Sugoi Wallaroo 1/4 Sock : Comfort for Cold Runs and Bike Rides

I first tested Sugoi's Wallaroo sock in a snowstorm, wearing a set of YakTrax strapped to my GoreTex trail runners. They did a great job of insulating and the padding was most appreciated. I'll be donning these puppies over and over again during this cold Norwegian winter.

Sugoi's Wallaroo is spun from 100 percent merino wool, designed specifically for cold-weather, high-octane exercise. The temps here are usually in the teens, but my toes are continually warm when I'm wearing these socks. I think that's due to the insulating properties of wool, as well as the fact that the toe seams lay flat, so there are no pressure points. Pressure points tend to decrease circulation, and just a little bit of lost circulation creates frozen toes.

I love how well the socks wick moisture. Merino wool is truly miraculous in that regard. Even when my shoe seams leak, allowing water to seep through my shoes, the socks keep wicking water and sweat from my skin. I also like the height of this sock; it's somewhere between a traditional quarter sock and a crew sock.

The Wallaroo 1/4 has a great design. There's a compressive band around the arch and a fitted heel cup; both features keep the sock in place. Sugoi claims the band aids in circulation, too. Based on how warm my feet are in these socks, I believe it.

Finally, I like the padding in this sock. For a thin athletic sock, it's got a copious amount of padding in the heel and toe areas. That helps protect against the constant jarring sensation that comes with running on hard surfaces. Sometimes I run on snowy trails in snowshoes, while other times I take to the streets and pound the pavement. The pavement here isn't exactly pavement--it's really just long tracts of ice. The occasional warm day will melt some snow, which will then freeze overnight. The result is literally kilometer after kilometer of ice-covered sidewalks and roads. Ice is hard, and my knees can take a beating. I am used to running in thin running socks that don't have any padding, so I immediately noticed the difference with the Wallaroo 1/4 sock.

Eco Creds: Made out of merino wool, a renewable resource.

Sugoi's Wallaroo ¼ sock is available in black or gray, and comes in unisex sizing (S to L).

Bottom LIne: Thin yet surprisingly warm. Great for cycling or running in cold conditions (N.W., Jan '11).

BUY ONLINE : $16, click to shop.

Manufacturer's Site: www.sugoi.com

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