Fox River Wool Work Boot Mid Calf Sock Review

If there were ever an upside to having to tolerate frozen windshields, frozen roads, and frozen snot, I suppose it would be this: with the coming of winter comes the embrace of big, soft, fluffy socks. For the next 3 to 6 months, depending on how much snow decides to fall in May (or June for that matter) I get to wear socks on my feet that feel more like slippers than they do socks. I like to think about this fact when I am up 45 minutes earlier than usual so I can shovel my driveway and scrap my windshield most mornings (thanks winter).

I recently got my hands on, and feet into, a new pair of Fox River Wool Work Boot Mid Calf Socks. I have been wearing a number of different winter socks this season and I immediately noticed two things about these socks: They were much taller than most of my other socks, and, they stayed put on my leg much better than my other socks.

I think the name of these socks is a little deceptive. "Mid calf" is what they are named but these socks extend to just below my knee and OVER my calf. It is actually this fact that I think helps these socks stay up on my leg so well. I am about 5'10" with what I would consider pretty average sized legs. In-depth conversion about my leg size aside, I think these socks are certainly on the tall end of the spectrum and I bet for most people they will extend well over what I would consider "mid calf." Perhaps the people of Fox River have really long shin bones, but that is an investigation for another day.

In terms of form and function, I would say these socks perform in a very different setting as compared to these winter socks. Though both pairs are well suited for winter, what I like about the Fox River Work Boot sock is that it is much more suited for activity. This sock is more form fitting than other winter options and because of this it is less likely to bulk up and cause hot spots that are prone to blister formation. Combine that with its ability to stay up on your leg and lets just say your full attention can now be focused on whatever situation winter has decided to hand you.

It is still a thicker sock. Thicker weaves have more bulk. More bulk allows for more loft (space for air). And with more loft comes more warmth (and happier feet- which leads to better days- which leads to a happier life) How is that for full circle? And it all started with your socks!

So start your way to a better life here.

Fun Fact: Loft is important when it comes to warmth. Having space between fibers (loft) actually allows the material to better trap heat. So the more loft, the better the insulation. For example, Big Agnes has thought long and hard about loft and has designed a sleeping bag that maximizes warmth while at the same time minimizing size without sacrificing loft. How do they do it?

Checkout Big Agnes and learn how.

But back to socks. I have been testing these socks for a few weeks now. The first week I wore them to work all day (office job) and then out to my shop where my feet are in heavy insulated boots. This combination of events had me wearing these socks for 3 or 4 days before any noticeable odor started to rise up (I have wool to thank for this). However, on a separate occasion, I wore them in my work boots all day while working in my shop over the weekend. After two days of this kind of treatment I would say that they were ready for a wash.

Looking for some new boots to test your socks in?

And there you have it. Warm. Winter. Socks. And from a company who started making socks in Wisconsin beginning in 1900. After 100+ years of doing just about anything, I imagine you get pretty good at it. And the fact that they continue to manufacture their socks here in the USA, well that is borderline bragging.

So the next time you are out scraping the frost off your windshield or shoveling your neighbor's walk, remember why being in the Northwest is so great. Breathe in some of that cool, clean, crisp winter air. Because that is a feeling that is hard to beat (thanks winter).