You can read our profile on Socktights and founder Shelby Mason here. Socktights is the new brand name for Bootights.
We recently took delivery of a number of samples including these Darbys Knee-Hi Boot Socks, which this review will focus on.
Packaging
The Darbys Knee-Hi Boot Socks are packaged quite simply. It's a classic design with the product being held in place in a card clasp so that they can be displayed in a retail setting.
The card clasp provides a surprising amount of information about the product, including:
- Advice on removal from the packaging
- Sizing information
- Wearing tips
- Detailed product information
Materials and features
Shelby Mason, the founder of Bootights, explains why the Darbys Knee-Hi Boot Socks were created:
"I created Darbys because regular socks never felt quite right with my boots. Attaching a cushioned, comfy sock to a sleek and stylish knee-hi seemed like the best of both worlds. Welcome to my world!"
The Socktights website describes them as:
"The perfect hybrid of trouser and performance socks – the sleek compression design hugs your leg, the cushioned sock bottom keep feet comfortable. Boots/shoes fit better."
These knee-his have two sections:
- The foot is made from 99% Nylon and 1% Spandex
- The leg is made from 92% Nylon and 8% Spandex.
This is like a sleek, smooth high quality opaque tight similar to 80-100 denier. Opacity is dense and even, and the material glides easily against trousers or jeans.
The leg has a 5cm wide cuff which has been made with the material doubled over. It worked perfectly.
The foot
The foot has clearly been design with great care. Key features are:
- A cushioned sole
- Arch support
- Moisture wicking fibre
- A mesh zone where the sock sits on the instep to provide additional breathability
Sizing, fit and wearing experience
The Darbys Knee-Hi Boot Socks are available in One-Size (OS) only.
Despite being One-Size I was surprised how generous the fit was, and I have quite large and wide feet.
The cushioned for sock easily fitted my UK 10.5 shoe size (US 11.5; Euro 45). The leg was also generously sized and stretched up to the knee with ease.
The packaging actually states:
"Fits shoe size 5 -10.5 US, 2.5 - 8 UK"
The leg is exceptionally smooth and soft on the skin.
The foot part has really good breathability and the cushioned sole is comfortable and cosy.
The leg stays up well with no need for pulling up or adjustment. The cuff holds them up well without any digging in or uncomfortable pressure.
My feet felt comfortable in these socks during the two periods of extended wear that I subjected them to.
Two things to point out though:
1. Although the Darbys Boot Socks seem to be quite robust, you still need to handle them with some care. The leg part is, as described above, similar to an opaque tight and might be damaged. One of my socks caught on something and a run developed.
2. The sock section attracts fluff quite easily.
Colour range
The Darbys Knee-Hi Boot Socks are available in a two-pair pack: one pair in Jet (Black) and another in Chocolate.
Price and availability
The two-pair pack of boot socks/knee highs are priced at $28.00. Occasionally there seem to be special offers and price reductions so keep an eye out for these.
They can be purchased directly from the Socktights website.
The website also allows you to search for local retailers and stockists.
Conclusion
I have never worn specifically-designed boot socks until I tried the Darbys Knee-Hi Boot Socks from Socktights.
They are an impressively-designed and manufactured product, with great functionality.
Although one size, I found the sizing to be generous and the materials used have great stretch and fit.
These are perfect for guys who wear boots and work fine as unisex product.
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