SPECIFICATIONS

The Rocky Gore-Tex Oversocks are manufactured by Rocky Boots

Web: http://www.rockyboots.com

Year of Manufacture: 2004
MSRP: U.S. $51.95 (Model 8011) or $57.95 (Model 8013)

The Rocky Boots website is informative and easy to navigate.  The site provides images and reasonable product information.  No online store is provided, but links to online retailers are provided.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

PACKAGING & PACKAGE CONTENTS

The Rocky Gore-Tex Socks arrived in good order, packed in a USPS Priority Mail box.  Inside the box were the socks, tagged to the display package pictured in this report.  No assembly was required.  

The sock on the left is inside out.

I'll be honest here...  My initial impression was, "Holy smokes!  This is NEVER going to work!"  The oversocks are a little stiff and when I turned one inside out the seams were taped, but large and kind of rough.  (See images below.)  My fears were a little unfounded, as I reveal below.

OVERVIEW OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION, AND FEATURES

The rear of the Rocky Gore-Tex Oversocks' display packaging (pictured left) provides a list of features.  Durable, Waterproof, Highly Breathable, Windproof. It then describes the Gore-Tex membrane, which is something I've never quite understood.  Water molecules are water molecules.  Good old H2O.  Vapor molecules aren't any smaller.  But then, sometimes the science of things escapes my simple mind.  I suppose that now I'll have to investigate this thoroughly and educate myself.

The package continues with a list of activities that can benefit from waterproof oversocks.  Bicycling, Skiing, Hiking, Hunting, Sailing, Canoeing, Running, and Walking.  I'll try to include all of those - except skiing in my testing.  There just isn't much snow here in the deep south.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS There isn't much documentation, but not much is needed.  They are, after all, socks.  They are designed to be worn over regular socks.  The instructions illustrate how to put them on to maximize their life, as pictured at left. Honestly, the instructions don't work at all for me.  If I try to put them on using the indicated method, it's impossible.  If I slide them on like socks - pulling from the cuff - they go on very easily, with no apparent stress on the sock whatsoever.

TRYING IT OUT

I have size 10 1/2 EEEE feet.  At first I ordered a size 10, but they were too small, so I exchanged them for a size 11.  The size 11s are still a little snug, but I consider that they fit well.  They fit over my thin socks, but getting them over my heavy wool socks is a challenge.  I think that if I were to order another pair, I would order a 12, but I don't wear thick socks when I wear oversocks, so I'm a little torn.  So far, all the packaging claims seems reasonable.

My only concern, as shown in the picture to the left, is with the seams which are sealed and taped.  The seam shown is the center back seam at the heel.  It is quite prominent, and rather rough despite the tape.

I have a pair of Redwing 2156 hiking boots that I dearly love.  (www.redwingshoes.com) I've had them for nearly ten years, and they are still serviceable but the Cambrelle® lining is long gone and is no longer waterproof.  The original sole has been replaced with a Vibram Lug 100 sole, and the original insoles replaced with Spenco Hiker insoles.  I love these boots, but they're nearly ready for replacement.  I've never had a blister in them, despite many, many, many (yes, many!) miles in them.  Enter Rocky Gore-Tex Oversocks.  I was excited that I could get extra use out of my old favorites.

I was very worried about the seams being so prominent.  I was also worried about getting my feet into my boots once I got the oversocks on.  All of these fears have proven unfounded so far.  My feet fit perfectly into my boots with the Rocky Oversocks, and I don't feel the seams at all after a few minutes.  I forget that I have them on.  Further testing will prove whether or not the seams cause me any trouble, but so far, so good.

TESTING STRATEGY

I will wear the Rocky Gore-Tex Socks at every opportunity.  I have already worn them a few times on my daily walks.  I have several hikes during the test period in various terrain, and at least one canoe trip planned.  I will be especially keen on how the Rocky Socks do when I am wearing sandals in wet and muddy conditions, and if they will be valuable in the heat and humidity of the Deep Gulf South.  I'll probably drag them around in the swamp some as well.

SUMMARY

THINGS I LIKE

1.  Guaranteed waterproof.  
2.  Good fit once I got the right size.
3.  Quality construction.

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

1.  Heavy, rough interior seams.  

***

Thank you for your time.

Shane Steinkamp
shane@theplacewithnoname.com
www.theplacewithnoname.com/hiking