The New Zealand Sock Company Lifesocks Protective Plus Walking and Hiking Socks
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Lifesocks Protective Plus Walking and Hiking Socks Vital Statistics: Colours: Black, String Sizes: L, M, S, XL SRP: £17.49

Lifesocks Protective Plus Walking and Hiking Socks

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black, String

Sizes:
L, M, S, XL

SRP:
£17.49

The New Zealand Sock Company says:"A heavier weight sock offering fuller protection with a high stretch top. Ideal for the outdoors or those requiring more cushioning."

Features to Note:

Fabric: 73% Merino, 10% Nylon, 10% Seacell Active®, 7% Elastic
Left and right foot shaping
High calf height
Elastic support system
High stretch top cuff
Double density cushion padding
Alignment points for correct positioning
Reinforced heel and toes for comfort
Designed and manufactured in New Zealand

In-use Test:

New to us, The New Zealand Sock Company (albeit with a name change along the way) has been manufacturing merino wool based socks since the early part of the twentieth century.

The Protective Plus socks I've been trying out are manufactured from a yarn in which the New Zealand merino wool is entwined with a Cellulose/Seaweed/Silver fibre (aka Seaweed Active ®) which claims to have antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and hypo-allergenic features. They are part of the LifeSocks range - a natural, therapeutic range.

Despite feeling initially quite bulky, my feet fitted quite comfortably into my usual walking boots. These socks have specific right and left foot fittings which helps getting a good fit; there are also mesh areas on the side of foot which also helps in reducing the bulk. I also noted that the top of the sock has quite a lot of stretch so actually getting the socks on is very easy.

To my mind, walking socks have to protect my feet, keep them at a comfortable temperature and wick away moisture so as to reduce the risk of blisters forming. And on my several Spring day walks wearing these socks, I've found that my feet have been really very comfortable - they've certainly ticked all these boxes. They've stayed well in place and do appear to wick moisture well; I've been particularly impressed with the level of padding (both under and on top of the foot) and with the lack of odour retention.

So far they've washed (on a wool cycle ) well and there's been no sign of wear on the toes or heels (which are reinforced).

For more information: The New Zealand Sock Company

Buying Advice:

If you're a fan of wool-based socks and appreciate a little extra padding when wearing a 2-3 season walking boot, then do check out the Protective Plus socks from The New Zealand Sock company's LifeSocks range. A slight downside is that there doesn't appear to be a women's specific fit available.

What do you think?

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