I was intrigued when Arc’teryx introduced socks to their Fall/Winter 21 line. Traditionally, Arc’teryx has avoided adding products unless they can offer a major improvement over what is on the market. There are exceptions to this rule, in the accessories category, where they offer logo ball caps and t-shirts using industry standard blanks. They seem to have followed suit in their selection of socks. While they are made of Merino and featured the “dead bird” logo, they lack both fit and cushion.
I purchased a pair of each of the different versions (Lowcut, 1/4 and 3/4). They are made from varying blends of about half Merino Wool along with Nylon and Elastane. I bought Large socks for my size 9 feet. The fit wasn’t great, length-wise in the foot as well as in the toe box. I bought an additional pair in size Medium thinking that was the problem. Once again, the fit on the foot wasn’t great. They don’t conform well to the foot and bunch up in areas, particularly in the toe box, along the seam. Granted, they are a lightweight sock, but there’s little nap. Fine for running, but not quite what I’d like for hiking.
I washed and wore them several times. They held up to washing fine with little pilling, but a few snags inside.
I’ve informed the team at LEAF that I didn’t like the socks, but it’s not their offering. It is an outdoor product. I feel like someone looked for gaps in their line and selected something they could slap their logo on.
While I’ve been vocally critical in the past over the BAC Cap sold by Arc’teryx in both their LEAF and outdoor categories (because it’s not up to Arcteryx quality), this is the first time I’ve actively told people to avoid an Arc’teryx product. The bottom line is that there are a lot of Merino socks on the market and for me, these don’t measure up.
The rest of their offerings? I’m still quite pleased and I’ll be telling you soon about an addition to the ATOM line that I really like.
If others have had a better experience with Arc’teryx Merino socks, I’d love to hear about it.
