistering or hot spots from the seams on the socks. The socks have been used during a wide range of temperature levels and I have found them to be comfortable in all situations.
Improvements:
None at the moment
Test Plan:
I evaluated the Feetures! Outdoor Quarter Crew Socks on the following characteristics over the past two months. My answers are in blue.
Durable
- How durable is the Merino/Coolmax combination? So far they seem to be doing well.
- Are the socks reinforced in the heel and forefoot areas? I find these areas wear the most in my socks. They do not appear to have any reinforcement in these areas.
- Will the Lycra cuff retain its shape after washing and usage? It has thus far.
Usefulness
- Does the “Power Band” Lycra in the arch provide any noticeable support? I cannot tell any difference.
- Is the “Perfect Toe” really non irritating? Yes, I have not experienced any blistering or hot spots in this area.
- Does the Merino/Coolmax fabric actually keep my feet cool or will I drench these socks while hiking in warmer weather? They do not seem to be cooler than any other sock. I have not experienced any excessive wetness either.
- Is it good for three season use? So far they seem to be great for three season use.
Thanks to Backpackgeartest.org and Feetures! for allowing me to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Feetures gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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