Dexshell Ultra-Flex are sport socks for heavy weather conditions. The manufacturer promises them to be waterproof but breathable and comfortable to wear at the same time. If this is the case, why didn’t they reach me earlier!?
BASIC INFORMATION
- brand– Dexshell
- type – Ultra Flex
- intended use – any sport in hard weather conditions
- material – 1. layer – 96% nylon, 3% elastane, 1% stretch, 2. layer – PORELLE membrane, 3. layer – 70% bamboo yarn, 30% nylon.
- temperature conditions – all year
- list price – 129 PLN
ABOUT DEXSHELL
I learned about Dexshell socks some time ago, but I approached them like all the other products with waterproof membrane – with great caution. Sa always with this type of products, there are comments on low breathability – the shoes are said to cook your feet if it’s only a bit warmer. Why would it be different with socks?
During the recent Snow Leopard Race I talked about them with Konrad (a friend from the Vege Runners running team) who spoke about them very positively… so I decided to test them.
DexShell Ultra Flex came to me thanks to Dexshell Polska. Most of the socks are made of merino wool – they are supposed to adapt to the feet nicely (like ordinary socks), and at the same time breath well enough to remove excess moisture from the foot. We can also find vegan bamboo yarn socks, which do not differ from merino functionally.
Dexshell Ultra Flex, the model I chose, is described as the most close-fitting. They are seamless, made of bamboo yarns and they reach above the ankle. I was recommended them as socks for the spring-summer season, due to the smallest thermic properties. They are an ideal alternative to membrane shoes, because with them, you get the waterproof membrane properties with any shoes you use.
REVIEW
1. FIRST IMPRESSION
…pretty weird. You instantly feel that these are not ordinary socks. They seem thicker and more rigid. I immediately felt concerned about possible abrasions and discomfort. When I slipped them on my feet, I had the impression that I was wearing a plastic cover. BUT! When on feet it’s totally normal. They fit comfortably and well to your feet – just like a normal sock. I didn’t feel as if they were special in any way – it was good because I was afraid I would run like a moron in some plastic.
2. TEST IN BATTLE
I looked for a rainy weather impatiently and the first morning it was drizzling, I felt like a kid during Christmas – I finally could put them to test! I jumped in Ultra-Flex, grabbed my running shoes and off we go. On the way I scored all the possible puddles so that the shoes were completely wet. And all this to make sure the socks really manage.
COMFORT – Socks are actually a bit thicker than the usual, light running socks, so there’s slightly tighter in the shoe is slightly tighter. However, nothing slips, nothing moves – quite normal feeling. Test passed.
WATERPROOFING – During the run, every fall into the pool ends with an unpleasant cold and the feelling as if I’m wearing simple socks. I’m 100% sure that everything is absolutely wet. After the first completed training I returned home disappointed. Taking off my shoes, I felt my socks were wet and I was right. I was amazed after taking the sock off – the foot was almost dry – just a little sweaty, but I would say less than normal socks. Test passed.
BREATHABILITY– Here as well the socks came out victorious. Of course, I was running during rainy weather, so the temperatures were definitely lower, but still spring-like. Being waterproof, socks drain away moisture well, do not cause any abrasions and do not slide at standard mileage for most runners (I tested 5 to 15 km). I have not tested them yet in any long distance, but I am optimistic. They really pass the exam.
SUMMARY
I approached the test with a much distance and I have to say that I was a doubter. Socks are really waterproof, at the same time draining any moisture away. They are light and airy, so we are not limited to use them only in the winter. Moreover, we are restricted to only one pair of membrane shoes – we can use Dexshell for both our favorite street running shoes and a reliable trail tractor.
You can debate whether 129 PLN is much for a pair of socks, but if with this expense I don’t have to buy additional pairs of membrane shoes, I consider this price to be justified enough. I recommend this version for winter-spring conditions. As for the summer – I will add „edit” as I will test it ;-)
The reviewed version (ULTRA-FLEX) can be purchased here
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