Teko Eco Merino Wool Hiking Socks

Initial Report

Report date: September 29, 2005

Biographical Information:

Name: Chuck Carnes

Age: 35

Gender: Male

Height: 6’0” (1.83 m)

Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)

Shoe Size: 9 1/2 (USA)

Email address: ctcarnes1(at)yahoo(dot)com

City, State, Country: Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Backpacking Background:

I love the outdoors – I’ve spent time camping in the outdoors since I was born, and have been actively hiking and backpacking for the past ten years. I consider myself a lightweight hiker, usually carrying 20 – 30 pounds (11-13 kg) for hikes up to a week in length. I hike at an easy pace, averaging 2 mph (3 kph). I am a one man tent camper for now until something I like better comes along. I like to carry a single trekking pole when I hike to help relieve stress to my legs and knees. I like to get out on the trail as often as I can.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Teko

Sock Size: Large

Color: Sky with Moon Mist

Style: Crew

Content: 65% Merino Wool, 23% Ecopoly Recycled Polyester, 10% nylon, 2% Lycra

Year of Manufacture: 2005

URL: www.tekosocks.com

MSRP: $17.95 (US)

Listed weight: no weight listed by manufacturer

Weight as delivered: 3.8 oz (108 g) (pair)

Product Features (taken from web site):

·  High Moisture transfer keeps feet dry

·  Prevents blisters

·  Fast drying

·  Merino® Wool: Our Merino Wool comes from New Zealand sheep farmers who have been practicing environmentally sound techniques for hundreds of years. The wool is shrink resistant and we dye it to meet Oekotex 100 standards.

·  Ecopet® Recycled Polyester: Ecopet, a product of Teijin Ltd. in Japan, uses advanced technology to recycle polyester products and PET bottles into highly pure, raw polyester. It has great moisture transfer, soft hand, and is incredibly durable.

Delivery:

            I received two pairs of Teko Hiking socks in a slightly crushed brown box. There were no other contents in the box.

Initial Impression:

            I was very excited when saw that I received two pairs of the Teko Merino Wool Hiking socks. This will allow me to wear a pair and keep the other pair handy when I need to change them; that way I can extend the testing time. The socks came with a cardboard display card that was folded and held the socks in a folded fashion. Just like most socks are displayed in the stores. The card has the socks’ information on the front such as the Teko logo, the size of the socks, a small picture of the crew style sock, the model of the socks, a recycling statement asking to recycle the display card, some company info and some statements on environmental stuff. Inside the card is a watermark type image of sheep grazing in a pasture and some more of their manufacturing statements on their ecological products. Also inside the card is their statement that basically says if you wear the socks for a year and you are not satisfied with their performance, return for another pair or refund. The back of the card has two pictures of a crew style sock with features listed from ‘A’ to ‘H’. One of the pictures and features is in English and the other is in French. Also on the back is a sizing chart, contents breakdown of the socks (as listed above under ‘Product Information’) and washing instructions. The washing instructions are as follows: Machine wash warm inside-out, tumble dry low, no iron, no bleach.

            The socks were not attached to the display card in any way except through a slot in the card and folded over. I took one pair from the card and looked them over. Just looking at them makes my feet start to tingle. I pulled them on over my feet and I could instantly feel comfort around my feet and lower leg. All of the padding in the heel and toe areas fit in the right spots. The arch band that encircles my arch and upper foot creates a nice snug fit for extra support in the arch. The socks come up to about mid-calf on my leg. They feel soft on my skin with no scratchy fibers itching my leg. I wore them around my house for about three hours. All of our floors are hardwood so I felt like if my feet stayed comfortable on these hardwood floors, they would stand a chance in my shoes or boots. After about three hours, my feet felt like they had been standing on soft foam all this time. The cuff on the sock hugs my calf nicely without being to tight. During this time the socks did not slide down my leg, the cuff held them in place. My feet still felt comfortable in the socks and when I removed them, they were no signs of perspiration. So far these socks really feel good on my feet and I will continue to wear them in the field for more testing.

Test Plan:

            My test plan for the socks is to test the overall comfort and durability of the sock. How well they hold up to numerous miles of wear and tear? I will try these in my hiking boots to test the comfort and fit and to test the lace pad area for comfort. I will be looking to confirm the features that are listed above and on the display card and how well they perform. I will make notes of any discomforts and include those in my Field Report.

Thank you Teko and BGT for the opportunity to test these socks.