5.11 Merino Crew Socks

I am a big believer in treating your feet with the utmost care. If your feet are not comfortable, they can really spoil your day! I am something of a fan of Merino Wool for lots of uses in outdoor clothing, as wool is a fantastic substance; wicking, breathable, insulating, temperature regulating, warm when wet, odour resistant, sustainable, anti-allergenic, flame retardant and easy to clean. Merino is possibly the best clothing wool, as it has a long fibre length but is thin, making it feel soft to the touch and still be quite hardwearing. It is possibly the least likely wool to feel itchy next to the skin.

5.11 have made Merino the major component of their ‘Year Round Merino Wool/Copper Crew Socks’, as they contain 64% Merino Wool, 27% nylon, 4% copper 3% Spandex and 2% Nano Glide. The copper thread is there to give increased anti-microbial and antifungal performance, the Spandex for a non-slip fit, the Nano Glide to help prevent blisters forming, the nylon for extra wear resistance and the fine (144 needle count) Merino Wool yarn for overall comfort and performance. The 5.11 Year Round Merino Wool/Copper Crew socks have an elasticated top and ribbed leg, while the foot incorporates ventilation panels and arch compression for support and comfort. Around the ankle, over the heel and encasing the toe are dense loop stitch padded and reinforced areas for comfort, performance and durability.

In use I have found these socks very comfortable to wear and they have kept my feet warm, blister-free and sweet smelling when worn out in the woods, as well as in more ‘casual’ settings during some cold, damp and miserable weather. Although I find the socks excellent, I would choose them more for warmer weather wear, rather than extreme cold wear, due to the fact that they only boast loop stitch construction in the wear areas in the foot of the sock. For colder weather, I like the insulation given by loop stitch construction through a sock, to help keep my feet and lower leg/ankle areas warm as well. Rather than ‘yearround’, I see these socks as ‘three season’ wear, for which they will no doubt be one of my first choice of footwear options.

The 5.11 Year Round Merino Wool/ Copper Crew Socks are tough and comfortable, come in black with grey reinforced areas in heel and toe (with an orange 5.11 logo by the toe), in sizes S-L to cover shoe sizes Mens 5 to 9.5+ and cost around £20 per pair.