Whether it’s hiking, biking, running or just walking around town, we put a beating on our feet. It’s not only about your shoes; socks are a pivotal part of foot comfort, and are far too often overlooked. Achieve 02 makes socks designed to keep your feet smiling all day. I put these socks through the paces (pun certainly intended) to see if they could live up to the big claims made by A02.
Are these socks magic? A02 claims that their product reduces pain, boosts oxygen levels and balances foot temperatures. They achieve this sock trifecta thanks to Celliant technology. Celliant fiber redirects visible and infrared light back towards the body. This recycled energy increases blood flow and boosts oxygen levels in body tissue. Sure sounds like magic to me. A02 sent out a few pairs of RX Med Anklet socks as well as their RX MedCrews to prove just how well Celliant works.
I wore the RX MedCrews with heavy hiking boots and low-cut trail shoes. They wrapped my feet while bagging peaks in the Wasatch, on backpacking treks in the Uintas, and while taking my dog for short hikes around the foothills. I can tell you that they are definitely comfortable. The Celliant fabric cushioned my feet and kept them feeling great during all of my outdoor activities. The RX Med Anklets have been a part of my daily footwear since the day they arrived. These little socks are winners. They feel great against my skin, and I definitely noticed that my feet maintained a steady temperature throughout the day. I find that most socks slowly boil my feet as the day wears on, but in the A02 Anklets, my feet felt good from the time I put them on in the morning until I peeled them off late at night.
The downside of these magic socks is also found in the Celliant fabric. While super-comfy, it doesn’t seem very durable. Any portion of the RX MedCrews that were exposed took a beating in the tough Wasatch elements. It seems that you have to trade some toughness for all this comfort. UPDATE: While the MedCrew socks are the best selling gear from A02, they might not be the most logical choice for hikers; the uppers are actually not made with Celliant. Check out the Sport Socks if you want a sock with bomber build quality and durability).
After wearing these socks everywhere for over two months, I can say I’m a fan. I don’t know if I truly felt more oxygen flowing into my blood, but I do know that they were comfortable. After long, tough hikes, my feet felt better than they usually do. I even got rid of my other ankle socks after wearing the A02s all summer; the others just couldn’t compete. With a price point comparable to most outdoor socks, it may be worth your while to see if the magic works for you, too.