Air Force 1 X-socks

I received these socks with a pair of Lowa brand boots that I got for review on the site. They're X-socks brand which is distributed in the US by Lowa.

The Airforce 1 sock is a lighter weight sock but have a lot going on when it comes to features. One thing I noticed right away is that there is a designated left and right sock indicated by a "L" and "R" on the socks. The socks are anatomically shaped footbed for the left and right foot. I thought this was pretty unique.

The socks don't have a whole lot in the way of cushioning, but they do tend to keep your feet dry and cool/warm due to the materials used and the construction design. This is important for foot health & comfort in the summer and for keeping the feet warm in the winter Here are some of the design features that help this sock to keep your feet dry:

• “Air conditioning channels” which consists of finely woven knit-mesh that allows air to circulate around the foot, regulating the foot temperature. This channeling is located down the sides of the leg area and on the sole of the sock. The idea on the sole of the foot is that when you step it will force air movement through the air flow channels.

• Rod padding up the leg which helps to protect the foot from the boot but it also helps to circulate air around the foot. This also allows the calf muscles to move more freely.

Like I said before, these socks don't have a ton of cushioning, but they do have some features to help protect the foot. These features do seem to work. I have had no problems with my boots causing comfort problems so far with these socks. Here are some of the features that help these socks to protect your foot:

• Rod padding along the leg area helps to put some space between the boot and the calf muscle and also protect the shin.

• Instep protector helps to protect the instep against pressure from the laces.

• Toe protector reduces friction.

• Toe tip protector of Robur absorbs pressure.

• Heel protector reduces friction and the risk of blisters.

• Achilles' tendon protector of Robur

• X-cross bandage material cushions and stabilizes the foot. This helps reduce the chances of rolling your ankle.

These socks stay in place too. They have a self adjusting cuff that adapts to the size of the leg, but doesn't slip down.

Another cool feature that you're seeing more in socks of good quality is a silver ion treatment in the footbed. This silver treatment is permanent and reduces foot odor and moisture and prevents athlete's foot. This stuff does work as advertised. My feet tend to smell pretty nasty after a 14 hour shift, but with these socks there isn't even a hint of odor at the end of the day. And, my feet are fairly dry as well.

The only complaint I have about these socks is that when you first put them on and put your boot on, for the first half hour or so, it feels as if there's something in the sock...kind of like there's a few granules of sand in the bottom of the sock. I'm not sure if this has to do with the material not having time stretch and conform to the shape of your foot, but after a few minutes this sensation goes away.

One thing you'll notice when washing these socks is that they appear to have shrunk and shriveled up a bit when you take them out of the drier. I didn't notice a change in fit though.

Overall these are some good socks, however,a bit pricey. I'm not sure if I'd pay the MSRP of for them if I were looking for socks. Not that they aren't worth more than a regular pair of socks, because they are, but the price does seem a bit steep. I have used them at least twice a week for several months including hot humid summer weather and cold winter environment. They have proven themselves to be a great pair of socks.

Colors: Black/Dark Grey, Dark Grey/Light Grey

MSRP: $42.00

Techn. Composition

26%		Nylon
22%		Merinowool
18%		Robur™
13%		Mythlan™
9%		Elastane
7%		Silk
7%		Silver Nodor®

Material

42%		Nylon
22%		Merinowool
13%		Polypropylene
9%		Elastane
7%		Silk
6%		Polyester
1%		Silver