DexShell Socks Review: How effective are these waterproof socks? Thoroughly tested for hiking and stream fishing!

Apparently there is such a thing as "waterproof socks." It's true that when you're outdoors and putting your feet through a lot of strain for long periods of time, the inside of your shoes can get steamy, making you more susceptible to blisters and blisters, and if water does get into your shoes, it can cause chafing and peeling, so the risks to your feet caused by getting wet cannot be ignored. In that sense, it's easy to understand that if there were "waterproof socks," it would increase safety in the mountains.

However, if you are outdoors in mild weather, wouldn't waterproof and breathable hiking boots and hiking socks be sufficient? As someone who has never tried waterproof socks, I can't help but feel that way.

Are waterproof socks actually more useful outdoors than regular socks? If so, what's the best way to use them?

DexShell, a representative brand of waterproof socks currently on the market, in a variety of situations, including mountain climbing, trail running, stream fishing, and rafting, and comparing them with regular mountain climbing socks to examine their performance and the situations in which they are suitable.

What are DexShell waterproof socks?

DexShell socks are waterproof socks for outdoor use, offering high waterproof and breathable performance while maintaining the same comfort as regular socks. They feature a three-layer construction consisting of an outer layer, lining, and inner layer. The lining features the Polaire® membrane, a high-performance waterproof and breathable membrane with four-way stretch, which keeps out water and wind from the outside while allowing moisture to escape from the inside. Depending on the model, the lining, which comes into contact with the skin, is made of functional materials such as merino wool, bamboo rayon, or Coolmax®, providing comfort, warmth, and other functions suited to each application. The outer material is made of abrasion-resistant, water-repellent nylon for durability. They are easy to care for, as they are machine washable.

The three models we tested this time

From left: Running Light 2, Thermolite Olive Green, Wading Pro

Three models were prepared to test the waterproof socks' capabilities. The first was the " Running Light 2. " This model was developed for use in high-intensity situations such as trail running, and the inner lining is made of COOLMAX®, which has excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties. This model is designed to improve performance while running, with ankle support and arch tension.

The second is the " Thermolite Olive Green ." DexShell 's best-selling model, and with its merino wool inner lining, it offers excellent warmth, making it an all-around sock suitable for not only hiking but a variety of outdoor activities. The inner material is a blend of merino wool with acrylic and nylon, which allows it to retain the warmth, moisture-regulating, and odor-resistant properties of merino wool while also providing moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, keeping your feet dry despite being waterproof.

The third model is the " Wading Pro ." These long socks reach below the knee and feature DEXLOK® processing at the opening to effectively prevent water from seeping in. They're ideal for a variety of water activities, including paddling in the water, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. The inner lining is a balanced blend of highly insulating merino wool, acrylic, nylon, and polyurethane, providing warmth and moisture-wicking properties.

Main specifications

Field Impressions & Verification

1: Are they comfortable to wear on normal hikes? ~Comparing them with hiking socks on a nice day~

First, try it in combination with non-waterproof trail running shoes.

The first thing I was wondering was, "How do they compare to the socks I normally wear when used for general mountain climbing?" Even if they are waterproof, if they are uncomfortable to wear, I don't think I'll want to continue using them.

Unlike regular socks, DexShell

So, to see how much the DexShell socks differ in comfort and how easily they get sweaty compared to my regular hiking socks, the DexShell and hiking socks on the other and went hiking for a few hours.

To check the degree of sweating, we tested the shoes with breathable socks on each foot.

tested them wearing DexShell Running Light 2 socks with a pair of highly breathable, non-waterproof shoes

When hiking Mt. Adatara in July, I wasn't too bothered by the stuffiness I was worried about.

I chose Mount Adatara, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, as my test site and went hiking. To be honest, before using them I expected to feel uncomfortable due to the stuffiness, but in reality, they were hardly more stuffy than regular socks, and I didn't feel any discomfort at all. Strictly speaking, they did feel a little stuffy compared to hiking socks, but it was within the tolerable range, and I was able to experience the excellent breathability of the Polaire® Membrane.

Models for mountaineering and hiking: Running Light 2 and Thermolite Olive Green. Thermolite Olive Green is thicker and more cushioned.

If DexShell were an option for serious mountain climbing where weather changes are expected, such as multi-day traverse hikes, not just for half-day hikes on hot summer days.

Comfortable to the touch, moderately stretchy, and has ample cushioning for a comfortable fit.

Hiking socks also act as a cushion to prevent your toes from getting caught inside your shoes.

When it comes to hiking boots for walking in rocky terrain, they are made to be very sturdy to protect the toes, but because of this, if your toes hit the inside of the shoes, they can hurt, so socks act as a cushion to reduce damage to the toes. DexShell socks I tried out were different in thickness, but the lining was well cushioned and they were designed to be comfortable against the skin and cushioned to absorb shock.

Sock inners. From left: Running Light 2, Thermolite Olive Green, Wading Pro

The thickest and most insulating Wading Pro has a terry inner lining for excellent cushioning. The Running Lite 2 and Thermolite Olive Green , suitable for spring and summer use, do not have terry inner lining but offer the same level of cushioning as a medium-weight mountaineering sock. Between the Running Lite 2 and Thermolite Olive Green the Thermolite Olive Green is thicker, making it the second-highest cushioning after the Wading Pro

The Running Lite 2 also features arch tension to support the ankles, providing the Thermolite Olive Green and designed to perform well in high-intensity trail running and fast hiking.

In this way, each model has the necessary thickness, cushioning, and support, and they are in no way inferior to regular outdoor socks.

Next, we tested it with waterproof hiking shoes to see how easily it got sweaty.

When paired with breathable non-waterproof trail running shoes, it didn't feel uncomfortable and felt practical. But what about waterproof hiking shoes?

Waterproof and non-waterproof shoes

Many hiking boots are equipped with waterproof features to prevent them from getting wet, and this combination is likely to be the preferred choice for those considering using DexShell DexShell , and hiking socks on the other, and went hiking for a few hours.

Testing with waterproof shoes

When hiking in the mountains in summer with waterproof shoes and waterproof socks, you will find that your feet get sweaty (compared to regular socks).

When I tried wearing waterproof socks and regular socks with waterproof and breathable shoes, I noticed a slightly more noticeable difference in how easily they became sweaty than when wearing non-waterproof shoes.

With the waterproof and breathable membranes sandwiched between the shoes and socks, it's only natural that breathability is significantly reduced, but another factor may be that the test was conducted in early summer, from June to July, when temperatures rise during the day and people tend to sweat.

Of course, this doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of the socks, but rather a matter of how you use your gear. During the hottest time of the year, waterproof shoes and waterproof socks are probably not the best combination, so it's important to decide whether to prioritize waterproofness or comfort depending on the situation.

Even in the summer mountains, if you're on a route that requires repeated river crossings, it can be difficult to completely prevent water seepage no matter how waterproof your shoes are. In such cases, you have to be prepared to get wet, more or less. In heavy rain, water droplets from your pants can get into your shoes, and you might have to walk on a muddy, puddled mountain trail. DexShell waterproof socks are extremely effective in these situations. Even if your shoes get wet, the socks will keep water out, so your feet will stay dry.

There are many streams without bridges, and you may get flooded when crossing them. In such situations, DexShell waterproof socks are a great choice.

Waterproofing provides excellent heat retention for mountain climbing in snowy seasons and in low-temperature environments.

When testing them in combination with waterproof shoes, I was concerned about the sweatiness caused by combining waterproof shoes with DexShell waterproof socks, but I was almost convinced that they would be very useful when the environment changed.

While it's true that stuffiness can be a concern during the three seasons when temperatures are high, these are extremely reliable items for snowy seasons and even winter mountain climbing, even when there's no snow. Anyone who has experienced snowy mountain climbing has likely experienced their toes getting cold and numb. When hiking in the snowy season, shoes are waterproof and also contain insulation, providing excellent protection from the outside air and making it possible to stay active in extreme cold. However, after extended periods of activity, the inside of the shoes will become wet with sweat, which increases heat conduction and contributes to cold feet.

In such situations, DexShell waterproof socks will prevent the inside of your shoes from getting wet due to your sweat, and will prevent the original performance of your shoes from being reduced, preventing your toes from getting cold and reducing the risk of frostbite.

The Thermolite Olive Green the Running Lite 2 and contains merino wool for excellent heat retention and moisture control, would likely make winter mountaineering more comfortable. Even the thinner Running Lite 2 can be used for a wider range of purposes by layering a thin inner layer underneath, and carrying a spare inner layer will keep your feet dry at all times, allowing you to enjoy mountaineering in the harshest winters. The thick and highly insulating Wading Pro is also long, so you can move around without worrying about snow getting in.

2: How long can it be used for water activities? ~Checking the waterproof performance while fishing in a mountain stream~

DexShell waterproof socks maintain their waterproof performance even when your feet are completely submerged in water, such as in a river or lake?

To find out, DexShell socks and went out stream fishing. I usually enjoy fishing using the wet wading style, which means I'll get wet. I'm used to getting my feet wet, but after a long day of fishing, my feet always end up soggy.

So this time, I tried my hand at stream fishing while wading through splashing water wearing Wading Pro The Wading Pro has a DEXLOK® coating on the opening, which effectively prevents water from getting in.

I immediately entered the river wearing the Wading Pro and started fishing while swimming upstream. It felt strange when I put my feet in the river. My feet were definitely in the water, but when I moved my toes inside the shoes, they stayed dry.

I wore them for several hours, and they kept me dry in rivers (streams) that were no larger than the opening of my shoes. After leaving the river, I took them off and checked them, and although they were slightly damp from my own sweat, they weren't wet, so my feet didn't get soggy. This was a refreshing experience for me, who enjoys fishing in a wet wading style.

If the water is deep, water may seep in through the opening of the shoe, so be careful.

the knee-length Wading Pro and waded into the water up to my lower body (around my thighs). Even though the shoes are treated with DEXLOK® to prevent water from seeping in, water still seeps in if they are completely submerged. the Running Lite 2 and Thermolite Olive Green , so you should still be aware of the risk of water seeping in through the opening.

The Wading Pro has a water-resistant opening that prevents water from entering even in places where the water depth exceeds 30 cm.

If you go into a place deeper than the opening of your socks, water will inevitably get in. Once water gets in, the high waterproofing will keep the water inside the socks, meaning your feet will always be submerged in water, so you need to be careful because the advantage of waterproofing will actually be a disadvantage.

When hiking or mountain climbing, it is rare to step into a place where the water level is higher than your socks, so if water does get in, it is likely to be rainwater or other sources that seep in through your feet, so if you wear rainwear, it will rarely be a problem.

When fishing or engaging in water activities, it's important to assess the water conditions. Dex Shell socks provide waterproof protection in shallow waters where your shoes may be submerged, allowing you to stay dry and enjoy water activities. However, even knee-length Wading Pro you plan on venturing into deeper waters, wearing waders will be more effective at preventing water seepage.

Summary: DexShell waterproof socks provide the same waterproofing as regular socks, and if you use them appropriately, they can be a real asset.

Ranking the characteristics of different materials according to the situation

We've introduced DexShell's waterproof socks. Finally, to summarize our testing, DexShell 's waterproof socks and standard hiking and running socks for each situation. Naturally, the performance of socks varies greatly depending on their thickness, quality, and blend ratio, and each situation can vary widely depending on the region and conditions, so they cannot be strictly compared. These are merely guidelines based on the author's experience, so please use them as a guide only.

Dexshell for those who prefer breathable, non-waterproof shoes and want to protect their feet from rain . What's more, socks make it easy to carry a spare pair, so even if your socks get wet during rain or wading, you can always have a spare pair on hand. This isn't the case with waterproof shoes. They're too heavy to carry a spare pair, and if they get wet, you're completely out of luck. When paired with waterproof shoes, the excessive protection can cause stuffiness, making them unsuitable for fine weather. However, DexShell waterproof socks can be maximized for snowy mountains in the dead of winter or in low-temperature environments, allowing for a comfortable hike. Water seepage is inevitable in deep waters like stream fishing, so by carefully considering the terrain you're visiting and pairing them with neoprene socks as needed, you can stay dry and enjoy your activities comfortably.

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Yosuke.C

People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.

From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.

A freelance writer who has been enjoying the outdoors for over 20 years and enjoying the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on my experience writing articles for more than dozens of outdoor web media, I will be sharing my own experiences and tools that I have been using.

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