When engaged in rigorous outdoor activities, your average pair of tube socks just won’t do! You need heavy-duty, waterproof socks to protect your feet from harsh weather conditions, mud, and other debris that could make white water rafting, hiking or trekking uncomfortable or downright dangerous!
Image used under Creative Commons from U.S. Army
The good news is, there are so many different brands that offer their own versions of waterproof socks but we sifted through product after product to help you find the right waterproof socks for you.
Table of Contents
Best Waterproof Socks
- Multi-layer protection from water & moisture
- Excellent insulation
- Abrasion resistant and pill-proof
- Does not create a tight seal
- Multi-layer protection from water & moisture
- Unisex design
- Durable and comfortable fit
- Ultra-light material
- Sizes run big
- Multi-layer protection from water & moisture
- Elasticized ankles create a tight seal
- Soft, breathable material
- Poor insulation properties
- Multi-layer protection from water & moisture
- Coolmax FX moisture wicking and anti-bacteria lining
- Special water-resistant knitted material
- Sizes run small
Dexshell Waterproof Socks
The Dexshell brand is synonymous with quality active wear and it’s also the leading name in waterproof socks. The Dexshell waterproof socks are made from multilayer textile, starting with the outer shell, which is crafted from abrasion resistant nylon, an interlining of porelle high performance, breathable and waterproof membranes and inner sock made from 40% Merino wool, 40% acrylic, and 20% nylon.
Thanks to its multilayer protection, the Dexshell waterproof socks effectively keep moisture away from the feet, keeping your feet nice and dry in any climate. The socks are also designed to withstand extreme wear and tear, making them the perfect essentials for hiking, trekking, fishing, and biking. Apart from being waterproof, the Dexshell waterproof socks also come with excellent insulation, preventing the cold from slowing you down.
As for the negatives, we wish the top portion of the socks did not create a tighter seal that keeps water away when submerged in knee-deep water. Overall, the Dexshell waterproof socks offer great value and dependable quality and for this Amazon user, he is blown away by the socks’ performance:
Among the greatest technological feats I’ve ever witnessed. Put my foot though ice into a river, couldn’t even feel it. Six/five stars.
RANDY SUN Unisex Waterproof Socks
Rounding up our list of the best waterproof socks on the market is Randy Sun’s unisex waterproof socks. The socks are made from a combination of waterproof nylon, elastane, and iycra as well as an interlayer of breathable membrane and CoolMax lining. The socks work well in terms of keeping moisture at bay while its treated material prevents bacterial growth that causes bad odors. As such, the Randy Sun unisex waterproof socks are the perfect socks to use on any intense outdoor activity!
What’s more, the Randy Sun’s unisex waterproof socks protect the feet from harsh weather conditions, keeping the feet warm during the winter season and comfortable when humidity hits. Also, the material is ultra-light and the cushioned soles ensure optimal support and perfect fit. Judging by the glowing reviews this product received from real users, the Randy Sun’s unisex waterproof socks worked as advertised and in our experience, we did not come across glaring issues other than the size of the socks, which ran bigger than expected. For this Amazon reviewer, he loved how the waterproof socks performed after several hiking trips:
WOW! Waterproof socks, who knew these even existed! I do a lot of hiking, and as I preparing for some fall hikes I was looking into new socks. I ordered the size small, I wear a size 8.5 shoe. They fit with a little bit of room, but with hiking shoes on they will be comfortable. While hiking in some tough terrain this fall these will keep my feet dry and warm. I would recommend these to anyone who frequently get their feet wet while working or on adventures!
SEALSKINZ Mid-Length Sock
The SEALSKINZ mid-length waterproof socks feature multiple layers that keep water from penetrating the material, including Merino wool, acrylic, and polyester. These mid-length waterproof socks are made from breathable fabric that effectively wicks moisture away from the skin, controls moisture while providing ample support when you need it. The elastic upper ensures a tight seal so water does not penetrate when the feet are completely submerged.
The SEALSKINZ waterproof socks also feature elasticized in steps to ensure a comfortable fit so this product is designed for extended use. The material is also plush, soft, and fits like a glove. Our only gripe is the poor insulation. Although the product is made from wool, insulation needs a little boost so we suggest wearing a pair of woolen socks under the SEALSKINZ socks to keep your feet warm. For this Amazon user, though, the SEALSKINZ socks performed exceedingly well, even under harsh weather conditions:
They really work. I wore a pair of wool socks under these Sealskinz. At the end of the ride, my Mavic biking shoes were wet and muddy. The Sealskins were wet on the outside. However, the pair of wool socks I was wearing underneath the Sealskinz, were completely dry. So dry in fact, that I simply tossed the, outwardly wet, Sealskinz and biking shoes in the trunk, kept my wool socks from the ride on, slipped on my regular shoes and drove home.
Showers Pass Waterproof Socks
Showers Pass’ waterproof socks are designed to keep your feet nice and dry while you hike, hunt, trek, or engage in any outdoor activity under the pouring rain! The socks promise to keep water out thanks to their wear-resistant knit exterior made from a combination of nylon, polyester, and spandex. The material also comes with Coolmax FX moisture wicking and anti-bacteria lining to prevent bacterial growth and unwanted odors caused by extended exposure to moisture.
Showers Pass’ waterproof socks are so soft so you don’t get painful blisters after a long day of walking. We also love the smooth and plush exterior because it is similar to the look and feel of regular socks. The socks are quite durable too and their waterproof abilities do not seem to wear down even after repeated uses.
As for the downside of wearing the Showers Pass’ waterproof socks, the sizes run a little small so we’d recommend sizing up when you’re ordering online. This Amazon user is quite impressed with the performance of his Showers Pass’ waterproof socks, which survived days of biking in the heavy rain:
Wow! These socks perform just as advertised. I did a 3-day bike camping trip on Pine Creek in PA over the last weekend and it rained every day – heavily at times – with temperatures only in the mid 50’s. The trail was saturated and camp was soaked but these socks kept my feet dry and warm for 3 days straight under a pair of open Keen cycling sandals. I can HIGHLY recommend them!
Tips
Why Choose Waterproof Socks
Your average sports socks are made from cotton and elastic material. Although cotton does a great job of wicking moisture away from the feet, it does a poor job of protecting your feet when submerged in water. Prolonged exposure to cold water is dangerous especially if you are hiking or trekking.
Unfortunately, the dropping temperature coupled with harsh weather conditions may lead to extended exposure to the cold, literally causing cold feet. The last thing you want is to deal with dirty feet or worse, frostbite when you’re thousands of feet above sea level!
Waterproof socks are made from light but waterproof material, preventing moisture from penetrating the skin. These products are comprised of several layers of textile, keeping water at bay while providing ample support when you need it.
Image used under Creative Commons from star athena
The Benefits of Water Proof Socks
Comfort and Style
Waterproof socks are made with comfort and design in mind. The socks are more durable than average gym socks because the textile is stiffer, able to hold its own even when exposed to freezing temperatures or subjected to the most strenuous of activities. However, the center of the socks is made from breathable material for improved airflow and comfort. This makes waterproof socks the best socks to get for extended use.
Lifeproof
Apart from being waterproof, waterproof socks also provide effective protection against the elements, including mud, sleet, snow, and tough terrain. These socks offer comfort, support, and protection in a number of harsh weather conditions, keeping your feet nice and dry.
Antimicrobial Properties
Wearing soggy socks is the worst especially when you remove them at the end of the day! Extended exposure to water can turn your socks into a cesspool of bacteria, causing bad odors and fungal growth. Waterproof socks are treated with antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacterial growth, eliminating funky odors and killing bacteria that could cause skin diseases.
