Spring Sock Review: SOLE Lightweight and Dual-Layer, Feetures Ultra Light and Elite

I’m not sure how the idea came to me, or why I actually acted on it rather than having the good sense to leave it the heck alone … but a couple of months ago, it occurred to me that perhaps my wife didn’t have quite enough things to do. And since I’m a devoted (if somewhat oblivious) husband, and tend to have plenty of gear at my disposal, I figured it would be a great idea to deputize her as a product reviewing apprentice. Honestly, it seemed like a decent thought at the time.

To her credit, she took my foolish notion in stride, and instead of wringing my neck for putting one more crazy task on her plate, she graciously played along. The results of her cooperation will be evident in the next couple of weeks; I’ve already indicated that she’s testing Merrell’s Pace Glove for me, and today, I get to report on six different socks from two different companies that she’s been testing over the past several weeks.

The sock review seemed like a perfect match for her, because 1) all of the products here are primarily road socks, and she does a lot more road running than I do, and 2) I'm already on record countless times saying that when it comes to socks, my heart belongs to Drymax. So instead of conducting a contest where everyone would be competing for second place, I handed it over to an impartial judge; it seemed like the fair thing to do.

First up were two pairs from SOLE, a company I first profiled when reviewing their sport flips (which, coincidentally, my wife also tested for me; I’m thinking I might need to offer her some sort of benefit plan soon). She tested the dual layer performance sock, a running-specific model, and the lightweight multi-sport sock. Both are extremely thin socks that use Tactel, a synthetic nylon fabric that is very soft, dries eight times faster than cotton, and retains its shape after repeated use and wash cycles. They both also come in multiple heights, are available in either black or white, have seamless toe construction, and employ SOLE’s TensorFit arch band to reduce slippage and keep the sock in place.

SOLE lightweight sport sock

The lightweight sport sock has instep vents for increased breathability, with a two-component fabric blend of 82% Tactel and 18% Lycra. The dual layer sock has (as the name implies) two separate layers of fabric to reduce friction and prevent blisters – an inner layer that hugs your foot, and an outer panel with large vents for breathability. If you like dual-layer socks but don't like their thickness, the SOLE sock is for you; it's definitely one of the thinnest dual layer socks I've ever seen. It has a coolmax component to help move moisture away from the foot, with a fabric breakdown of 52% Tactel, 35% Coolmax, and 13% Lycra.

SOLE dual-layer running socks

As you’d guess from the fabric construction, the lightweight sock is a bit thinner and stretchier, and the dual layer is a bit better at moisture management and blister prevention. As to how they feel, I think it’s best to say that one of the hallmarks of a good sock is when it doesn’t bother you in any way – in other words, my wife didn’t have any complaints about them, but they didn’t completely, um … knock her socks off, I guess. They’re probably worth a try if you live in a hot climate or like extremely thin socks for running or other athletic activities.

The remainder of the socks were from Feetures (typically written with an exclamation point! To get you excited!), a North Carolina-based family company who suckered me into agreeing to a review by exploiting my affection for the UNC Tar Heels (where I went to grad school). However, I had enough presence of mind to refrain from telling them that my wife went to Duke, because that could have made the whole situation way too awkward. (Yes, these details matter - just ask anyone in North Carolina). She ended up testing three somewhat similar models – the ultra light running, ultra light multi-sport, and light cushioned multi-sport – as well as the Elite, a new model which turned out to be the real standout of the group.

Differences between the first three socks are fairly subtle: the light cushioned socks are slightly thicker than the ultra light versions, the ultra light running has a Durasoft fabric blend of merino wool and bamboo rayon for softness, moisture wicking, and odor control, while the multi-sport models have a trendy-sounding iWick fabric for moisture transfer. They’re all made with SnugFit technology which uses bands of Lycra to hug the foot, Y-heel construction which prevents the sock from slipping in to the shoe, and a seamless toe area.

Feetures ultra light running sock

Aside from the cushioned versions feeling thicker than the ultra lights, my wife had a hard time distinguishing any performance difference between these three – but again, she didn’t really have anything negative to say. They all feel smooth against the foot, are good at not bunching inside the shoe, and seem well-built with no stray elastic or loose threads after multiple washings.

However, she did notice a clear difference with the feel and function of the Elite, Feetures’s new ultra light running and cycling sock. It’s tangibly thinner and lighter than the other models, and fits even more securely. Fabric construction is 79% iWick, 13% polyester, 13% Lycra/Spandex, and each pair has a designated left and right sock, anatomically contoured specifically to that particular foot. There’s also a Power Arch design which provides additional support to the instep area. This is an aspect that particularly impressed my wife, in that she’s been having some increased arch pain recently - perhaps related to the aforementioned barefoot shoes she’s been testing for me, but that’s another story – and she can feel the difference in support when wearing the Elite socks compared to any of the others.

Feetures Elite sock

So if there’s a clear winner from this comparison review, it’s the Elite sock from Feetures. There’s not really a clunker in the whole bunch, though – so if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try out a sampler of socks, here are your links to purchase pages from the company websites:

SOLE lightweight sport sock: $9.50 - $12.50 depending on ankle height

SOLE dual-layer performance sock: $12.50 - $15.00 depending on ankle height

Feetures ultra light running sock:$13.99

Feetures ultra light multi-sport sock: $13.99

Feetures light cushioned multi-sport: $10.99

Feetures Elite ultra light running/cycling sock: $13.99

*Products provided by SOLE and Feetures
**See other product reviews on sidebar at right. If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@runningandrambling.com.

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SOLE Platinum Sandals Review

This could be an interesting week: the product review train that is Running and Rambling will veer in some unusual directions over the next several days. We'll go from warm-weather footwear (today) to cold-weather necessities (later this week), with one or two random stops along the way (wherever I can fit them in).

The most unusual aspect of today’s post, however, is that I haven’t actually reviewed the product in question. Instead, as often happens when I get myself in a jam, I’m turning to my wife to bail me out.

Actually, the timing was fairly fortuitous; throughout the summer, she had been looking to replace her favorite flip-flop sandals that were discontinued last year. So when SOLE offered to let me test a pair of Platinum Orthopedic Sandals, I pretended that I was really a girl with size 9 feet, and tricked them into sending me a women’s version.

(OK … that’s not really the way it happened; I explained our situation to the company rep, and he was very cool to let me do a writeup based on my wife’s testing and feedback. So with that, we’ll get right to it.)


SOLE (always written in all caps; I have no idea why) is the brainchild of Canadian Mike Baker, the founder and president who first made his mark with do-it-yourself custom insoles, and more recently expanded to the arena of orthopedic sandals.

The orthopedic angle is an important one, as Baker’s product idea was inspired by his own history of injury. SOLE footbeds are designed to create a custom fit for improved comfort, alignment, balance and injury-prevention. The company has sold millions of insoles to NFL and NBA teams, military personnel, and medical professionals. Both the insoles and sandals are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.


(However, it will certainly be a point of contention with barefoot practitioners that the company’s website proclaims that without proper cushioning and support, the human foot is inclined to “collapse” and cause pain all the way up the body. Maybe it’s a good thing that my wife was the one doing this review.)

Baker also has a strong social and environmental conscious, supporting several outreach programs promoting youth fitness and targeting the childhood obesity epidemic. SOLE is committed to environmental sustainability, using recycled packaging components, and converting product scraps from its factories into reusable product material. Just this month, they announced a partnership with ReCORK America to produce footwear from recycled wine corks – so next time you drain a bottle, think of it as doing your part to help create a sandal for somebody.

The distinguishing feature of SOLE sandals is how the footbed becomes personalized for each person’s unique foot properties. The wear-moldable footbed conforms to the shape of your foot after repeated uses: the arch height adjusts to your required level, the forefoot takes the shape of the balls of your feet and toes, and the aligning heel cup is contoured to your individual shape. The result is a continuous contact surface across the underside of your feet, leaving no area unsupported. You get the benefit of an orthopedic sandal with the convenience and cool looks of a stylish flip-flop.


At this year's Outdoor Trade Show, SOLE Platinum Sport Flips were awarded the Novel Innovations award for footwear, which recognizes products based on innovative design, ergonomics, environmentally friendly construction, and overall utility value. They have a loyal following among athletes and everyday occupational users, and my wife found them comfortable as well. She also liked their sleek profile in comparison to other brands, and noted a nice selection of colors available from the SOLE webpage.

SOLE Platinum Sport Flips typically retail for $70, with both men's and women’s versions available in several sizes and colors from Endless.com and from the SOLE website. It's a higher price tag than a basic pair of flips, but if you need the orthopedic support to accompany your carefree fashion, these sandals make an attractive option for warm-weather footwear.

See other product reviews on sidebar at right. If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@runningandrambling.com.

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