Drymax Socks Review

I have been searching for the ultimate running socks for years now.  I have switched between several brands that make great socks as you can see in my past reviews.  I settled on Injinji socks over a year ago and they were my go-to socks for almost all races and training.  As I transitioned to more trail and ultra-endurance running, I was looking for a better sock since most socks don’t handle moisture well.  Many of the trail races around the Northern California area have stream or river crossings.  That and I love to cool my feet off in the water on long runs.  I really wanted to find a sock that would keep my feet drier and not feel like I was running on wet sponges. 

I ran across some articles after the Western States 100 race this year that basically said that Injinji and Drymax socks were the two most popular socks at the race.  I had never tried Drymax socks so I took the opportunity to reach out and request some samples.  They sent me several different versions to test.  They have several different thicknesses and lengths.

Moisture leads to blisters, Athlete’s Foot, odor-causing bacteria, and foot discomfort.  The reality is that in most races your feet will get wet from sweat, rain, getting splashed at aid stations, or running through creeks.

The funny thing is that almost all performance sock companies say that their moisture wicking socks will keep your feet dry.  Not to get too technical, the fabrics that they use attract moisture and they actually hold the moisture near your skin, keeping it wet.  While it does pull moisture off of the skin, it also pulls sweat toward the skin.  You have wet fabric just sitting against your skin until the moisture can evaporate and the sock eventually dries, if you are lucky.  If you have ever seen pictures of ultra-runners after 12-hours of running, their feet are shriveled soggy messes. 

Drymax is different though (Click here to see the difference between Drymax socks and other moisture wicking fabric).  It is made with moisture repelling fabric on the inner layer, which helps remove sweat from your skin.  Because it does not adhere to the Drymax fibers, the moisture is instantly transferred to the outer layer of the sock, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.  They call it “A Self Contained Dual Layer Sweat Removal System.” They keep your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions from hot to cold weather and even in pouring rain or wading through creeks.  One of the leading causes of DNF’s (Did Not Finish) at ultra-distance races is blisters or other foot problems.

Drymax socks also are made with their Anti-Blister System.  The socks prevent blisters by providing exceptional 3D fit, five different sock sizes, seamless insides, instep-hugging arch band, and they keep your feet dry.  Drymax socks are also made with air vents on the top and bottom of most socks they produce to keep your feet cooler.

Now that you have a basic idea about what makes Drymax socks different than other brands, let’s look at what they have to offer.  They have Hyper Thin Running socks, Thin Running socks, Running Lite-Mesh socks, Running socks, Lite Trail Running socks, Trail Running socks, Cold Weather Running socks, Hot Weather socks, and Triathlete socks.  They even have Maximum Protection Running socks for both road and trail as well as some socks specifically designed for elite runners like Ian Sharman and Stephanie Howe.  They have sock lengths from no show to crew length socks.  You can see their complete sock line below.

I really have been happy with my other socks for the most part, but ignorance is bliss.  Now that I started running in Drymax socks, it’s going to be really hard to run in anything else.  They are so comfortable and I have not had a single blister since I started using them, which has been a huge issue for me in the past.  I previously had included time before a run for Rock Tape on the back of my foot (above my heel) and trail toes jelly on the ball of my foot.  That is all in the past though my friends.

It honestly is really hard to pick a favorite Drymax sock.  I love the Maximum Protection socks in both the road and trail versions.  I also really like the Hyper Thin Running socks in the mini crew length.  Their trail socks that come in a ¼ crew length can also be folded down to make them shorter depending on your preference.  I ran 15 miles with 4500 feet of elevation gain in the Max Pro Trail socks this last week.  My feet felt awesome who whole run.  I wish I could say the same for my quads.

Drymax offers a “STAY DRY & COMFORATBLE – GUARANTEE” where they promise Drymax socks will keep your feet drier and more comfortable than any other socks.  If you don’t agree, return them to Drymax with a copy of your receipt and you will be fully refunded.  You simply can’t beat that offer. 

Pros:

Actually keeps moisture away from your skin

Plenty of thickness and length options

Awesome money-back guarantee

Decent price (starting under $15 on Amazon)

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I honestly can say that after testing Drymax socks for over 250 miles, these are the best socks that I’ve tested to date.  They keep my feet cooler and drier than other socks.  I also like the wide variety of thicknesses and lengths so I can choose my socks depending on what type of training day I have planned.  You can find Drymax socks online or at a local retailer near you. (Click here for locations).  While they aren’t the cheapest socks, they are still reasonable and the quality and functionality makes it a worthwhile investment.  I think of it this way… my feet are the one thing that keep me going day after day.  If I don’t take care of them, they can’t take care of me.  Drymax will be my sock of choice going into some big ultra-endurance runs in 2018.  Give them a try and let me know what you think.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.