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Bambū werx performance socks were wear-tested over three runs of 5K, 12K and 20K, respectively. The three runs were stretched over five days. During each day between, a non-bambu werx-branded sock (94% nylon, 6% spandex) was worn. Each time, the same pair of mid-height bambū werx socks were used, machine-washed and hung to dry.

Initial fit

The initial fit test of the S/M-sized socks for men (size 6 to 9 US) was used. The “size 9,” male wear tester is sometimes a size 9.5 shoe wearer.

The socks were slightly tighter than other competing brands but were not too tight. Pulling the sock over the foot, the texture felt like a tightly woven cotton, smooth and soft against the skin. Once on, the sensation of tightness was not apparent. The socks clung to the lower leg but did not create a compression-like effect — that nasty swollen leg appearance office workers can get at the end of the work day.

From there, the sock was forgotten and that was a good thing. There is little worse (for a sock) than to be loose enough to create lumps under the foot, or tightness in the shoe because of bunching or wrinkles between toes. A very tight sock can cause metatarsal irritation for those with osteoarthritis. None of this happened during the test runs.

Condition after the three wears

The sock’s appearance did not change after three wears and washes and five days covering a total of 37 kilometres on gravel, dirt and asphalt. In fact, either by luck or perhaps design, the discolouration familiar in the 100 per cent synthetic (white) socks did not make an appearance (trail dust/dirt).

Bambū werx claims that their nearly 100 per cent bamboo socks do not become odorous. Five days and three washes are not likely enough wear to cause a major odour issue with any sock. They appeared new-like and maintained their white colour as if they were just pulled off the shelf. The socks remained odourless. However, a longer wear test will be needed to see this claim out.

As initial road and trail test results suggest, the socks are all that the company claims them to be.

Esthetics

Distance running culture has a long history of not very hip-looking attire. Distance runners have never been confused with being fashionable, but this is changing. Trucker hats, stylish socks and colourful shoes are all the rage. So are muscular legs and badges of honour, like scratches from tree branches, and berry bushes, black toenails and dog bites.

Okay, maybe not dog bites and perhaps not the black toes nails…

Bambū werx socks, as per the company’s other apparel, like wrist bands, headbands, and technical, vented hats are styled to end the stereotype of the long-distance runner. Now, runners can remain cool while being cool (hip).