The latest Showers Pass Waterproof CrossPoint socks are their best yet. Dubbed the “Superlight”, the new socks are the thinnest and most “normal” feeling waterproof socks we’ve worn to date.
Years ago, the first waterproof socks we tried kept our feet dry, but they didn’t fit well and were uncomfortable. In comparison, the Showers Pass waterproof socks were a massive upgrade. While the original pair is still in use, with each generation, the Showers Pass Cross Point models become thinner, lighter, and more comfortable, while retaining their main selling feature: keeping your feet dry.
Features (via Showers Pass)
- Crew height to aid in keeping water out
- Moisture-wicking, coolmax polyester lining
- 3-layer construction: knit exterior, a seamless waterproof Artex™ membrane, and a soft, comfortable lining
- wicking liner and breathable membrane manage sweat and humidity
- Inner: 45% nylon, 24% Coolmax, 5% Lycra, 2% spandex
- Outer: 93% nylon, 5% Lycra, 2% spandex
- Tester foot size: 9. Size tested: M/L
On the trail
Here’s the thing with waterproof socks – they do a great job keeping your feet from getting wet from the elements, but they’re usually hot and you’ll end up with sweaty feet if you’re super active. In which case, your feet end up moist at the end of the day anyway. This is because most waterproof socks feature some kind of waterproof membrane with a woven layer of technical fabric around it to help things breath and add comfort. When it’s cold out, thick warm socks are a good thing to have, but when you’re actively moving – say running, or mountain biking – it’s not ideal. I have a drawer full of thin cycling socks that attest to this.
The Crosspoint Superlight socks utilize the same “dishwasher glove” technology with the waterproof Artex membrane. Like the rest of the waterproof sock range, the sock materials are woven around the membrane to make it a regular sock. The Superlight is the thinnest weave Showers Pass has offered yet, and it feels more like a regular sock than any waterproof sock we’ve tried to date.
That means we’re likely to wear the socks more often. A good example would be a recent day of riding. Though the forecast said it had been dry, there were still puddles on the trail. Admittedly, I was committed to wearing the Superlight socks to log more time for this review, but I was very happy I did. (I should have also worn my waterproof pants as well) With one of the trails holding water, our feet were quite wet after that section of trail. Everyone’s shoes and socks (and butts) were drenched from riding through the puddles that had pooled on the hard clay trail surfaces – standard trail etiquette to avoid making the trails wider.
I’m happy to report that while my shoes were soaked my feet were dry and warm.
Being the most comfortable model in the Crosspoint Waterproof lineup, I’ll choose the Superlight first for riding. The thick, original Crosspoint waterproof socks still have a place for me, especially if I’m trail building in wet conditions or on a winter hike, where the thicker material is nice to have with lower temperatures. However, I generally don’t start on a mountain bike ride if it’s already raining; I’m more likely to look for snow or head to the gym. It’s also worth noting that thick waterproof socks, while they do keep your feet warm, aren’t as comfortable as your favorite pair of heavy wool hiking socks. I tend to use them like gloves – bring them along if needed. I am quite pleased with the feel of the Superlight socks though, and having the right gear aids with the motivation to get out to play in adverse conditions.
The Showers Pass Crosspoint Superlight socks sell for $47.00. Get yours at ShowersPass.com.