Feetures Performance Socks

I am always looking for the perfect walking sock. Feetures performance socks have some excellent features - they are made of wicking Coolmax fabric and odor/bacteria reducing Fresh FX with silver fibers. They are designed for an "accurate" fit to hug the foot and not have any slippage or rubbing that could cause blisters. Both are characteristics of good blister-preventing socks. They use a "power brand" of Lycra to support the foot and to keep the sock snug against the foot. Unfortunately, it may be too snug for some of us.

Feetures performance socks are anatomically shaped so they will stay put on your foot. Their "accurate fit" is one of their big selling points. The theory is that a sock with a non-slipping fit and no extra fabric should result in less friction and fewer blisters.

Feetures socks are made out of sweat-wicking Coolmax fabric. Wet feet are more likely to blister, so sweat-wicking socks are critical for helping prevent blisters. They also contain silver fibers, which prevent bacterial growth and odor.

But let's talk shrinkage. I bought size Large, although my walking shoe size is at the lower end of the the Large range. Out of the package and unwashed, the socks fit well and comfortably. But after one wearing and one washing, they had shrunk over an inch and a half in length and become much more snug in fit. Now my toes are fighting the sock to be extended and to not be squished together. The photo shows before washing on top and after washing on the bottom. While I expect some shrinkage, and the sock does expand a bit on the foot, the socks are now too small for me to wear comfortably. I don't know whether I want to chance buying another 3-pack in the XL size.

I am sensitive to socks that impinge on my bunion, and after one washing the Feetures socks are simply too tight in my bunion area and would lead to pain when worn for any length of time.

But what if you don't have a bunion and don't find them too snug? If these socks fit you right, they have all of the elements of a good sweat-wicking walking sock. They come in thin, regular, and cushioned varieties.