Primaloft/Merino Wool socks

Any one tried any of these socks ? I have attended two seminars where the speakers advocated the qualities of Primaloft as a synthetic insulation. I have a couple of pair that I have tried my darnest to 'use and abuse'. They are holding up remarkably well and seem to be very warm. Any thoughts from you crusty old sages?

Sounds like a gimmick to me and huge price. Primaloft will just crush and offer nothing IMO.

I always like a claim like, "Pulls moisture away from your feet 30% faster."

Um, faster than what?

Good point Paddy, in fact they wear kind of funny in that (in my case at least) it almost feels like your feet are moist when you remove them but they don't in fact seem to be. Maybe it is just the material (don't know). I have been using them without liners and not that cold of weather so not that tough of a test so far. They are on their 6th or 7th wash and there appears to be no 'crush' factor so far, in fact the loft has been maintained nicely. A couple of years ago I tried some Alpaca/Merino socks and they fell apart after about the 4th wash so these are doing much better than those did.

Paddy...maybe you should buy a pair and do your MRT (moisture retention test) on them <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I concur - I love my primaloft gear, but primaloft is almost completely useless compressed.
for example, I have a lovely MEC primaloft pullover that is way lighter and more wind resistant than a fleece, and works great for that. but I don't take it if I'm expecting cold weather in a hammock because the fleece will keep me warm there, the primaloft compresses to nothing under me.

I could be wrong, but I'd compare them pretty hard against a plain old merino wool sock, perhaps with a good liner if you're so inclined.

Fascinating... I've never heard of primaloft spun as a fiber that is then knitted into a product. They look warm anyway...

MNS

I can guarantee you one thing....they are great relaxing beside the fire with a glass of fine wine watching the '3:10 to Yuma' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It does not matter what socks I wear - the shoe determines the amount of foot moisture for me.
Boots = wet
Goretex anything = wet
Breathable running shoes = dry, as weather permits

Hehe... sounds good to me... and I even have a fireplace! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

MNS

I wonder how they compare to wool in the real world, away from marketing land?
What are they like when your socks inevitable get wet regardless?
What are they like for drying out over a small fire while wearing them as mitts?

I can get 75% merino wool, 23% nylon, 2% spandex dress socks at Sears for $5/pair. 1 ounce for the pair. They are very nice when worn alone, or under a pair of real wool socks, 100% wool hand knit ski socks.

I just rented that movie - two thumbs up.

llbean has some primaloft/merino blend gear including socks. I saw a watch cap at a store, but I can't find it online.

Haven't tried any of them.