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Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Rocky Gore-Tex Socks > Andy Mytys > Initial ReportRocky Gore-Tex OversocksInitial Report
Product Information:
Product Description: The Rocky Oversocks came packaged in a small box with the box's backing extended out to form a hang-tab. Operating instructions, a technical overview of the oversocks' construction and capabilites (waterproof, windproof, breathable) and suggested uses were printed on the packaging. The Rocky Oversocks are waterproof socks that incorporate a Gore-Tex membrane in their construction. This membrane, based on its physical properties, prevents water from passing through while allowing perspiration to escape. The waterproof socks are designed to be worn over regular socks and claim to be waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
Test Unit Description: As one would expect, the Rocky Gore-Tex Oversocks look like a pair of socks. The socks are composed of three layers - an inner lining, a central Gore-Tex membrane, and an outer fabric. The socks have a lot of seams used in their construction, which are taped from the inside to prevent water from entering along the stitches. There is a seam at the rear of each sock, positioned centrally, that runs down the back of the leg to the heel. There are another two seams on either side of each sock, which run down from the top of the sock and end at points along the foot just before the toes begin. A final seam is located at the bottom of each sock, and follows a path around the sole of the foot. The side seams split the socks into two regions of fabric - an upper panel that covers the top of the foot and a rear panel over the back of the foot. The front panel is black in color, and is composed of a stretchable fabric that conforms to the shape of the foot. The rear panel is gray in color, and is composed of a non-stretch fabric. This non-stretch fabric is also used for the material making up the sole of each sock. The oversocks are 11-inches (28 cm) in height, measured from the base of the heel up. On my foot, the socks stop about two inches (5 cm) below the base of my calves.
Sliding In and Out of the Oversocks: Trying to get my foot into the Rocky Oversocks when they were new required quite a bit of contortion on my part. The oversocks have very little stretch to them, and maneuvering the socks over the heel of my foot proved to be difficult. After five days of slipping into them and going for a mile's (1.6 km) walk, however, I can no longer say that it is difficult for me to put the oversocks on. Either they have adjusted to my foot, or I have adjusted to them. Either way, I can now easily put them on over a thick layer of socks, made up of a standard cotton athletic sock coupled with a thick Wigwam wool sock over it. Removing the socks was also an arduous task, and continues to be difficult after using the socks for almost a week. Initially, I found it best to remove all my socks at once, allowing the oversock to be removed in the process. I can now remove just the oversock, but it does require applying some technique. I've found that the oversocks are easiest to remove if I place my index finger into the sock, positioning it so that when I run the finger down towards my heel, it will fall into the narrow channel found between by ankle and my heel. Continuing to applying downwards pressure on my finger, I force it, and the oversock, over my heel and eventually off of my foot. When I have difficulties getting the oversock over my heel, I just push enough of the fabric down so that I can easily grab it at the heel from the outside of the oversock and pull it off my foot. All of the techniques described above run counter to the directions for putting the socks on supplied by the manufacturer. Rocky states that the oversock should have its cuff and upper gathered into deep folds and that the foot should be eased in, with the sock gently being slid over the heel. There's no way I can get this to work - I have to grab the cuff, stick my foot in, and pull. In theory, I could be damaging the oversock by applying this technique. Rocky's instructions come with the warning that, "failure to put this product on as shown could lower its performance." There's also a caution against "wrenching or sudden jerking motions" while putting the sock on, as "incorrect handling... may shorten their waterproof life span by fracturing the Gore-Tex membrane." Hopefully, I am not damaging the sock using my method. When putting the socks on, I make an effort to point my toes as much as possible, bringing my foot into a near straight alignment with the rest of my leg. I find that doing this allows the sock to be placed on the foot with little resistance, and there is no "wrenching or jerking" that occurs. With any luck, this will prove to be a viable alternative to Rocky's instructions.
Comfort: In terms of comfort, I find that the Rocky Oversocks are fine as long as the socks they are covering have some pile to them. I found that a variety of socks - ranging from common cotton athletic socks to lightweight nylon hiking socks to thick wool expedition weight socks - wear well in combination with the Rocky Oversocks. However, thin nylon socks, such as Coolmax liner socks, simply didn't have the necessary thickness to keep me from feeling the bottom seam of the oversocks rubbing against the sole of my foot.
Care and Maintenance: Rocky recommends that customers wash the oversocks by hand in luke-warm or cold water using powdered detergent or soap. Rinse thoroughly, gently squeezing out the rinse water. DO NOT WRING. Air dry only.
Rocky Oversocks Website Feedback: I found the manufacturer's website gave a fair description of the oversocks, but found myself questioning how the sock length of the individual models was calculated. As it turns out, the measurement is taken at the heel, from the ground up.
Test Plan: I'm planning on having a lot of fun testing these socks. Puddles will not be walked around, they will be jumped into. As a lightweight/ultralight hiker, I carry one footwear solution with me - either a pair of running shoes or sandals. I will be carrying the Rocky Oversocks in my pack, donning them whenever I find myself in wet conditions. In terms of performance, I am expecting the oversocks to keep my feet dry, even when my shoes are soaked through for days at a time. Living in a humid state, it can take a few days of hot, dry weather to completely dry out a pair of running shoes. Even when there is no precipitation present, high dewpoint temperatures can mean a wet trail until mid-afternoon, with wet conditions returning in the late evening. This translates into hiking in wet shoes, even when there has been no rain or pools of water present on the trail. The oversocks will also be directly exposed to a wet and muddy trail when worn in sandals. In addition to backpacking, I will be vacationing in Europe for a month. Unlike in the US, where I pretty much drive everywhere I need to go, I'll be relying on public transportation. This translates into a LOT of walking, traveling to and from bus stops and train stations. There are also no indoor shopping malls where I will be visiting, so meeting my basic needs will entail walking around town, from shop to shop, rain or shine. Finally, the testing period for the Rocky Oversocks will extend into the late fall and I expect to be wearing them through the first snowfalls of the season, when moderate temperatures can turn the ground into a slushy mess. Overall, I will be giving the Rocky Oversocks a challenging workout. While the socks' design may indeed keep moisture out, there's still the question of breathability. The manufacturer claims that the socks are highly breathable, allowing for perspiration to get out. But, will the level of breathability be high enough to effectively keep my feet dry, or will my feet's perspiration levels overtake the abilities of the oversocks, saturating my feet from the inside? Durability and long-term performance will also be commented on. Will the oversocks remain waterproof throughout the entire span of testing? Challenges include my non-compliance with handling instructions and being able to keep the oversocks clean. It is well publicized that Gore-Tex is an effective water barrier as long as it is kept clean. Dirt particles found on Gore-Tex can pierce into the material's pores creating passages where water can penetrate through. These socks will by on my feet and be directly exposed to mud, sand, dirt, skree, etc. This is hardly a dirt-free environment. How well will these socks perform in the long run? Personal Biographical Information:
Backpacking Background: I live in Michigan and have been hiking seriously for 15 years, although I've camped since I was 6 years old. I consider myself a lightweight hiker. I carry the lightest gear I can get my hands on which will provide a comfortable wilderness experience and adequately support the goals of my trip. Unless my goals are time/distance oriented, my pace is always slow. I rarely exceed 1.5 miles (2.4 km)/hour. I rest frequently, hike long days, and enjoy whatever nature throws my way. Read more reviews of Rocky Shoes and Boots gear Read more gear reviews by Andrew Mytys Reviews > Clothing > Socks > Rocky Gore-Tex Socks > Andy Mytys > Initial Report | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||