ABLY PERFORMANCE SOCKS

Dad Gear Review strongly recommends Ably Apparel’s Performance Socks because they are virtually waterproof thanks to the Filium-activated fabric blend, so your feet will stay dry and comfortable even as you slog through mud, snow, rain, or puddles.

First, let me tell you that when Ably Apparel says their clothing is water-repellent, it is. I know that from firsthand experience, because beyond their socks, I have also tested out two shirts, one a soft, casual tee, the other a semi-dressy button down. And when I say test, I mean run tap water over them at full force, dump a glass of water over my shoulder, and even try spilling some sauces on them.

The fabric, treated with a proprietary treatment called Filium, acts more like a plastic, but it feels just like what it is. Which in the case of the comfortable, breathable hiking socks, is a blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex.

And that’s a fabric blend makes these some of the best socks for hiking, because it means they are comfortable, sweat-wicking, and excellent at temperature regulation.

These socks are one of those examples of technical apparel that seem to present a contradiction: they can both keep your feet cool and warm. The former they achieve by releasing excess warmth built up around your skin, and by wicking away the accompanying moisture (AKA sweat). And as for warmth, they retain enough heat to prevent chilly toes on frosty days. Or nights. That efficient moisture wicking also means much less odor, even after a long day on the trail.

But of course the real reason these are some of the best hiking socks we here at DGR have ever used is because they are effectively waterproof hiking socks. As in my wife wore a pair during a multi-hour hike in steady rain (with bouts of downpour) and her feet remained completely dry. As in you can splash through a puddle and not get wet feet.