With company principles of “comfort | style | eco-friendly materials” KLeN Laundry is keeping things simple and clean. Founded in 2008 KLeN (pronounced clean) set out to do things a little differently than companies have in the past. KLeN makes a range of products from underwear, to undershirts, socks, and accessories. Sorry ladies, outside of a couple of sock options this one is just for the guys for now. KLeN Laundry gave me the opportunity to test and review some of their products and here’s what I think.

KLeN Laundry Review

From the second I opened up the package, the first thing that I noticed was how soft everything was. I knew it was going to be comfy. Principle number 1? Check. The shirts, socks, and boxer briefs were all soft to the touch, smooth, and lightweight.

Everything made by KLeN is based on bamboo fibers. While not 100% bamboo, the majority of the fabric used is bamboo. The benefits of bamboo are well known: naturally antimicrobial, temperature regulation, and natural UV protection. When it comes down to it, these shirts are not going to stink! I wanted to put this to the test to see if it would hold up. I was a little skeptical because the shirts contain a little spandex, which can hold odors. I put three runs and a couple of other workouts into the shirt without washing. At the end, it was smell free.

The products feature a mix of bamboo, organic cotton, elastane, nylon, or spandex. Everything going into the products is eco-friendly. KLeN is also a participant of 1% For the Planet and have run a “Trees for T’s” program where they’ve planted a tree for each t-shirt sold. Principle number 2? Check.

The undershirts while meant to be undershirts are stylee enough to cut it as a regular shirt. I asked my wife it she thought it’d cut it and she gave me the thumbs up. That day a couple people commented on the shirt as well. Principle number 3? Check.

What I did find, however, is that everything is good for everyday wear or for light activities. On my longer or harder days (or warmer days) the fabric would saturate and it wasn’t necessarily great at wicking. I wouldn’t recommend it for hard or heavy sports use if you are looking for performance in terms of wicking and drying. But hey, this isn’t necessarily what this stuff was made to do. If you’re just going to be keeping it a little easier and light, you’ll be well taken care of.

What’s in store for the future? This winter they are releasing a base layer line (featuring 95% bamboo) and some boot socks with a focus on snow, moto, and ski. This summer they’re releasing some new crew socks and some new fitted, custom hats. KLeN also runs a limited edition printed tee (see the sample on the right) and other limited edition items.

The Good

• KLeN lives up to their promises
• Everything is soft, comfortable, and has good style to it
• Company with a clean, reputable goals
• Products are good for everyday or light sports use
• Everything stayed smell free

The Bad

• Products didn’t stand up to heavy use, they got wet, would take a while to dry, and weren’t the best at wicking (this isn’t necessarily what these products were made to do)
• No women’s products

Bottom Line:

KLeN Laundry is stepping up the apparel game. For everyday use and light activity you’ll be hard pressed to find something as comfy as this.

Buy Now: You can buy KLeN Laundry on their site and you can also find a list of participating retails there as well.

Of all the gear in the world to review, nothing — nothing, I tell you — is more difficult than socks. I mean really, how much can you say about socks? I hear tales of gear glory all the time, like, “It snowed so hard that yetis stayed indoors, but we were high and dry in that tent… for all 12 days of it,” however, I can’t think of a single time socks were the obvious hero. I suppose there was one time when I forgot to bring coffee-making paraphernalia on a two week trip and ended up with a designated coffee sock for filtering grounds, but really, cowboy coffee would have sufficed.

Of course the opposite is also true. It turns out that, if you have nothing much to say about socks, it means they work as advertised. That doesn’t mean I have literally nothing to say, though. Far from it. In fact, I have brought to bear my full scientific thinking powers to bring a sock-reviewing method to the madness.

Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout Features

• 45% Coolmax, 25% Merino Wool, 22% Nylon, 6% Silk, 2% Spandex
• Cushiony sole
• Foot hugging fit
• Breathable mesh air vents
• Virtually seamless toe closure

Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout Review

Be still my beating dorsalis pedis pulse! The Merino/Silk Scout may be my favorite Wigwam sock of all time. If there’s a combo as dreamy Coolmax, Merino wool and silk, I haven’t yet touched it with my feet.

Do I think about these socks when doing my thing?
I actually do think about these socks a little bit, which means they either suck or they’re exceptional. In this case, I assure you it’s the latter.

Are my feet uncomfortable in shoes that were previously comfortable?
The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. The cushiony sole is more than adequate for my wimpy feet, and they wick moisture with aplomb. Add FreshGuard to the mix and wear them multiple days in a row without your climbing partners noticing.

Did the socks’ qualities change after a few wash cycles?
I’m not sure, but my impression is that the Merino/Silk Scout shrunk slightly over a couple wash cycles. This may have something to do with the wool content. If they did shrink, the difference is slight.

How long did the socks last under heavy use?
This is hard to answer, since it sort of depends on how many pairs of socks are in my rotation. For me, a non-backpacker-occasional-runner with something in the neighborhood of twelve pairs of socks I wear regularly, I had better damned well see at least a year out of my socks before the elastic weakens and I start to see my foot through them. Something in the neighborhood of two+ years is average. Three+ years is awesome. (If you only have five pairs of socks, adjust your perspective appropriately.)

Unfortunately, I haven’t had these socks long enough to say how well they held up over time. I’ll revisit this review every six months or so to update. Bookmark it now!

How do these socks look?
This is perhaps the least important attribute of a sock, but still, the Merino/Silk Scout can have a little of that I’m-wearing-suit-socks-with-my-sneakers effect, if you’re not careful which color you buy. I have the charcoal version, which walks the line a little bit, but comes down, I think, in the non-nerdy category. Beware black.

Bottom Line:

The Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout is, in my opinion, the perfect combination of materials and features. With vents and foot hugging ribs in all the right places, a thick, cushiony sole and just a touch of silk — oh, baby — this is the sock for me.

Buy Now: Slip into a pair of Wigwam Merino/Silk Scout socks.

I heart thin socks. Yes, indeed, I do heart thin socks. I heart thin socks for trail running, mountain biking and skiing. While I typically wear ultralight socks, some shoes and some ski boots require a tad thicker arrangement and that’s where the Lorpen Tri-layer Merino and Primaloft Light ski socks have come in handy. As they say, they are “not too thick and not too thin,” but just right.

Lorpen built these with a combo of Primaloft yarn and Merino Wool–a killer combo for warmth and moisture management. They have been the perfect match for backcountry skiing with my Dynafit Titan ski boots. The triple layers have been excellent at moving he sweat away from my foot while keeping my toes warm.

They are a little thicker than my typical ultralight, but after thermo-molding the liners in my boots, they take up that little bit of extra volume just dandy. The extra bit of shin padding has come in handy on a few chunky crud days too.

Here’s a little more about the construction of these socks:

The first layer, closest to the skin, is made of PrimaLoft Eco-Polyester, a synthetic fiber that is designed for performance and comfort.  It combines 50% recycled material with PrimaLoft virgin fibers to create a high loft, thermally efficient insulation.  PrimaLoft is also lightweight and water resistant.

The second layer, or middle layer, is made of Merino Wool, a natural fiber that can wick moisture away from the foot while providing softness.  Merino wool also features anti-microbial/anti-odor properties and is machine washable.

The third layer, made of Nylon, is highly durable making the sock resilient and long lasting. The nylon fibers are concentrated in the toe, heal and shin where the sock gets the most abrasion.

Bottom Line: Lorpen Tri-layer Merino/Primaloft Eco Ski Socks

These are a great pair of ski socks for those who prefer a lightweight, but not ultrathin ski sock. You’ll appreciate the warmth, comfort and moisture management they provide.

Buy Now: Lorpen Tri-layer Ski Socks

Trade shows can be brutal on the feet. Akin to a death march through Death Valley, few thing can dish out pain and fatigue quite like walking/standing for hours and hours on nothing but a thin layer of carpet and a foot of concrete. At the end of two days of walking the ATA (Archery Trade Association) show I found myself at the Lorpen booth to compliment the guys on their awesome scent control merino wool hunting socks that I had used last fall while backcountry bow hunting. (review to come shortly)

After a little chit chat I asked what’s new. I’ll not soon regret what came next. The two guys looked at each other and nodded as if on queue and then introduced me to the new Lorpen Light Hiker sock, asking if I wanted to change the way the next day at the show felt on my feet. I was in, with both feet. (pardon the pun)

Lorpen Tri Layer Sock Details

Long known for it’s multi-fabric blended socks, this crew height hiker sock follows suit. It’s a combo of 36% Tencel, 35% Coolmax, 18% Nylon, 10% Lycra and a pinch of Modal at 1%. I can only imagine the spooling required to get that mixture correct when they weave the fabric. But it’s not just the weave that makes this “Partial Light” cushioned sock so darn comfortable all day long, it’s the way it’s tri layers are stacked.

• Inside Layer – Coolmax
• Middle Layer – Tencel
• Outter Layer – Nylon

What Lorpen has done is taken the Coolmax and put it next to your skin to increase moisture wicking property of the sock. Next comes the middle layer comprised of Tencel (brand name for the fabric Lyocell) which spreads moisture through it’s fibers more quickly to allow for more rapid evaporation. Last is an outside layer of Nylon knit onto high friction areas for added durability over time.

Lorpen Tri Layer Light Hiker Sock Fit and Feel

What do these three layers add up to? For me it adds up to an amazingly soft and comfortable sock that is thin enough to wear with any shoe but cushioned enough to have made that third day of the trade show more than just bearable.

But how do they do on the trail, their intended use? I rarely find myself hiking in anything but trail runners so some hiking specific socks are often too thick to make the grade. The Light Hiker again has just the right cushioned area and thin in others to fit well into my Salomon’s or Pearl Izumi runners. But given that it’s cold weather now, they fit comfortable in my Scentblocker hunting boots although in 20 degree weather they were a bit on the cool side.

Bottom Line on the Lorpen Tri Layer Light Hiker Sock

I think they nailed it (again) with a sock that you might even dig out of the dirty laundry basket to wear “just one more day”. It’s no wonder that on the side of each sock package Lorpen includes this guarantee:

If you are not completely satisfied with their product, return to the point of purchase for a complete refund.

I can’t imagine the day will come that I’ll ever put a Lorpen sock on my feet and not feel like my feet have arrived at the spa.

Good Lorpen Tri Layer Sock

• Soft feel
• Use of cross weave increases comfort on the top of the foot and through the arch
• Good cushion in the right places – forefoot and heel cushion

Bad Lorpen Tri Layer Sock

• After the second wearing the stitching on this particular pair near the toes started to come out. That’s a first for me on a Lorpen sock

Buy Now

Take your feet to the spa with the Lorpen Tri Layer Light Hiker sock.

Extra-thin socks have been standard-issue my ski socks now for years. I prefer the close-to-boot feel and have typically had a very slim, race-fit with my ski boots. I have since come off that just a tad in favor of all-day comfort instead of rock-solid race-fit, but I still prefer a thin sock for skiing.

From the legendary mills of Bridgedale, I now have in my hands (and on my feet) a comfortable, moisture-wicking and thin pair of ski socks, the Bridgedale Ultra Fit, Ultra Lightweight ski socks. They are thin, but have been built with lightweight support in mind (hence, they aren’t just a simple thin sock).

Built with WoolFusion (Merino Wool, Polypro, Nylon and Lycra) yarn to provide comfortable, stink-free and moisture-wicking performance, the Ultra Fit socks look and feel promising.

At this point I’ve only worn them on dry runs indoors as I’m getting dialed in for the ski season, but the fit and comfort out the gate is phenomenal. Just the right mix of materials for elasticity, support and comfort with minimalist weights in high-flex areas for a bunch-free fit. I will provide a detailed report on performance during the season, so stay tuned.

Features of the Bridgedale Ultra Fit ski socks:

• WoolFusion yarn blend: 38% Merino, 38% Endurofil, 22% Nylon and 2% Lycra
• Lightweight fit for snug-fitting boots
• Machine washable (see care instructions)
• 3-year Guarantee!
• Colors: Grey or Black
• MSRP: $24.95

Buy Now: Search for Bridgedale Ski Socks

Bridgedale’s socks are pretty much well… legendary. For thousands of years (well, not really, but next year the mill celebrates 100 years of making durable and comfortable socks). I’ve had a variety of Bridgedale socks at my disposal over the past few months and am typically drawn to the thinnest socks in the lot. In this case that’s the new X-Hale Speed Demon socks.

Here are a few details on the Bridgedale X-Hale Speed Demon socks:

• Fit & Function: Mapped impact cushioning, cooling ventilation.
• Construction: Light and highly breathable. T2 double loop cushioning for impact protection.
• Features: Light, fast wicking Tactel mesh removes excess perspiration. WoolFusion® combination of Merino Wool and Endurofil™ is mapped for maximum support and heel retention.
• Contents: 55% Nylon / polyamide, 23% Endurofil™ / polypropylene, 20% Merino Wool / laine merino, 2% Lycra® / elastane
• Colors: White/Maroon, White/Black, Grey/Black
• MSRP: $15.95/pair

These socks have been great performers for trail running, road running and casual use. Though I typically prefer something even thinner than these (some would question my sanity), the Speed Demon’s provide ample light cushioning to help cushion every footstrike.

Durability of these socks has been great… I’ve been not-too-kind to them, like usual. A walk across the street to get the mail or in the backyard to track down a lost child has been typical for these socks.

The blend of fabric on the Speed Demons is excellent–providing comfort next-to-skin and support in just the right places. Looking at the blended yarns and materials on these socks and its no wonder they have been making socks for so long.

The only major downer is the lack of colors… everything is mostly white with either black or red accents. I’m not much of a fan of white socks. (It looks like they have introduced a grey/black option now… much preferred.)

If you’re looking for a solid pair of lightweight socks for running or trail running, check out the Bridgedale X-Hale Speed Demon socks.

Buy Now: Search for Bridgedale X-Hale Socks

Wisconsin is more famous for their cheese than their socks, but Sheboygan has been home to Wigwam Mills for over 100 years. This mill has turned out millions of pairs of socks over the years, but it wasn’t until the past few months that I’ve had the pleasure of wearing a pair. The new Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro has been a comfortable and functional pair of socks from the get-go.

I hate socks that stretch out and/or don’t support your feet. There’s something to be said for a nice, supportive pair of socks and these are just that. The supportive materials and ribs cradle every part of your feet to provide excellent support and enable improved moisture management–not to mention blister-prevention.

The thickness of the Tail Wind Pro socks is just perfect for trail running, but still a teeny bit too thick for my cycling shoes. On the trail, I can really feel the extra cushion and support provided by these socks. They are also very durable and backed by a 2-year Comfort Guarantee.

A great pair of socks for trail running or around town… the Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro.

Buy Now: Wigwam Ironman Tail Wind Pro Socks

They’re often covered up, shoved into ill-fitting shoes or taken for granted as the body’s least-glamorous appendage, but the feet are actually the structural foundation of the human form, supporting an average of 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. In fact, podiatrists say just as much attention should be paid to the feet as the face when it comes to preventative care – from the type of sock we wear to our bathing habits.

Although they’re often treated as such, the feet are not an orphan, insignificant part of the body,” said Dr. Marc A. Brenner, podiatrist, and director and chief executive officer of the Institute for Diabetic Foot Research in Glendale, NY. “They’re typically taken for granted until they hurt, and once you have foot pain, all activities cease – from socializing to sports.

According to Dr. Brenner, “extreme foot consciousness” is necessary to ensure this critical part of the body functions without fail. Here, he shares a few simple tips on how to keep feet healthy and free from common ailments and injuries:

Make sure you’re wearing the right sock

In addition to frequently changing your socks to ensure cleanliness, Dr. Brenner encourages people to re-think their use of traditional tube socks. He instead recommends Injinji Performance Toesocks™ as a means to prevent several common foot problems. “The socks’ patented design separates each toe with a thin layer of fabric, which prevents rubbing and hyperhidrosis (excessive moisture),” he said. “This technology eliminates inter-digital fungus and yeast, plantar warts and bromidrosis (stinky feet), while structurally supporting and isolating the digits more than any tube sock possibly can.”

Practice a strict daily foot regimen

1. A thorough examination – Look for cuts, scratches, cracks, blisters or other abnormalities, and don’t forget to check between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet
2. Good bathing habits – Wash feet daily with soap and warm water, then pat dry, paying special attention to the area between the toes. Trim toenails straight across right after washing feet, then slip on a pair of Injinji Toesocks to keep them clean, dry and protected, even if you’re just padding around the house.
3. Pampering your feet as you would your face – In addition to wearing Injinji Toesocks, use foot powder between the toes and apply an emollient to the heels and bottoms of the feet

Be cognizant of season-specific protective measures

“During the warmer seasons, like late spring and summer, people are more active than ever, but sometimes neglect to take the proper precautions for their feet,” said Dr. Brenner.

He suggests you:

1. Choose functional foot gear – Open-toe shoes should have proper arch support. Closed-toe shoes can still be a cool alternative during the warmer months when paired with any of Injinji’s lightweight Performance Series socks, which feature moisture-wicking, breathable CoolMax® fabric. They look great with flip-flops, too!
2. Be cautious about going barefoot, even on the beach – Bare feet are a great port of entry for foreign bodies and viruses. The next best thing to being barefoot? Injinji Toesocks, several of which incorporate smart fabrics like X-Static® and NüBamboo™, which are naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, respectively.
3. Treat yourself or have someone treat you to a foot massage – This activity is not only pleasurable, but also promotes healthy circulation
4. See the podiatrist at least once a year – Examination of the feet should be a part of your annual, preventative check-up

“The majority of the cases I see as a podiatrist could have been prevented if people just paid a little more attention to their feet,” said Dr. Brenner. “Just like tires to a car or a foundation to a structure, without the feet, the body simply doesn’t function, so we need to start respecting and protecting them.

Injinji is the maker of Performance Toesocks™ (“tsoks”) for sport, outdoor and casual use. A recipient of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, Injinji’s Performance Series is recognized for its ability to provide superior moisture management and healthy digital alignment. The Injinji Sponsored Team, Team Injinji, is comprised of elite marathoners, ultrarunners, coaches and adventure and endurance athletes who have adopted Injinji’s as their tsok of choice. Visit www.Injinji.com.

Buy Now: Search for Injinji Toesocks

At the Winter OR show last month, I had the opportunity to check out a lot of really cool products. One of the more surprising things I encountered at the OR show was the Injinji Sock Company. Injinji socks are toe socks, aimed to be performance oriented socks for hiking, skiing and running.

I know what you’re thinking- Toe socks? Really? The last time I wore toe socks, they were knee high, rainbow patterned, and worn with flip flops and shorts, and worn on my swim teams “Silly Spirit” days in high school. Functional toe socks? I was skeptical, to say the least. However, I got a hold of a few pairs, and gave them a shot.

Injinji Socks

• Comes in 2 basic material- Coolmax, a synthetic material great for wicking sweat and warm weather activities, and NuWool, a merino wool great for winter weather activities.
• After running in them for a few long runs, I think that I can, in fact, tell a difference from a normal sock. The biggest difference for me was the absence of “swamp foot,” where the whole toe section of my normal socks becomes a small pond of sweat. I’m sure you’ve all experienced a similar condition known as swamp butt… The individual toes kept the sweat pooling from becoming an issue.
• Disadvantage to individual toes- you lose that warmth and insulation of having your toes next to each other when you’re out in the cold. Even in the wool pair, my toes felt a bit chilly when isolated like that (like the gloves vs. mittens difference for fingers). I went for a 2 hr hike in the snow with 1 regular sock and 1 tetrasok, and the normal sock was definitely a bit warmer.
• Best feature, hands down- CHACO COMPATIBLE! I have a pair of the z2 chacos and wear them year round, regardless of the weather. I now own socks that I can wear with my chacos! Yes, I’m aware that I look ridiculous but my feet are warm and I don’t feel constricted within shoes. Love it.

Bottom line- great for warmer weather and year round Chaco wearers! I will certainly be picking up a few more pairs.

Buy Now! Injinji Performance Socks

There are a few things I always look for when I am evaluating a sock. First and foremost, I evaluate the performance under it’s designed application. The Smartwool Stripeuccinno Espresso Sock is not a ski sock, a running sock, a deep sea diving sock, or a mountaineering sock… it is designed for lifestyle and the days in between.

I first came across the SmartWool Stripeuccino when my massage therapist was wearing a pair. I was laying face down on a table and she had taken her boots off, to local the snow stuck to them. She had these great socks on underneath. She told me how wearing a cute sock, even though no one can see them a lot of the time, made her feel beautiful. Girly and unpractical? Yes. And I fully agree with her.

Many aspects and activities in my life demand high performance and specialty gear. It is nice to have a pair of gear like socks with no application other than lounging. My post frost bitten toes like being wrapped in a sock that is simple, soft, and out of the ordinary, for ordinary occasions.

What separates this sock form the many lifestyle socks on the market is its simplicity and brand history. All Smartwool socks start with great material, New Zealand merino wool. This odor neutralizing fiber is combined with a very small amount of nylon (13%) and elastic (1%). This provides a great blend for everyday living. It fits snug, but I don’t get deep compression lines after wearing all day. The SmartWool Stripeuccinno is a medium thin sock you could wear with a pair of Dansko Clogs or Patagonia boots. The socks maintain their shape and does not get the “fuzz balls” sticking out or puckering in the sock after repeated washing. I recommend buying at least two pair, to give you leeway if you misplace one in the wash. There is nothing worse than loosing just one of your cute socks.

The SmartWool Stripeuccino Espresso Lifestyle Sock Low Down:

• Simple, meduim thin sock
• Knee height
• Soft to the touch
• odor nutralizing, soft, merino wool
• 86% wool, 13% nylon, 1% elastic
• does not breakdown in multiple washes

A knee high, lifestyle, wool sock is not a must have, but icing on the cake.

Enjoy and buy now from REI.com