During Iron Wil's winter weight loss challenge, I made a well-timed comment about one of my training runs. I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of ten participants in a contest putting Drymax socks through the paces. The goal, abuse the socks and comment on how they perform. Once I received the socks, I added them to the pile with my other socks.
My initial impression of the socks was that they were a bit heavy. Compared with all of my other socks, they are thicker and just a bit heavier weight. I was concerned how that might affect running and moisture transfer. Three pair were provided. A lightweight and medium weight running sock, as well as a heavier trail sock. Let me say that I am glad I ignored those first impressions and started testing the socks with an open mind.
Long before the contest officially started, I had been using all three versions of the socks in just about every outdoor activity. Whether I was shovelling snow, downhill skiing, playing with my kids, or actually running, I wore my Drymax socks. And allow me to say that Drymax is in no way exaggerating when they say these socks will keep your feet dry in just about any situation.
I went downhill skiing and wore their trail sock under regular cotton socks. At the end of the night, my feet and trail socks were dry, but the cotton socks were wet. As this was before I really comprehended how these socks worked, I figured it was just some snow that had gotten into the boot. I now know that it was the socks doing exactly what is advertised. Any bit of moisture at my foot was wicked away and into the outer layer of the sock. From there, it was absorbed into the cotton sock.
The second real test was on a mid-February training run during a warm spell here in Wisconsin. We had a lot of ice on the sidewalks and puddles in the road. Given the poor conditions on the sidewalk, I opted to run in the road and brave the puddles. At the start of the run, standard marathoner thinking governed. You know, keep your feet dry at all cost. I wasn't really thinking about the socks until about 30 minutes into the run.
Traffic conditions resulted in forcing me to run through a fairly significant (pronounced DEEP) while getting splashed by the wheels of a passing car. I was doing the "runner quick step" trying to somehow walk on water. I could sense the water going into my shoes, and I questioned whether I was going to have to cut the run short.
But I noticed my feet didn't feel wet. I could sense the chill of the water, but the squishy sensation that normally follows a good soaking was missing. That got me to thinking about the socks, again. For the next few miles, I didn't worry about getting forced into other puddles. And by the time I got to the last several miles, I made no effort to avoid them. In fact, I was actively seeking them out and splashing through them. Like a kid after the rain, I would do anything I could to get my feet wet.
By the time I got home, my shoes, running tights, and shirts were completely soaked. But my feet were dry. In fact, only the outer layer of the socks showed any signs of dampness. While I still question the exact nature of HOW the socks work, they DO work. I went in a skeptic. With no exaggeration, I am 100% sold on these socks. While discussing the contest with members of my tri club, I pointed out that the only non-Drymax socks I see myself purchasing in the future are those of our club. And I suggested they look into custom orders from Drymax.
We haven't had the kind of rainy weather I hoped for and the video in my head will have to stay there. The other idea I had for testing the socks was already used by another contestant, and rather than "steal" his idea, I'm just going to support him as brilliant. If you question how effective these are, and want to see for yourself, take a peek at the video made by Jeff Wrigley. Jeff really came up with an awesome video showing several different "tests" he conducted on the socks. When it comes to voting, it's quite likely I'll be supporting him.
And regardless of the outcome of this contest, I will continue to use Drymax socks.
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