Let’s face it, if you have ever played golf and walked 18 holes, your feet always end up either sore or chaffed after the round-no way around it. So when I got some samples of the Kentwool Tour golf socks, I was curious how well a pair of golf socks who’s mission statement is “To create the World’s Best Golf Socks.” I set out to find out if it’s all marketing hype or the truth.
Kentwool Tour Socks Backstory
Mark Kent, CEO of Kentwool Tour Socks, was playing in a BMW Nationwide Tour Pro-AM and only needed an eagle on the last hole to secure spot in the final round of the tournament.
After three days of walking the challenging mountain courses, his body had taken a beating. His feet were sore, blistered, and bleeding in spots. He turned to his caddy and asked, “Why doesn’t anyone make a great golf sock?” As he limped off the green, his caddy turned to him and said, “I do not know, but why don’t you make one!”
Fast forward to 2009 and LPGA golfer Kristy McPhereson agrees to test and wear the Kentwool Tour socks, and loves them. And now more recently 2010 Ryder Cup team member Bubba Watson wears them on the PGA TOUR.
The Kentwool Tour Socks Technology
What makes these socks so different from the polyester/cotton variety on the market is the use of air-infused super fine merino wool yarn-Windspun by Kentwool and combined with a proprietary blend of natural and high-tech fibres and yarns. This creates a micro-climate system – for moisture management and wicking properties.
Other key features include enhanced cushioning at strategic micro-stress points along the foot for comfort and reinforcement in the heel, toe, and bridge for durability, injury protection, and support.
Look and Feel
The Men’s Tour Profile is the ankle height version of Men’s Tour Standard full length sock. The sock has all the same properties of the full-length version, and aimed at golfers who like wearing shorts and want that “sockless” feeling. At first glance they look like your average pair of socks, but that where the similarities stop. You’ll notice that the socks have grey sections that are located in the heel, toe, and bridge area of the sock, which are designed to provide better cushioning and reinforcement from wear.
I was a bit skeptical about how comfortable they could be, since they did look bulky in the packaging. Once I put them on, the merino wool yarn felt so soft against my feet and they felt surprisingly lightweight.
Performance
I loved they way that Kentwool integrated the enhanced cushioning and reinforcement in the heel, toe, and bridge of the sock. I’ve always found that those are the stress points of the socks that often wear out the quickest. I’m happy to report after wearing the Kentwool Tour Socks at the BMW Championship for 5 days straight, carrying 20 pounds of camera gear around Cog Hill and playing over 8 rounds golf in them, those areas haven’t worn out. And my feet never blistered or got tired, which almost always happens with regular socks.
The Kentwool Tour socks also performed excellently in the moisture management area as well. You’d think that wearing wool socks would be hotter than Hades, but that’s not the case. Merino wool has excellent wicking properties and will keep your feet dry in all temperatures. There’s a reason why some of the best cycling jerseys are made from merino wool and not synthetic fabrics.
In terms of wear and tear, the Kentwool Tour socks held up well to being worn multiple times in all types of conditions and washed repeatedly. No bald spots or holes in the socks either and more importantly, the band on the ankle never got stretched out, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.
The Men’s Tour Profile start at $19.95 a pair, which might be a lot of money for some golfers to spend on a pair of socks, but the performance and quality are worth every penny. I wear these socks for more than just golfing, but for any activity that requires me to be active and out in about.
What are you waiting for? Pick up a pair of Kentwool Tour Socks and let your feet experience nirvana. Your feet will thank you!
Kentwool Tour Profile Socks $19.95 a pair
Get 20% off your order from Kentwool Socks, just enter LUCKY8 at checkout. Valid thru 12/5/2010.
{ 1 trackback }