Waterproof socks: SealSkinz ‘Submerge’

[FatCanyoner]

G'day folks,

I've just finished testing the SealSkinz ‘Submerge’ (a waterproof sock that reaches high up the calf) for canyoning. Given wet feet are one of the few universal elements of a canyoning trip (even in canyons that are described as dry) I thought I'd have a look at some of the waterproof socks on the market. I chose this particular sock because, unlike many, it claims to be completely submersible and capable of “intermittent periods of wading”.

After some serious field testing I'd say that for canyons at the dryer end of the spectrum I’d definitely consider using the SealSkinz again, but for really wet canyons I’m less convinced they are up to the task. I do think it could be worth considering some of the shorter SealSkinz socks for bushwalking, especially when I'm expecting regular creek or river crossings, or in muddy wet conditions.

My full review of the SealSkinz Submerge is here: http://fatcanyoners.org/bush-guide/sealskinz-submerge/

I am curious whether anyone has found a more reliable waterproof sock that is capable of dealing with sustained immersion? If so I'd be really keen to see whether they can survive in a canyon environment. For the easier trips where these socks worked they definitely improved the comfort level, but I'm still looking do something that will work in the tougher wet canyons.

Tim

[ULWalkingPhil]

Thanks for the review, i have been considering these socks for bushwalking.

[slparker]

I've used sealskins for canyoning and they worked for half the trip and then became effectively neoprene socks for the rest of the trip, still kept me warm. I would consider them again but I would tape the tops of them over with occlusive tape next time. On another note, I wear them on wet days on my bike and they are waterproof for this application. I reckon for creek crossings I would tape the cuffs.
I have an older version and I don't find them particularly comfortable for walking I have to say, may as well wear gortex lined boots.

[nq111]

Interesting.

How are the Bestards going so far?

[stuey69]

I have SealSkinz socks and used them on a wet Tassie trip.
I think it's safe to put them in the "curiosity" category.
A pair of SealSkinz gloves also go into the same category.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Went to a store here at the Gold Coast today, they only had small in stock at $79.99

I thought that was a bit steep for a pair of socks.

[FatCanyoner]

I've used sealskins for canyoning and they worked for half the trip and then became effectively neoprene socks for the rest of the trip, still kept me warm. I would consider them again but I would tape the tops of them over with occlusive tape next time.

That's a great idea. I'm going to give them another go with tape to see whether it makes the seal more reliable. Especially when they are under thermals or a wetsuit (and therefore not in a position to be checked / pulled up regularly) this could be the way to go.

How are the Bestards going so far?

Nq, I think I'm in love with the Bestards. Review to come in the next couple weeks. I wanted to give them a fair bit of use. The only weakness I've found is the rubber used on the sole. It's not bad, just not quite the best available for grip.

I think it's safe to put them in the "curiosity" category.

Totally agree Stuey. This is where they were for me to start with, and they haven't proved themselves adequately to move into the necessity column!

Went to a store here at the Gold Coast today, they only had small in stock at $79.99. I thought that was a bit steep for a pair of socks.

Jesus, that is steep. Probably like a lot of gear these are best bought online...

[ULWalkingPhil]

Where online can i purchase, thats a lot cheaper?

[FatCanyoner]

They're on eBay for about US$40. Even with postage they're much cheaper than the $80 you saw in store.

[Ent]

Hi

Sealskins start well but a wear or two later and they fail has been my experience.

Cheers

[ULWalkingPhil]

Dont they claim to offer a guarantee that they keep you dry

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[Ent]

Hi

They probably do but endlessly taking stuff that just not work for replacement plus finding all the receipts is not me.

Cheers

[Wolfix]

I found the fit to be awful. Not even tempted to wear mine. Bought them out of curiosity too.

[ninjapuppet]

Hi

They probably do but endlessly taking stuff that just not work for replacement plus finding all the receipts is not me.

Cheers

I thought accountants get great joy in dealing with receipts?

Ive got a couple of pairs, all bought at full price from Paddy pallins. One of them was $100 from memory because it goes up abit higher.
not too bad on short trips, but on multiday trips, I find they smell really really bad, because the sweat from your feet cant escape and moisture builds up and starts to get damp.

[gayet]

I have 2 different pairs, one remains drier than the other. Just returned from a week in the wet with dry feet most of the time. I wear open sandals so the socks are frequently in water and while the outside is wet, the inner remains dry for some time. Immersing one's leg to the knee in a hole in a swamp doesn't keep the foot dry but sloshing through puddles and button grass, I find the better pair of socks have kept my feet dry at the end of the day.

[Ent]

I thought accountants get great joy in dealing with receipts?

Great a busman's holiday. No I buy stuff with the expectation it works. When it does then gets thumbs up when it does not then thumbs down. Sealskins are like a lot of trendy bushwalking gear, by that, sort of works. For those it does then no point arguing as these people will be happy.

I use them for camp wear and they are good but once in boots their life expectancy reduces dramatically, at least in my experience. Plus ridiculously over priced.

Cheers

[norts]

I agree Brett, I use them around camp but would never use them for a days walking. Saves having to carry camp shoes on a long walk.

Roger

[ULWalkingPhil]

Yeh, have to agree, ridiculously over price, i was going to purchase a pair while at the Gold Coast to try on my upcoming great walk, but no one has them in stock in my size, i could only find one place on the Gold Coast that sells them, they only had small in size, at $79.95. OUCH!

Looks like it will be wet feet for me.

[Swampy460]

Worst $70 I have ever spent, I bought some a while ago for kayak fishing and they neither keep my feet dry or warm.

Swampy

[FatCanyoner]

Wow, sounds pretty unanimous that most people have had bad experiences with them. Are there a better alternative? Has anyone found a pair of waterproof socks that are reliable and long lasting? Is it still a pipe dream?

[christophermoore]

I don't think waterproof socks are a desirable goal. You did mention that your feet were sweating - as I see it, your feet are going to get wet one way or the other.

For canyoning, neoprene socks are great - they keep feet warm in freezing water.

For bushwalking, a good pair of wool socks (Darn Tough!) keep my feet comfortable and warm, even when wet. I honestly don't mind walking in wet socks. I sometimes wear a pair of thin liner socks to make sure I'm not getting blisters. After a good wringing, they don't squelch, and the water warms up as you walk. It's the same principle as rain-gear - you can seal yourself up in a goretex suit but you'll get damp anyway (and uncomfortably warm) - the goal is to keep yourself at a good temperature.

[farefam]

I was pretty dubious at the salesman's claims, but out of desperation I recently bought a pair of shorter Sealskinz socks ($59.95) as getting wet feet during 2 months of summer hiking in Tassie was causing a lot of foot sole soreness and rubbing. Early days so far, but combined with a light inner sock I've found that they really do breathe and consequently don't get anywhere near as stinky as wool or explorer socks. They do seem to keep the feet pretty dry (even in hot, sweaty conditions) but I haven't yet tested them on a seriously wet track yet. Wool socks seem to be particularly bad for walking in once they get wet or in hot sweaty conditions (tend to rub against the skin on the soles and between the toes).

[Onestepmore]

I think part of the problem of their 'failure' is that we're trying to make them do something they're not actually designed to do. I've looked into them for kayaking, and, recently jetskiing. They're worn under neoprene water shoes or the lace up or zip lightweight boots as a wetsuit type of option, ie they are wet, stop wind and trap a warm layer of water next to the skin. I think if they were walked in constantly then expect problems.

Edit. I'm talking rubbish. I'm referring to sharkskin socks!
Getting my fish and mammals muddled!

[ExpectQuality]

I've had a few pairs of Sealskinz socks given to me as presents for walking and cycling. None, repeat, none of them were in any way waterproof, or even a little water resistant. It was never a question of water getting over the top either. Water simply soaked through at the ankles of bottom of the feet even in mild conditions in which I would expect a pair of ordinary woolen socks to keep my dry. I've tested them in a couple of inches of water in the bath. The result: instantly wet feet. Worse than that, the water won't drain for the socks and your feet freeze. Sealskinz do not answer any complaints you make to them either. Reading g many reviews on other sites I see that others have had similar experiences. But then, some people swear by them. I can only conclude that Sealskinz must have both lousy quality control and lousier customer relations. My experience is that they are an appalling product. I've had to tell my well meaning friends to save their money, just give me the cash!