Gear Review: Wrightsock Coolmesh II

Today I’m going to do a review of the Wrightsock Coolmesh II running sock.  This sock has been my go-to running sock for the better part of a decade.  It’s a light weight, highly breathable, fast drying, and moisture wicking sock.  Any sock that is labeled as an “anti-blister system” gets an A+ in my book.  In fact, I have completed at least 6 marathons and a 50-mile ultra race wearing the Coolmesh II socks and have never had a blister.  Seriously, that is pretty impressive.  Perhaps this isn’t so much a gear review, but more a testament to my undying love for the Coolmesh II socks.  I simply haven’t found a better light weight running sock on the market.  I’ve tried several other socks from Smartwool, Lorpen, Point 6, Wigwam, and others.  I can’t say I dislike those socks or have anything significantly negative to say about them.  However, I always find myself falling back on my trusted friend – the Wrightsock Coolmesh II. 

   

The key to this sock’s success is the anti-blister system.  This system focuses on three key factors that usually cause blisters: moisture, heat, and friction.  As your body heats up while you are running, you are naturally going to generate sweat and heat in your shoes.  These socks have a moisture management system that gets the moisture away from your foot.  They are also light weight and highly breathable, which allows your foot to cool.  To combat the friction, Wrightsock developed a double layer system, so the sock is actually constructed of two thin layers of material instead of a single layer of material.  The idea is that you get friction between the two layers of sock instead of between your foot and the sock.  Don’t let this double layer system fool you.  It is anything but bulky and awkward.  You don’t even notice it is there.  These three technologies combined create the anti-blister system. 

 

Wrightsock has added some new neon colors to the lineup.  They go perfectly with the neon colors that many of the running shoes are available in today.  They are also bright and let you be seen while running.  If neon isn’t your thing, they are also still available in standard, black, gray, and white.  Country Squirrel Outfitters recently added the neon colors to our inventory and they have become quite popular.  We even have them in neon pink to celebrate October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  If running isn’t your thing, these socks are also great for cycling, hiking, walking, and fitness classes at the YMCA.

   

Summary:

I’m going to give the Wrightsock Coolmesh II socks 5 out of 5 stars.  It is simply an awesome sock and I have logged thousands of miles running in these socks and I couldn't have asked for them to perform any better. The are also MADE IN THE USA, which makes them even that much better. The Wrightsock Coolmesh II is certainly a sock that you should try if you are a runner or anyone who is active.  The tab, low and quarter lengths retail for $11 where the crew retails for $12.  The anti-blister system will make your feet happy and for only $11, why not give them a shot.

Pros: Made in the USA, anti-blister system, light weight, breathable, moisture management system, simply an awesome sock.

Cons: I can't really think of anything negative to say.  I suppose they aren't the best socks for winter running, however, Wrightsock does make some merino wool socks that also have the anti-blister system.  The Merino Stride socks would be a little better for winter running (also available at Country Squirrel Outfitters)