LONG TERM REPORT

THORLO LEVEL 1 LAMBSWOOL BLEND HIKING SOCKS

Richard Lyon
February 19, 2006

Product Details

Manufacturer: THORLO, Inc. (www.thorlo.com)
Year of manufacture: 2005
Weight as delivered: 3.7 oz (105 g)
Height as measured from base of heel to top of sock:  9 in (23 cm) (See comment below)
Size: Medium (Per manufacturer's website, fits men's US shoe sizes 10.5 – 11.5; see comment below)
Style: Crew (Also available in mini-crew)
Color: Hazelnut brown (Also available in graphite, black, midnight blue, moss green)
Materials: 48% lambswool, 37% nylon, 13% polyester, 2% elastic
MSRP: USD15.99
For a description of these socks, see my Initial Report.

Testing conditions

I have continued the test conditions set out in my Field Report: regular use during workout sessions at my health club and on day hikes around Dallas.  On the day hikes the weather has been clear with temperatures in the 60s or 70s F (15 - 25 C).  Humidity is always low on the North Texas prairie.  I've washed the socks at least once a week in the manner described in my Field Report. 

Updated Results 

As discussed in more detail below, I've been impressed with the socks' performance and durability.  They look almost like new after seventeen weeks of regular use for the purposes given by the manufacturer.  Indeed they've retained their shape and good looks well enough that I often wear them as everyday socks. 

I have encountered only one problem: the socks shrink slightly after machine drying (on the recommended "medium" setting).  When this occurs I no longer get the perfect fit that I found out of the box.  Occasionally on the first use after laundering my right heel (my right foot is slightly larger than my left) extends a bit beyond the heel of the sock, resulting in a sock that begins to slip down into my shoe after brisk walking.  After retrieving a sock from the dryer I measured it from heel to cuff and confirmed a one-eighth inch (3.2 mm) shrinkage.  A couple of tugs and the problem disappeared, thanks no doubt to the stretch in the sock's wool content.   After a recent washing I let the socks air-dry in the utility room, and they were completely dry after six hours – entirely satisfactory for my purposes.  I found no shrinkage after the air drying.

My problem with shrinkage may have to do with the fact that my sock size is just on the margin between two available Level 1 sizes.  In my Initial Report I commented upon Thorlo's inconsistent sizing information.  On its website a Medium sock is said to fit U.S. sizes 10.5 to 11.5, and size Large to fit 12.0 – 14.0.  On the basis of those data I selected Medium to fit my 11.5 foot.  On the paperboard hanger that came with the socks a Medium is advertised to fit U.S. sizes 8.5 – 10.0.  The hangtag is just plain wrong.  Either Thorlo does not account for shrinkage or (and this is more likely, as I often buy size 12 socks) my right foot is somewhere between sizes 11.5 and 12.  As noted, so far this has been a manageable problem with the Level 1s.

Here is updated commentary on my test criteria from my Initial Report:

Fit.  Will the socks shrink with washings? Will the elastic continue to hold the socks up, with no sagging? Will the perfect off-the-shelf fit remain after washing and heavy use? Will the socks "slip" at the heel (a frequent problem because of my narrow heel)? See discussion above.

Comfort.  Will the socks scratch or itch? To avoid this is another reason I prefer socks with a high wool content.  No itching even during or after heavy use at the gym.  Strong performance, very much like all-wool socks.

Durability.  I wash my socks after every hike, and usually after every exercise session.  Will the socks retain wickability, fit, padding, elasticity, and shape? Will there be pilling or "erosion" of heel padding?  Except for the shrinkage/fit issue discussed above, very good results with these socks.  No visible erosion and only minor pilling on the outside of the heel, and that considerably less than with other hiking socks or wool dress socks of similar thickness.  The padding appears to be as good as new and the elastic has held up well enough that I have experienced no droop or slippage around the ankles.

Odor.  In my experience wool garments accrue a less offensive odor than synthetics.  Which will these socks take after: the 48% wool or the 52% synthetic? Will washing remove any odor? Will the socks pick up odor more quickly after multiple washings?  I didn't wash the socks after a spinning class last week, yet no noticeable odor after use in a sixty-minute Stairmaster session the next day.  Once again, performance very much like all-wool socks.

Construction.  How tight is the weave?  This affects wickability and durability. Will the sock resist snagging? How common are loose threads from wearing the socks or from washing? I have noticed no deterioration in the tight weave I identified in my Initial Report, and no loose threads have developed from use or washing.  The only snag, the subject of a comment in my Field Report, was on an exposed nail and not in my view attributable to the sock's weave or construction.  Overall the socks get high marks on this criterion.

Performance.  The two most important questions for any wicking product: How well do they wick? How quickly do they dry? I will look to see if initial performance holds up after repeated use and washing.  Wicking performance has excellent throughout the test period. 

Appearance: Will heavy use and washing alter the color or ribbing on the socks?  Not yet, and I've washed the socks often.  They still look great.

Will I buy another pair? I certainly will, though probably for non-hiking use.  That's the result of several personal preferences and not because of the shrinkage issue.  I prefer mid-calf or over-the-calf socks for hiking, and I don't vary my socks much for different boots or hiking conditions.  With my narrow heel it's usually heavy socks with any hiking shoes, and Thorlo doesn't recommend Level 1s for backpacking.  Next time I'll try size Large to take account of the shrinkage.

Room for improvement.  One suggestion only: Correct that inaccurate sizing information on the hangtag.

Thanks to BGT and Thorlo for introducing me to a handsome, comfortable, and durable pair of crew-style socks.

LTR-Thorlo.doc