Winter has definitely arrived over the last two weeks… we’ve had several days of sub-zero temperatures, 24 hours of slushy snow, and quite a bit of rain in between as it’s warmed up again. It’s that time of year when it’s time to dig into the winter running kit. My thicker baselayer, winter gloves, extra neck buff and warm hat have all been worn (in various combinations). One other invaluable item is my Geckowear waterproof socks. I say “my” but technically they are Julie’s – although as with a lot of her kit I tend to “borrow” things 🤣
Geckowear are are makes of “100% waterproof, breathable and insulated” running socks. The pairs we have are the Knee Length Ultimate Waterproof Sock – usually £39.99 a pair, but currently on Black Friday discount for £20. They also do various other options for length, compression and colour, but all of them are based on the “triple-layer” design which seems to be woven inner and outer with their “AirSkin” membrane in between, which is waterproof and breathable. These are the XL, equivalent to UK size 12-14 and they come up to just below my knees, which is perfect.
I’ve been wearing them mainly to keep my feet warm when out in freezing conditions, and they definitely do that! They are a little bit thicker (maybe 2mm?) than normal socks so if you wear particularly tight shoes you might notice but for me they work just fine in my normal shoes.
I wore these socks for one particular run last week where there was about 5cm of freezing, wet slush lying (see the video)! We only did about 3 miles around the village and though my feet were initially warm I found that they did get wet so the “100%” waterproof claim doesn’t quite hold up. Neverthless if I was in ordinary socks I my toes would have been freezing, so it was still worth wearing them!
I’m not really a big fan of waterproof socks for really long runs or ultras, on the basis that I think it’s better to accept your feet will get wet and let them drain dry! But I totally recommend these for short winter runs, especially if you know you will get a bit wet from a short boggy or flooded section. Just maybe not if your feet will be immersed in liquid the whole time. I’ll be packing them for upcoming work trips to Sweden and Finland!
I’d be interested to hear of other people’s experience with these or other brands of waterproof socks!