5.11 All Year Round Socks
- By John Fenna
- Last updated: 25/01/2017
I always take great care with my footwear as I find that having uncomfortable feet is a quick way to ruin any day. Generally I tend to go for Merino wool socks, but recently I was convinced to try out 5.11’s new Year Round socks which feature Trans Dry Cotton.
The fabric content of these socks, which come in ‘over the calf’ and crew length (the crew version incorporating a pull tab top for ease of wear) is 77% ring spun cotton, 13% polyester, 5% nylon, 2% Spandex and 3% copper. The copper is included in the foot of the sock to provide anti-microbal and anti-fungal properties, the Spandex for a great fit and support and the nylon and polyester to give greater wear and blister prevention.
The socks have a soft gripping top and rib knit ‘legs’ with calf support panels, while the foot of the sock has extra arch support, a ventilation patch of more open knit over the top of the foot, and the heel and ankle have reinforced loop stitch pads. As I am more used to Merion socks, I was not expecting cotton socks to be as good as these Year Around socks have proved.
The socks are very comfortable to wear and do not feel as clammy after exertion as I expected, give good cushioning and just as much support as my favourite wool socks. The skin comfort of the socks is excellent and I have not noticed any ‘pong’ or fungal problems – so the copper seems to do its job. While the cotton does not appear to be as warm as wool, weight for weight, I think the 5.11 Year Around socks will prove just the job for all but winter wear.
The Year Around crew socks come in sizes S/M (5-9) and X/XL (9.5-13) in Black, while the Year Around over-the-calf (OTC) socks come in sizes S/M and X/XL in Black or Coyote Brown. Both styles cost around £14 per pair.