Wrightsock Running Socks Review

Sock reviews are always a little bit awkward for me. Many times on this page, I’ve expressed my undying love for Drymax socks, and I’m typically uninterested in trying any other brands. My wife, however, is open to experimentation – a very good quality, I might add – and is usually willing to test different sock varieties.

When I explain this situation to company reps, some of them withdraw their review offer, and others agree to have my wife review the socks instead of me. None of them, however, responded in the way the Wrightsock company did.

A family of happy feet!

Not only did they send my wife a healthy supply of test socks, but they also provided a full assortment of men’s and women’s socks in various sizes, effectively outfitting my whole family. My wife uses them for running, and the kids use them at school and for hiking. I also ended up testing a few pairs – and while they didn’t blow me away, I have to say they were better than I anticipated.

I actually have experience with Wrightsocks in the past; several years ago when I was an avid marathoner, my wife gave me a pair as a gift in my Christmas stocking. At that time, the company had established its niche as “the double layer sock company”, making dual layer socks that are a highly effective means of blister prevention. Unfortunately, those early socks were too thick and too warm for my liking, and the inner fabric layer tended to bunch up around my toes. I never bought another pair, and my lasting impression was quite unfavorable.

That’s why I was pleasantly surprised with Wrightsock’s current offerings. They still make double-layer socks, but they are much thinner than the old pairs, much more breatheable, and hold their shape significantly better on both layers. They’ve also expanded their inventory to include single-layer socks, which are branded as WrightOnes. Our sample selection included both single and double-layer models, with a variety of styles and fabrics to keep things interesting.

The double-layer system works like this: the layer closest to your skin is a contoured fabric called Dri-Wright that wicks moisture away from the foot. The outer layer of fabric is specific to the activity; some are very similar to the inner layer, others are quite different. For example, my wife was impressed with the Running II sock, which has virtually the same material construction – 70% Dri-Wright, approximately 25% nylon and 5% Lycra - on the outer layer as on the inner surface. On the other hand, my favorite socks from the group were the Merino TRL, a trail running model whose outer layer features 72% merino wool.

Overall thickness of the socks is much less than I remember, which in my book is a good thing; it makes for more effective temperature regulation, and goes along with my minimalist philosophy. However, if you like more substance around your foot, Wrightsocks come in a variety of thicknesses, with a cushioned DLX model at the top (most thick), and the Lite model at the bottom. In other words, there’s something for everybody.

The new product for Wrightsocks this year are their single-layer WrightOnes, which use the same Dri-Wright fabric (78%) for moisture wicking and ventilation, as well as nylon (16%) and Lycra (6%) for a contoured fit and stability on the foot. There is also seam-free construction to reduce any chafing or hot spots. These socks are pleasantly thin, but my wife’s favorite is actually the SLX, which has a bit of cushioning under the heel and metatarsal heads. She’s not quite the minimalist freak that I am.

Although I didn’t test anything to make me give up my favorite Drymax socks, I was certainly impressed by the improvements Wrightsock has made since I last tried them. The company’s strength is offering double-layer construction that still manages to be respectably thin. If double-layer socks are your preference for blister control but you want to maintain a natural feel, they’d certainly be worth a try.

(And if you have experience with Wrightsocks or have a favorite model to recommend, please chime in to the comments section below.)

Wrightsocks are available for $11.00 from REI.com as well as the company website. REI also currently has last year's version of the Merino TRL on sale for a very attractive closeout price of $6.00.


*Products provided by Wrightsock. Affiliate sales support Running and Rambling.
**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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