Archives

Farm to Feet Raleigh

Written by: MT Elliott

These thin wool-based socks are one of Farm to Feet’s lightest models and use mesh with different amounts of cushioning for padding and breathability. These were the favorite sock of two testers and the least favorite of one. Some testers had issues with fit, while others praised it. Fit/Comfort These fit snug with some give Read more ›

Darn Tough Vertex Ultra-Light Cushioned

Written by: MT Elliott

The Darn Tough Vertex Ultra-Light Cushioned socks have a constrained, thin midfoot with prominent cushioning under the heel and toes. Testers praised the cushioning for comfort throughout long runs, cool weather and filling out shoes with larger volume. This sock won over some of our testers who stated a preference for more minimalist socks.  Fit/Comfort The symmetrical Read more ›

Darn Tough Coolmax Vertex

Written by: MT Elliott

Another option for the minimalist set, this is a lighter, all-synthetic version of the brand’s Vertex sock, which fits and performs differently than the cushioned wool version in the test.  Fit/Comfort Some runners felt these fit too tight in the toe, which affected fit elsewhere in the sock, while another felt the toe box was Read more ›

Falke RU Stabilizing

Written by: MT Elliott

These are true compression socks, but we included these because the compression design reinforces the arch of the foot, and we didn’t factor the lower calf support into ratings. The Falke RU Stabilizing sock provides some ankle and foot support, though only a few testers felt they noticed it during runs. However, one tester nursing a Read more ›

Injinji Ultra Run

Written by: MT Elliott

The Injinji Ultra Run no-show toe socks use Coolmax, a polyester blend that wicks moisture and resists shrinking. Injinji uses NuWool merino in some of its socks as well. Fit/Comfort The obvious design feature of toe socks is that each toe is covered independently, which prevents blisters and aids in airing out the toes. The Read more ›

Inov-8 X-Talon 230

Written by: Gavin Coombs

The Altra Superior 3 is a lightweight zero-drop trail runner with excellent handling and comfort.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v8

Written by: Cory Smith

The New Balance 1080 is a premium neutral shoe for the runner that needs the highest amount of cushioning for their training needs.

Asics Gecko XT

Written by: Gavin Coombs

The Altra Superior 3 is a lightweight zero-drop trail runner with excellent handling and comfort.

LL Bean Silver Ghost

Written by: Dan Nelson

LL Bean, perhaps best known these days for its household gear and casual apparel, still offers its own branded outdoor gear, including fly fishing equipment. The LL Bean Silver Ghost rod represents their incursion into fast-action performance. The Silver Ghost features an aggressive taper that adds weight to the rod while also giving it stiffness Read more ›

Redington Crux 590-4

Written by: Dan Nelson

The Redington Crux ranked up in the top tiers of each performance category, with high marks from all our testers in distance, and fish-fighting performance, and very good scores in accuracy and handling. In short, my team and I found it a wonderfully versatile trout rod. That, combined with its modest price — a result Read more ›