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WrightSock CoolMesh II Quarter Sock

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: WrightSock CoolMesh II Quarter Sock running sock

Lightweight, dries fast, durable, comfortable, BLISTER FREE!

Pros

  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Dries fast

Cons

  • Not a lot of cushioning

Wrightsocks are an interesting concept: marry a liner sock and an outer sock in one piece, lighter than the full combo, but still providing the moisture control and friction reduction of the standard pairing.  I'm happy to say it works like a charm!

I took a chance on these socks last summer. I bought two pair for a 100-mile section hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon. I normally wear your standard light poly liner/heavy cushioned wool hiking sock combo. But as I was trying to go Ultralight, I pared down from boots to trail runners, and to these socks. Also, I'm a complete cheapskate, and never pay retail price for anything. I paid retail for these and it was worth every penny. Good socks can make or break a long hike, and these are winners.

I put in one 30-mile training hike around Mt. Saint Helens on the Loowit trail. This trail is mostly volcanic soils (obviously), so very abrasive stuff. The Wrightsocks took it all in stride. Stream crossings, desert-like conditions, forest tramping. Stayed comfortable the entire time. I didn't get one blister, and I am generally prone to them. So on my first outing, they performed very well.

On the PCT, again through some volcanic soils, dry desert-y burned-over places, lots of forest walking, they were beautiful. Just swapped pairs mid-day, washed them once in a bathroom sink. And for 100 miles I did not get a single blister. They stayed in place the entire time, never bunched or sagged. Even though I didn't wear gaiters and they got really dusty, they did not disintegrate from abrasion. I am now a true believer.  

My only complaint is that they could offer a little more cushioning. Yeah, I know, it's supposed to be a lightweight running sock — cushioning is not a requirement for the segment. But whatever. They're nearly perfect IMO, and a little cushion would make them THE PERFECT SOCK. So let me dream!

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $20 /2 pair

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Specs

Price Current Retail: $14.95-$203.99
Historic Range: $3.83-$203.99
Reviewers Paid: $20.00
Product Details from WrightSock »

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