Feetures! Outdoor Quarter Crew Socks
Long Term Report – September 19, 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 and field reports.
Field Conditions:
These socks have continued to be used for several days a week over the last two months. Most of my hiking took place on trips in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, but I did make a foray outside of Washington to spend 6 days backpacking in Yosemite National Park. Elevation ranged from sea level to 10,000 feet (3048 m), precipitation over the last two months was non existent and temperatures ranged from the low 40’s F to 90+ F (4 C to 32 C).
Summary:
I have put over 200 miles (322 km) on the socks and they have continued to hold up well. I don’t feel like the “Power Bands” provided any support, but the elastic held up fine. I will continue to wear these socks even though the test period is over!
Long Term Results:
The socks held up well over the 4-month testing period. I tried my hardest to wear these socks out, but have not done so yet. The elastic in the “Power Band” and in the cuff have held up well. The toe seams are also in good shape. The socks are very nappy, but it is just cosmetic and not structural to the sock.
I enjoyed wearing the socks over the test period. I found them comfortable and wore them all the time. I even performed a super gross test to see how much they could take. I wore them for 6 days straight in Yosemite National Park and then stuffed them into my boots. 2 weeks later I pulled them out of my boots and wore them on another 4 day backpacking trip. They were smelly, but they were not stiff or uncomfortable. This was an extreme experiment but I am happy with the results. I did not experience any blisters during the test period and never experienced any discomfort from the seamless toe.
Improvements:
I think a ¾ length crew would be a nice addition. They were barely tall enough to cover my Achilles tendon when I wore them with my light-hiking boots.
Test Plan:
I evaluated the Feetures! Outdoor Quarter Crew Socks on the following characteristics over the past four months. My answers are in blue.
Durability:
- How durable is the Merino/Coolmax combination? They held up well over the entire test period.
- Are the socks reinforced in the heel and forefoot areas? They do not appear to have any reinforcement in these areas.
- Will the Lycra cuff retain its shape after washing and usage? It has.
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 performed well and I never felt like my feet got too hot or too cold.
- Is it good for three-season use? They have performed well through spring; summer and early fall here in the Pacific Northwest.
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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