SealSkinz Waterproof Socks

[Joe Nardy]

After discovering during an all day rain in the Ozarks last year that my new Roadgear boots are not completely waterproof I searched for a solution. While reading a book on dual sport riding I found out about SealSkinz waterproof socks. They had some excellent reviews so I bought a pair. I’m going on a dual sport trip this weekend which may include water crossings so I finally got around to testing the socks. I filled the bathtub to mid-calf height, put the socks on and submersed my feet in the water for five minutes. While my feet felt wet as you could feel the water around the socks after five minutes of submersion, I removed the socks and my feet were bone dry. I was impressed to say the least.

The socks are somewhat thick so you would need looser fitting boots to wear them comfortably. Also, it felt like my feet were getting a bit clammy so they probably don’t breathe as well as normal socks. My plan is to wear some lightweight breathable tech socks under the SealSkinz to improve comfort. I will update this thread after the trip if the conditions provide a decent test.

SealSkinz are available at a number of retailers like Bass Pro Shops and REI, as well as online at Amazon.com for around $35. Certainly not cheap for a pair of socks but worth every penny if it allows for all day comfort in wet conditions.

Thanks,
Joe

[Joe Nardy]

P.S. After the previous test I realized I had not performed the test vs. a control so I repeated the test with a 'placebo' aka non-waterproof similar black sock. After the test the placebo foot was soaked and the SealSkinz foot was dry. I feel much better now that I have used sound testing methods to verify my results.....

Joe

[salty_monk]

I used to use these regularly for mountain biking in the UK. They works as described, very good.
Only thing to watch for is submersion in a stream above the top of the sock... at that point they become quite an effective water carrier...

[Steve]

Good luck with them, I hope they are better than their gloves.

Like you, I did a quick test and thought they were fine, as my hands came out dry. However, ...

A couple of years ago, I was riding home from Missississippippi. A lovely 60 degrees and a light misty rain for the first six hours, which got me to Bowling Green, KY. Stopped for gas, I considered stopping for the night because my hands were so COLD. They were cold because they were WET. The rest of me was doing just fine, due to my heated jacket liner and rain suit. After getting gas and not finding the motel I was told would be there, I changed gloves and headed for the next exit, about 10 miles away. By the time I got to that exit, my hands were warmed up inside dry gloves, so I continued toward home. Five hours later, I pulled into my garage, safe and warm.

I gave those gloves away to someone who thought they wanted them, I will not bother with another set of SealSkinz.

.

[JEEPRUSTY]

Why would a glove made for cycling be faulted for being mis-used on a motorcycle.


For my feet good heavy hand knit woolen socks over cotton work fine. Wet or dry. If you want to go nuts use a kitchen garbage bag for a boot liner.