[9/28/07 update - We have an new blog entry relating to a new category on MyTroops for places to buy Thorlo socks. Updated blog entry is here.] 

Socks. Only those who depend on their feet as part of their job understand the importance of having the right sock. During my time in the military, I have suffered many blisters and had many areas of my foot rubbed raw from standard issue boot socks. I was resigned to blisters and pain during and after every training exercise and ruck march until I took a chance on an expensive pair of socks made by Thorlo. At $10+ a pair, I was quite skeptical of the Thorlo Men’s Combat Boot Socks value and cost effectiveness. Being designed and manufactured in the United States, it was worth the price of admission to give the socks a try.

The Thorlo Combat Boot Socks are a blend of 84% acrylic, 13% stretch nylon and 3% spandex with high density padding in the heel, ball and toe areas to provide extra protection to your feet. Taking the Thorlo Combat Boot Socks out of the package, I immediately noticed they were substantially thicker than typical combat boot socks. Despite their greater thickness, they did not feel much different when I placed them on my feet and into my boots. Since the extra padding is targeted, the Thorlo Combat Boot Socks did not feel bulky inside the boot.

I noticed an immediate difference with the new socks. The extra cushioning helps immensely in preventing not only hotspots and blisters, but also in reducing the amount of foot fatigue caused by standing on your feet for long periods of time. My first deployment served as the first true test of the Thorlo Combat Boot Socks. I was concerned that the socks’ extra thickness would turn my feet into veritable saunas. I was pleasantly surprised that while my feet remained warm, they did not sweat excessively as would be expected with wool socks.

The socks have held up remarkably through two deployments, three brigade level exercises and countless other training. I am still using five of my original six pairs of Thorlo Combat Boot Socks. (one was torn on a nail while walking across a plywood floor and the other disappeared in the laundry somewhere).

I highly recommend these socks for anyone who values their feet. They are some of the best socks on the market and more importantly, they are made in America. Thorlo has since introduced X-Static technology, which features silver-coated textile fibers that provide anti-odor and anti-static properties. Thorlo Combat Boot Socks are a great investment at a reasonable price.