DexShell Waterproof socks - any experiences?

[Mark F]

I found these in two forms at Anaconda this afternoon. One with a merino component and the other with a CoolMax component. 3 layer construction - nylon outer, waterproof breathable layer and either merino or coolmax inner. They seem a little stiff. At $32 on special I am tempted to try them in Tassie this summer with runners (only East Coast and OLT).

[nq111]

Nope - but i would be suspicious that they keep your feet dry - 'breathable' is only relative and won't be anywhere near as breathable as normal socks

[Mark F]

I am interested in waterproof rather than breathable for cold, very wet conditions such as parts of SW Tassie, Scotland etc. I have no problems with having wet feet in warmer climes.

There have been various goretex socks, but often the problem is fit rather than performance. These use a proprietary wpb layer, no doubt a common one given a bit of marketing spin for exclusivity.

[gayet]

I have no experience with this brand but am very happy with the sealskins. I walk in open sandals (TEVA Dozer types) and Sealskins and after a long day the thin liner socks may be slightly damp with sweat but rarely wet. A wade through water does rather chill the feet in winter, as does walking through snow but feet soon warm up again. If they are as good as the Sealskins (and much cheaper in Aus) then by all means give them a go.

NB: Some people have had less success with the Sealskins and I wonder if it is related to stuffing them into tight wrap around shoes/boots. This may compromise the WP layer as the pressure could provide a capillary action for water movement into the sock? Just a thought, something to ponder.

I'd be interested in hearing how they go!

[sim1oz]

I have no experience with that brand so test them out before you head down to Tassie. Find some mud, puddles, and snow to walk through.

I walked the OLT in mesh trail shoes and successfully used Rocky Goretex over socks through rain and snow. Only one other person in the hut, apart from myself, had dry feet after our second snow day. My feet stayed warm and comfortable through the snow as long as I kept moving. My shoes are sized up one size over my regular size to accommodate the extra sock layers. I'm very happy with the set up for cold weather. Like you, in warmer weather, I dont mind my feet getting wet.

[nq111]

I think you will find that your feet will soon get fairly wet regardless of WB membrane or not because of sweat. Perhaps you have naturally dry feet or could use lots of anitperspirant to slow sweating - but for most people this would be an issue.

However a vapour barrier sock in cold conditions can be a good idea. I read that some use plastic bags - i use a pair from RBH Designs. I think goretex or the like is likely not breathing too well in practice in a sock and the benefit is likely from a semi- vapour barrier effect. With VB your feet get damp/wet - but stay warmer than breathable socks.

[frenchy_84]

My experience is with sealskinz for pack rafting and wouldn't even contemplate walking long distances in them in summer they would be just to hot. Considering your planning for the ot and east coast I wouldn't think any waterproof socks are necessary.

[andrewa]

What about NRS hydroskin socks - thin neoprene ? Have used them and hydroskin pants for fly fishing in NZ - certainly keep the toots warm when wet wading .

A

[forest]

What about NRS hydroskin socks - thin neoprene ?

That was going to be my suggestion too.

I have two pairs of sealskins and they do work okay.

The NRS Hydroskins are now my go to sock for cold, slushy, wet/snow trips. Fine while you are moving and I find them very warm. I like them more than the sealskins as I'm not limited to the water depth. Once you get water in the waterproof socks it's just like boots and it's requires a drain to get it out.

Just layer a thin liner sock under them.