Disadvantages of waterproof shoes Each product has its strengths, but also its limitations. One plus of waterproof shoes is that you will (hopefully) have dry feet at the end of your hike, trail run, or whatever activity you are doing. Unfortunately, waterproof shoes also have drawbacks:
Damage of the membrane : You invested in new waterproof trail running shoes. And of course you want to test them out as soon as possible. Unfortunately, during your first run, things already go wrong. A sharp branch, a pointed rock, ... they're all life-threatening to the membrane of your waterproof shoes. That's how quickly things can go wrong.Too low : your shoe is only waterproof up to the point where the membrane stops. With sports shoes, this is usually just below the ankle. But with high top hiking shoes you can still make a mistake. On some waterproof shoes the tongue is completely fixed and in that case your shoe is waterproof up to the top. With other models, the tongue is only partially attached and the waterproofing stops at the point where the tongue comes loose. The shoe itself is then higher, but the water can come in through the tongue. In other words: if you step in a deep puddle, your feet are wet anyway.Are waterproof socks the solution? Waterproof socks may indeed be the solution to your problem. Randy Sun's waterproof socks are made up of three layers:
An outer layer that protects the membrane A waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane as intermediate layer An inner layer containing coolmax to wick sweat away from your feet We currently offer two models from Randy Sun: a mid-height version to mid-calf and a high version to just below the knee . Because the socks tighten well, they don't sag and it's also difficult for water to penetrate along the top.
Waterproof: This keeps your feet really dry. We tested Randy Sun's waterproof socks ourselves in different conditions:
Test 1: standing still in a tub of water for 25 minutes In all three conditions, no water got into the socks . However, it does bring us straight to the next point: breathability.
Breathability The membrane used is semi-permeable. This means that it contains microscopic holes that are so small that water droplets cannot pass through, but water vapor (sweat) can. This makes Randy Sun's waterproof socks breathable as well. But everything has its limitations too!
When standing still in water (like test 1), the outside of the membrane is in continuous contact with water. This makes the membrane unable to breathe (logical: nothing can get out because it is blocked).
Also, during strenuous activities, sweat production may exceed breathability. Therefore, we recommend wearing Injinji Liners under the socks during physical activities .
Windproof An additional benefit of Randy Sun's waterproof socks is that they are also windproof.This protects you extra from the cold. This makes these waterproof stockings not only suitable for wet conditions, but also when you have to stand still outside for a long time .
Use Running, trailrunning, ultrarunning, camping, fishing, biking, hiking, trekking,... You can use Randy Sun socks for almost any outdoor activity.
Attention: waterproof socks are a bit thicker and stiffer than normal socks!
