If you’ve spent enough time exploring the outdoors, you’ll know that comfort is a big factor when it comes to enjoying your adventures.
It’s a subjective, individual thing of course – but typically, the moment the cold, wet or heat kicks in… that’s when the pleasure factor can start to wane significantly.
And whilst it can be quite refreshing to dip your feet in a cooling puddle or stream on a scorching hot day in summer, the same cannot necessarily be said during the cooler months of the year!
So it makes sense to take steps to ensure you stay comfortable, right?
Enter DexShell – and on this occasion, their rather excellent StormBLOK socks.
Throughout this Test/Review, I’ve been using a size Medium, which offers the perfect fit for my size 8 feet – something I’m sure is helped in no small part by the socks’ 4-way stretch properties.
In a nutshell, then, what we have here is a soft but durable crew length sock that is built to be put though its paces.
No doubt those of you who enjoy your bushcraft activities will be aware of the Realtree MAX-5® camouflage pattern, which contains cattails, reeds, cane and grasses.
Well, that’s what you get with the StormBLOKs. Fresh out the packet, it’s certainly a striking design which blends nicely with a range of surroundings and actually softens a little after repeated use and washing.
To quote the official blurb: “DexShell socks utilise a three-layer bonded construction, with a waterproof, breathable Porelle® membrane sandwiched between a drip-dry outer layer and a comfortable inner layer.”
And if you’re interested to know the mix of materials used… polyester, polyamide, elastane and polyurethane (for the Porelle®).
All clever-sounding stuff – but how do they perform in the real world?
In my experience – very well!
If you follow me on Instagram, you will have seen them in action along country paths, trudging through the woods, kicking back in the hammock and even nestled in my running shoes. As with all kit I test, it was important for me to experience a varying range of conditions with these socks, to see how their various properties stood up.
Whilst not thermal, they are indeed windproof and did a fine job in more mild conditions towards the early part of the year when conditions were damp and breezy. As a single, windproof barrier between my feet and the cool wind when lying in the hammock, for example, I was lovely and comfortable.
The StormBLOK is not designed as a running sock, but even so, I also wanted to see how it performed under trail running conditions, where the potential for prolonged abrasion and exposure to the effects of mixed terrain would likely highlight any week spots.
Well, I’m pleased to say that after multiple excursions covering an average of 10km at a time, I have found not one fault, not a single stitch out of place, with these socks.
Yes, there is a little bit of pilling – but then you’d expect that on pretty much any sock or garment that is subjected to consistent wear and tear on key pressure points. And in this instance, it is so minimal that at a quick glance, you’d barely notice it.
As for the waterproof qualities of the StormBLOKs… See the picture above? Well, I’ve had no qualms standing with my feet fully submerged in puddles – and my feet have stayed 100% dry!
Even on warmer days where I might typically use a thinner ‘regular’ sock, I’ve ended my activities to discover that my feet are not only perfectly dry but free from excessive sweat – so clearly the breathability works well, too.
But what about looking after these socks – how do they hold up to washing?
Again, no issues here. My approach has been, as per wash care instructions – to throw them in the washing machine at the maximum advised temperature of 40°C (104°F) with regular detergent and allow to drip dry (although you can tumble dry low).
To take things a bit further (and more outdoors-centric), a fine alternative would be to use Nikwax Tech Wash or similar in place of a standard detergent.
And so, in conclusion…
Regular readers will know I’m not a fair-weather outdoors person – and in particular, that I am a great fan of the autumn and winter.
Moreover, we all know what it feels like when damp, cold feet leave us feeling downright miserable and questioning why we ever set foot out the door in the first place.
Without question, we’re so lucky to have the likes of DexShell helping us stay comfortable throughout the seasons – and rest assured, I’ll be continuing to rely upon their dependable StormBLOK socks when going about my activities.
