Socks certainly aren’t much to look at, and one never really thinks about modern technology when purchasing a pair. But high tech can be uttered in the same sentence as socks, especially ones like the Dahlgren Ultra Light Trail Socks. What makes these Dahlgren socks so unique is that they are made with Alpaca Wool blended with Merino.
Now, I don’t know if there is any benefit to Alpaca over Merino (or any other wool for that matter) but what I do know is that these are the softest socks I’ve ever rolled onto my toes. The Alpaca and Merino blend is part of what Dahlgren calls the “absorption zone” of the sock. Coupled with a “transfer zone” made with alternating rings and channels of the same material but with ECO-Dri, and another layer of an ECO-Dri “evaporation zone,” and you’ve got a sock that can wick sweat away and work damn hard on long trail runs.
All this technology is called Dri-Stride. The channeling away of moisture from the foot, with a combination of these natural, absorbing fibers, means that sweat wicks away and evaporates.
I wore the Dahlgren Ultra Light Trail Socks on several runs in the Salt Lake foothills, as well as pounded the mountains with them on various day hikes in the fall. Through it all, these socks were extremely comfortable and durable. They’re light weight, which means they don’t get terribly hot and breathe easy. But my feet did get sweaty on super hot days.
Colder weather are when these socks excel, as the wood blend keeps digits warm. But their ultra light status means they won’t provide enough insulation unless you’re working out hard. I ran in them during cold spells where temps fell to the 30s, and my toes stayed totally comfortable the entire time.
The only knock I have on these socks is that the material is so silky soft, that it can sometimes slip inside the shoe, especially when things get ultra-sweaty. That means it’s really important to wear the socks with properly fitting shoes as the socks are super thin and won’t provide any extra cushion or stability.
Cozy, smooth, good looking, and rugged: Dahlgren Ultra Light Trail Socks are now my go-to stockings for light hikes and runs on both road and trail.
For more information, visit www.dahlgrenfootwear.com