Ambassador check out Workman's new autumn/winter releases! [3] Merino wool! Chicken peppers! Comparing winter socks

Socks for mountain climbing are often important items, such as protecting the skin, keeping the heat, absorbing shock, absorbing sweat and ensuring breathability. Since they are worn for a long time in the mountains, the functionality of socks, such as shock absorption, comfort, and breathability, is becoming more important. The key point in winter is the heat retention. It's hard to bear the cold toes of my feet while climbing. Workman's items also carry a few socks, so I tried out socks that could be used in the mountains (especially when climbing).

• Merino wool short socks, Merino wool middle socks
• WARMHOLD round tip set of 2 pairs
• Set of four pairs of round tips
• Set of 2 rounded trekking socks

17115/17116 Merino wool short socks, Merino wool middle socks (recommended outdoors ★★★★☆) 580 yen

Breathability ◎ Shock absorption ◎ Comfort ◎ Washing durability △ Heat retention ◯

Middle type. The smooth texture unique to merino wool.

The lengths of the short and middle are just different, but the basics are the same.

As both the short and middle-sized ones are made of merino wool, the texture is smooth and comfortable. It has good heat retention, but also absorbs sweat well, and the feet are always smooth and smooth without getting stuffy. There is no deviation in both the short and middle positions. In addition to breathability, it also has good shock absorption. It seems to go well with shoes, whether climbing or trail running. What's bothering me is that I have a weakness in washing. It's quite fuzzy, so you shouldn't expect too much durability. It tends to be prone to holes. It would be better to put it in a net for laundry. I also want a little more thickness and length for winter socks. It's a great item to consider when you think of it as a sock that you use all year round.

In winter, middle-sized ones are recommended. It has high heat retention, but does not get stuffy.

Shortening is only a little bit of an Achilles tendon. The ankles are a little unreliable in winter.

17117 WARMHOLD round tip set of 2 pairs (recommended outdoors ★★☆☆☆) 499 yen

Breathability◯ Shock absorption◯ Comfort◯ Washing durability◯ Heat retention◯

The length is long. I'm happy that it doesn't slip, but the essential heat retention is not enough.

The look of the wear is smooth and gentle on the skin. It's a bit thick, so you have to be careful when pairing it with shoes. The soft tightening makes it feel slightly slipped in the shoes. The heat retention around the heels and ankles is as expected, but despite its thickness, the heat retention of the toes is not very good. Even walking around town sometimes feels cold (crying). Even after washing, there is almost no fuzzing, so it will last a long time.

The comfort is not so much merino wool, but it is smooth.

17210 Set of 4 rounded tips (recommended outdoors ★★★☆☆) 580 yen

Breathability ◎ Shock absorption ◯ Comfort ◯ Washing durability ◎ Heat retention ◯

Capsaicin cold protection socks. Rubber thread is used in the center of the calves and instep to prevent slipping.

Cold protection socks with capsaicin treatment, made from heat-effective ingredients derived from chili peppers. Rubber thread is used in the center of the calves and instep, making it a bit rough to the touch, but it fits well and has little scratches. The marks are clear on the calves. The reason why it has heat retention despite its thinness is probably due to the heat effect derived from capsaicin. Due to the effect, it is not so much stuffy, but rather comfortable. It does not lose its shape or become fuzzy even after washing. It's a product that's quite useful for the price.

It's warm despite its thinness. Is it the heat effect of the ingredients derived from peppers?

The elastic thread on the calf might be a little too tight...

17110 Set of 2 rounded trekking socks (recommended for outdoor use ★★★★☆) 499 yen

Breathability ◎ Shock absorption ◎ Comfort ◯ Washing durability ◎ Heat retention ◯

It is resistant to tearing and warm. It does not slip and is perfect for winter climbing.

Moisture-absorbing, heat-generating socks made from fibers that generate heat by absorbing moisture. To improve durability, we use strong twisted yarn to prevent fraying of the fibers. Perhaps because of this, it is resistant to washing and does not have any major fuzz or loss of shape. The lining is pile and feels comfortable on the skin. Even when worn, it is not easily stuffy, warm, and resistant to friction inside the shoes. It's understandable that it is called trekking socks. There was a risk that two pairs would cost 499 yen.

Thick, it is not easily stuffy and warm. It also reduces the impact when landing.

summary

Among the clothing items, socks will be particularly categorized as consumables. It's definitely better to have something that's comfortable and doesn't have holes in it, and can be used forever. However, when it comes to activities that involve foot movements, such as mountain climbing, functionality is also a key factor when choosing socks, such as breathability and shock absorption. As mentioned, Workman's socks, which generally have cleared this area, exist. Regardless of the design, it's probably best to include at least a pair of shoes in your own lineup. Merino wool is certainly comfortable, but it can easily tear and is a slightly more expensive item (it costs around 1,000 yen). I think it's a big deal that Workman can buy it for less than half the price. Trekking socks are also recommended. The price for 499 yen for two pairs is something that can only be said to be high cost performance.