Dachstein 4 Ply Boiled Wool Calf Socks
The best.
Pros
- Warmth
- Long lasting
Cons
- Expense
- Too thick for much footwear
Hard to review, mine are finally worn out [kind of, I will explain in a minute] after a couple decades [or more] of use. I've had them so long I don't even recall when I got them.
I said worn out, well not totally. The heels are totally gone and I still wear them since I never had cold heels that I can remember, only cold toes in other socks.
I often read where snowshoeing was done in wool socks only, no boots. I never did it but two pairs of Dachstein socks would be what I'd recommend if one wanted to try it.
They are the best, simple as that for warmth or longevity when it comes to wool.
Mine have never shrunk and have been soaked wet and dried wrong. What remains of mine is much like they were new. No sag either.
One often would have to get a boot at least 1/2 size larger to wear them. I often wear them without a liner but any good quality liner works well with them.
I often wear them as slippers, but they can be slippery on stairs so be careful.
They were worn in all conditions in SNY and in the Adirondacks mostly three seasons [fall, winter, spring], hunting, hiking/snowshoeing, climbing, outdoor work.
What else can I say? If one can afford them they should buy them, most especially if they go into the wilds in severe weather. I believe they cost about $50 a pair now.
And a long time ago I had a pair of antique boiled wool boot liners which were much like the Dachstein socks but had laces and were somewhat thinner, but they too were unbeatable. That's the quality of boiled wool.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: I do not remember