As featured on the Showers Pass website.

From COC IT/Communications Director & local gear nerd Sheldon MIller.

Like many a year round athlete, I've chased the dream of comfortable feet, regardless of the weather. I've never bought into Gore-Tex shoes, preferring a solution that is taller, cheaper and transportable from shoe to shoe, sport to sport: the waterproof sock.

I've used a variety waterproof socks, with minimal success. Uncomfortable, cut into shapes that don't resemble feet (at least not mine), too hot, not breathable, crinkly - every option I've tried has left me underwhelmed. So while dry(er) warm feet remain the goal, particularly in shoulder seasons, they can often be elusive.

Enter: Showers Pass Lightweight Crosspoint Classic socks.

I first discovered this manufacturer as the standard bearer in waterproof breathable cycling garments (that's another blogpost. On a whim, and as part of larger order, I threw some socks in my cart as well. Clearly the dream of all-season comfortable feet dies hard - even in the face of so many failed attempts!

Strengths:

Design. Unlike prior dalliances with similar socks from other brands, I've been really pleased with SP's attempt so far. These socks are knit more like a hiking sock, and while not as form fitting as my Darn Toughs or Smartwool PhDs compression socks that I wear at other times of year, I find them quite comfortable. I forget about them almost immediately.

Water resistance. Their water resistance is superb. Sunday, I ran for just under 3 hours, 1 hour of which featured up to a foot of gloppy early season snow filling a trail with 4-6" puddles. My feet clad in a pair of ultra-light compression socks with the Crosspoints over them were SO HAPPY and dry!

Breathability. Their breathability is solid, not spectacular - call it a 5 out 7 if 7 is a regular sock. One can still overwhelm the sock's ability to move sweat if you wear it when the weather is warm. The run mentioned above was between 35-48F and through snow, and my feet emerged just about perfect. No more or less sweaty than running in regular socks on an average day.

Blisters haven't been an issue for me whatsoever - but admittedly they seldom are.

Weaknesses:

Cost. They cost just under $40. Keep your eyes peeled and you can get them on sale or BOGO.

Flooding. If you step in water over the cuff of the sock, they fill right up. Physics! I managed that on a slip crossing the last stream before the car.

Too warm. As noted above, the warmth can be a double-edged sword. Generally, when it's below 50F/10C or so I don't worry about it and just get my feet wet. And these socks don't really change that. If I wear them at higher temps, I just sweat them full - which I guess is warmer than water incursion? Dunno, but these are not the socks for mid-summer monsoon missions for my feet (they do make an ultra-light version though).

Miscellaneous:

I find sizing to run true. I wear size 10 (Altra, Salomon) or 11 trail shoes (Hoka, La Sportiva) and the M/L are spot on for me.

Pay some mind to wash instructions. Like many a DWR garment, they have their own preferred handling - and budget more time for them to dry out. (I generally flip mine inside out to help speed things along).

I've been running (and riding) with them enough to feel confident in their ability to keep me warm and dry - but can't comment yet on how many washings that will last. I can say that they're entering their 3rd shoulder season here in the NEK sans issue.

If you find yourself looking for a toasty, dry sock for cold, sloppy days and have space in your shoes for a heavier weight knit, give the Crosspoints a try for your next adventure! (PS - they also make some pretty nifty gloves of the same material that's water and windproof, and hi-viz!)

What We're Digging Now: Showers Pass Waterproof Socks