I’m a Capricorn, and while most aspects of popular astrology are pure hokum, I seem to possess a trait often associated with this sign: I’m very particular about my footwear, especially the socks I wear. I’ve probably tried every revolutionary new sock design that will fit in a motorcycle boot, and a few more, besides. When RoadGear CEO Mansoor Shafi began raving about his new Coconut Socks, I couldn’t resist putting my best foot forward to test them.
Fiber from coconut shells (you know; the hairy brown stuff) is infused with activated carbon and then blended into a yarn that’s been trade named “Cocona.” Depending upon the style (i.e. length of the elastic upper portion), the Coconut Socks Gen 3 are comprised of 46–54 percent Cocona, 30–35 percent cotton; 8–13 percent nylon (for the logo); and 3–11 percent Lycra for elastic band. Coconut fiber is tough, and since it’s the part that’s not used by the food industry, these socks are at least 46–54 percent “green.”
Activated charcoal embedded in the yarn is claimed to do wonders: it wicks moisture away from your tootsies and helps to control foot odor. When the socks are washed, the charcoal is reactivated and ready for another wearing. This I find useful. The activated charcoal also blocks UVA and UVB light, which is important if you’re one of those yo-yos who wear socks with sandals while riding. Personally I don’t see this aspect as having any particular advantage except if you’re blindfolded in the desert.
I chose one pair to wear around the house and repeatedly wash. This pair always got thrown into the dryer. Another pair was worn with riding boots, hasn’t gone through as many wash cycles, and was always hung to dry. A third pair has been tried on, but set aside as the “control.” A fourth pair, worn by my partner for playing competitive tennis, gets washed and air-dried. After a couple of months of abuse, the frequently-worn pairs show “pilling” (tiny cotton balls), but the elastic remains nice and tight. The fabric is showing signs of wear at the heel and toe, which is normal for a sock that doesn’t have reinforced panels. Those that have been tossed in the drier have shrunk only a small amount, but none for the socks hung to dry.
Coconut socks are comfortable, practically eliminate foot odor (your buddies will thank you), and don’t stretch out and become floppy rags if you’re forced to wear them for three consecutive days of hard riding. They definitely are worth the price as motorcycle socks, but seem a bit expensive for street wear. However, they are made in the U.S.A. and that counts for a lot. Coconut Socks Gen 3 have a one-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Available in: Tall, Crew, Ankle, No-Show—$12.95–$19.95
Men’s sizes 7–16; Women’s sizes 6–10; gray with red logo
www.roadgear.com
800.854.4327
