FOG HORN

SealSkinz Waterproof Socks and OTB SAR Boots.

By: Sal Palma

2012
Twobirds Flying Publication

I first became aware of the SealSkinz product at a SOFIC conference in Tampa. I was anxious to test out a pair and the folks at Danalco, in Duarte, CA, were accommodating enough to send me a pair. For reasons beyond my control I was not able to review them until now, which irritates me to no end. Its a long story. The overwhelming majority of SealSkinz reviews consist of the reviewer putting on a pair and dunking his or her foot in a bucket of water. Although one could draw some conclusion from that exercise, its not a real test of Danalcos product. Furthermore, it does not come close to simulating military application of the socks.

Nothing, except for skivvy chafe, is more uncomfortable than wet feet. Its not just uncomfortable but it also creates a condition where fungus and other pathogens can damage your priceless dogs. You only have two of them, and they are more important than you think so taking care of your feet is paramount. In years gone by the approach to wet terrain or climates has always been to take multiple pairs of socks and change out socks daily. However, with the advent of new materials and fabrication techniques socks have improved in comfort and durability. Some socks, like SealSkinz, from Danalco, claim the added functionality of being waterproof as well.

In this review I assess the waterproofness of the SealSkinz and how well they function as socks worn in conjunction with military boots. For boots, I used OTBs Search and Rescue or SAR1. OTBs SAR is an exceptional boot ideally suited for feet wet applications. You can easily install swim fins, with large foot pockets like the older Rocket fins, over the boot. The SARs are not stiff; theyre actually very pliant making the boot easy to swim in. I cant say enough about them, period. Good socks, often taken for granted, should perform a number of things well. First and
1

Regrettably no longer part of the OTB line.

Copyright 2012, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

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foremost, they cushion the feet isolating them from the shocks inherent in running or hiking. Second, a good sock reduces or eliminates friction so your feet dont blister; particularly important when the sock becomes saturated with perspiration or moisture. Lastly, socks should provide moisture wicking and help ventilate your feet. Having a waterproof sock that fails at the latter is an exercise in futility and gains you nothing. To that end, the table below represents a schedule of product testing at Danalco. Manufacturers test criteria
Performance Property Waterproofness Industry Test ISO811 Measurement Leakage ay 4.5psi after 60 seconds Moisture vapor transmission (grams per sq meter per 24hour period Percent shrinkage in length and width Cycles to wear through barrier of glove Test time compared to bare hands Gripping strength compared to bare hands Smallest diameter pin that can be grasped Results No Leakage

across products that spec well but fail miserably in use testing. Apparel is at the top of that list, and nothing beats human perspiration to evaluate a fabrics performance and how well it holds up in actual use. My testing consisted of a 10 mile hike followed by exposure to water. However, walking in puddles is not my idea of a robust waterproof test so I tried a different approach.

Breathability

ASTM E96 Method B

165 grams/sq meter/24 hours

Cleaning Shrinkage

AATCC 135 (I, II, B)

Abrasion Resistance

ASTM D3884(H-18, 500g) ASTM F2010

Length 0.86% Width 1.51% 325 cycles

To assess the SealSkinz, I took a short trip out the Seaplane Basin in Davis Island, FL; its a sheltered cove and part of Tampa Bay. The basin is used for sailboat moorings and its within yards of Peter OKnight Airport - MacDill AFB, home of USSOCOM, is just 5 miles from there, as the crow flies.

Dexterity

115%

Grip

NFPA 1951 Section 8.30

120% (Dry) 133% (Wet)

Tactility

EN420 Clause 6.3

1.5mm (0.06 inch)

My suggesting that SealSkinz are extremely comfortable, in prolonged use, is subjective, but my assessment is supported by the manufacturers test results; however, theres no substitute for use testing. In my travels, I run

I hit the water with the SealSkinz and SAR boot ensemble.

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sufficiently allowing water to trickle in. This observation is consistent with the manufacturers literature, which clearly states the fabric must rest against the skins surface. Bunching, caused by pressure from the lacing disrupted the sock to skin interface allowing water to pass through the outer layer. The OTB SAR boots are designed with vents in the soles to allow draining of the boot. This was the case, and functioned as advertised. Both socks and OTBs boot performed flawlessly. Candidly I was rather surprised at the results. After complete emersion, I exited the water and removed the boots and the socks. The exterior surface of the sock was water soaked as was the boot. However, when I removed the socks and turned them inside out, the interior of the sock along with my foot were dry. If you examine the picture below, youll notice that the inside of the sock is completely dry except for a small area at the leading edge of the sock, just above the ankle. This area coincides with the lacing on the boot. The SAR boot is designed with a micro layer that fits between the sole and the inner insert, it prevents debris from entering the boot. It too functioned as advertised. In my testing, sand and other debris in the water did not enter the boot.

It appears pressure applied by the boots lacing on the socks fabric distorted the fabric

FOG HORN 2012

The combination of the socks and boots offer little thermal insulation, so your feet will feel cold especially in this type of scenario. Together, SealSkinz and OTB SAR boots were an excellent combination and either one, standalone, will carry its weight. I can highly recommend either one.

Company Contact
SealSkinz: http://www.sealskinz.com/

OTB: (Part of the New Balance Family): http://www.shopnewbalance.com/men/shoes/ workboots-and-shoes

Conclusion
Danalcos SealSkinz waterproof socks performed extremely well and frankly above my expectations. When used as suggested you can be sure your feet will remain dry. Additionally, the socks wicked moisture and perspiration quickly. In order to capture the water seepage on the inside surface of the sock, I had to move fast. The sock was literally drying that fast. Fit and comfort were excellent, as was breathability. The SealSkinz delivered above average cushioning and protected the vulnerable spots on my foot from abrasion. SealSkinz are not intended to be dive socks or replace booties. There is a limit to how much water pressure they can withstand and remain impermeable. The OTB SAR boots were amazing. However, if you are expecting a jump boot fit, the SAR boot is clearly the wrong choice. These boots were designed from the ground up to be in and around water.