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Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks
Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks

Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks

9
by George Hill
UPDATED Wed, Jan 30, 2019 15:46

First Published Jan 30, 2019

5
£34.00

VERDICT:

9
10
A pair of genuinely waterproof socks that keep water out and warmth in
Weight: 
123g
Contact: 
showerspass.co.uk
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The Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks are genuinely waterproof, ideal for the worst possible conditions although understandably not as breathable as some, and expensive.

  • Pros: Waterproof, warm, stay in place
  • Cons: Breathability, thickness

I have seen loads of pieces of kit come through my door that are claimed to be waterproof but in reality let water in after an extended shower. However, I can safely say that these socks are genuinely waterproof.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy these online here

I used them in the pouring rain for hours, went through huge puddles, and even put them on and stuck my feet in a bucket of water. Nothing got through, which is very impressive.

When you first put the socks on you can instantly feel the difference to traditional socks; I would equate it to when you put on a wetsuit, you can feel the air around your feet in a more pronounced way than with traditional socks.

One of the slight downsides is breathability, which isn't as good as non-waterproof socks. However, they are nowhere near as sweaty as you might first expect after initially putting them on. I found that although they were more sweaty than if you were using merino wool socks or similar synthetic material, they are still fine for rides of a few hours.

They fit very well and they stay up admirably through long rides – something that thicker socks sometimes suffer from. One of the slight downsides to this thickness is that they are roughly the equivalent of wearing two pairs, which could be an issue with tighter fitting shoes. On the other hand (or foot), they offer good insulation and I used them on several sub-zero mornings without my feet ever feeling particularly cold.

Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks 1.jpg

Their RRP of £34 is expensive for a pair of socks, although they're the same as the DexShell Ultra Dri Sports Socks. You can save a few quid by going for Showers Pass's Lightweight versions, now £31.

> How to keep your feet warm while cycling in winter

Overall, I was really impressed with these socks. I don't think I have ever come across genuinely waterproof socks for riding before, and they certainly fulfil that promise impressively. They aren't as breathable as normal socks and their thickness could make tighter fitting shoes an impossibility, but for what they are aimed at, they perform particularly well.

Verdict

A pair of genuinely waterproof socks that keep water out and warmth in

road.cc test report

Make and model: Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks

Size tested: M/L

Tell us what the product is for

A pair of waterproof socks designed to be used in soaking wet conditions to keep your feet dry.

Showers Pass says, "Showers Pass has partnered with National Geographic to develop waterproof socks specifically designed for adventuring. Beloved by runners, cyclists, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, the Showers Pass National Geographic waterproof socks keep your feet dry in the worst weather conditions

National Geographic has been igniting the explorer in all of us for over 130 years through ground-breaking storytelling from the best and brightest scientists, explorers, photographers, and filmmakers in the world. Their iconic yellow border offers a portal to explore the farthest reaches of the Earth and beyond. This rich legacy of exploration made for an ideal partnership, as premium gear is an essential component of every great adventure.

While they may feel like regular socks, the Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks are fully windproof and waterproof, thanks to a proprietary 3-layer construction. Features include a wear resistant knit exterior, a seamless waterproof breathable ArtexTM membrane, and a moisture wicking Merino Wool-blend lining. In short, they effectively turn any shoe into a windproof and rainproof solution for inclement weather.

Due to a proprietary 3-D laminating process, the fit is much more ergonomic than other waterproof socks on the market. The socks are designed to be a compression fit, delivering maximum breathability during foot motion. The Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks are a necessity for anyone who spends time in the wet outdoors."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Showers Pass lists:

3-layer construction: Wear resistant knit exterior, a seamless waterproof Artex membrane, and a moisture wicking Merino Wool-blend lining

Ergonomic fit due to a proprietary 3-D laminating process

Microporous waterproof membrane allows the sock to ventilate in order to decrease sweat accumulation

Inner: 39% Merino Wool, 39% Acrylic, 13% Polyester, 7% Nylon

Outer: 80% Nylon, 14% Polyester, 4% Lycra, 2% Spandex

Moisture wicking, anti-microbial lining

Mid-calf waterproof protection

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

They are well made, there is minimal stitching for obvious reasons and the material used is thick and durable.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

They do exactly what they are designed to do: they kept my feet dry even when I stood in a bucket of water.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Thick and well made, they are likely to last a long time.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

Mid-calf length and fitted my feet nicely. They're 'designed to be a compression fit'.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

The medium/large size that I tried fits sizes 6.5-9.5; they fitted my size 8.5 feet perfectly.

Rate the product for weight:
 
7/10

They are much heavier and larger than most regular socks, but they're waterproof so this is understandable.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10

These are soft and warm and do the job very well.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

This is difficult to score given that the price of a non-waterproof pair of socks plus overshoes would be more. If you're judging against normal socks, then these are expensive, but they are same price as the DexShell Ultra Dri Sports Socks. You can save a few quid by going for Showers Pass's Lightweight versions, now £31.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Easy, chucked them in a 30 degree wash without any issues at all.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well, they are genuinely waterproof and warm for the worst possible conditions.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The waterproofing! Seems obvious but the fact that they are genuinely waterproof is really great.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The thickness may be an issue for those who already have tight fitting shoes.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

They're very good winter socks that do exactly what they need to – they are genuinely waterproof, comfortable, and warm.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 29  Height: 6 ft  Weight:

I usually ride: Cinelli Gazzetta  My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking

Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks 2019
Showers Pass National Geographic Waterproof Socks
Showers Pass 2019
Showers Pass
George Hill

George is the host of the road.cc podcast and has been writing for road.cc since 2014. He has reviewed everything from a saddle with a shark fin through to a set of glasses with a HUD and everything in between. 

Although, ironically, spending more time writing and talking about cycling than on the bike nowadays, he still manages to do a couple of decent rides every week on his ever changing number of bikes.

Add new comment

5 comments

Avatar
cougie | 5 years ago
0 likes

If you have mudguards then I'm sure these will work.

 

If you're contstantly spraying water on your legs then yes - the water will get in the socks. 

Avatar
carytb | 5 years ago
1 like

How did you stop the top band of the socks getting wet which generally results in moisture wicking down the inside of the sock as has happened on similar "waterproof" socks I've used?

 

Avatar
Mark_1973_ replied to carytb | 5 years ago
0 likes
carytb wrote:

How did you stop the top band of the socks getting wet which generally results in moisture wicking down the inside of the sock as has happened on similar "waterproof" socks I've used?

 

 

I thought the same thing. The first thing I looked for in the article was how they prevent the water running down your legs and into the socks. Couldn't see anything.

Avatar
fukawitribe replied to Mark_1973_ | 5 years ago
1 like
Mark_1973_ wrote:
carytb wrote:

How did you stop the top band of the socks getting wet which generally results in moisture wicking down the inside of the sock as has happened on similar "waterproof" socks I've used?

 

 

I thought the same thing. The first thing I looked for in the article was how they prevent the water running down your legs and into the socks. Couldn't see anything.

Water ingress can take a while going by some socks i've had, but if you want to delay/avoid it (e.g. heavy/extended rain) then either under bib-tights or maybe sock gaiters (DIY or otherwise), e.g. 

https://www.cyclerepublic.com/gripgrab-cyclingaiter.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1...

 

Avatar
Accessibility f... | 5 years ago
0 likes

Problem with any sock like this is that as soon as the outer layer gets wet, no matter if it keeps your foot dry, your foot will get cold.  So I just wrap a couple of Asda bags around my shoes, tape them up and I'm good to go.  Dry shoes = warm shoes.

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