Merino Escape - Crew Length - Anti Blister System

I started Nordic walking almost a year ago and I try to walk 3-8 miles most days. If you are unfamiliar with Nordic walking, think of it as cross country skiing but without the skis. It is different than just hiking with trekking poles. I average 120-145 miles per month in all conditions. Without extra precautions, I am prone to blisters anytime I walk over 3 miles.

When I used to run 35 miles weekly nearly 2 decades ago I used an anti blister powder that I recently found out contains PFAS as one of the anti friction ingredients. Wanting to be more environmentally cautious and also to limit PFAS exposure in our household, I started looking for other anti blister solutions. I thought I had tried Wrightsocks back when I was running, with limited success, so at first I ignored them.

When blisters started becoming an issue with increased walking mileage, I tried taping, which worked ok, but was time consuming, expensive, and seemed to create a lot of waste.

Next I used ArmaSkin liner socks (out of Australia). They are difficult to put on but they work great…for 75-100 miles before failing (developing holes). After the same thing happened with 3 pair even after contacting them for tips and taking extreme care, I started looking for a different solution.

That brought me back to Wrightsocks right when temps started getting in the teens in the upper Midwest with windchills below zero. I ordered 3 different styles but have only used the merino wool Escape socks so far for the extra warm. So far my feet have remained warm on 8 mile walks in 11 degrees (F) wearing Keen uninsulated waterproof hiking shoes, Oregon Research gaiters, and Korkers heavy duty Casttrax cleats for traction on ice and snow.

I also have been using an Airtrim Heat Exchange mask (modified with a stick on inner foam nose bridge to prevent glasses fogging) when temps get into the teens and below. This does help keep your body warmer because you are not breathing extremely cold/dry air.

Over 10 days of walking, I have walked 51 miles with no blisters and warm feet. The Merino Escape are much easier to put on than ArmaSkin liner socks and keep my feet warmer. All 51 miles were walked with the added friction of the Korkers cleats over the Keen shoes and OR gaiters. The Casttrax are very heavy duty cleats and caused extra irritation on my feet last spring when I first started using them while still taping for blisters. I have also started using a homemade foam pad under the top cleat straps (between the top of the shoe and the straps) for more comfort and added heat retention.

So far I am extremely pleased with the Merino Escape Crew socks. The one unanswered question, like with the Armaskin socks, is with durability. I am not familiar with Wrightsocks review system, so I am not sure if I can edit this review in the future once average durability (for me) is known. After 10 days, there is some very light pilling on the heels but otherwise they look and feel like new. Also, I am glad to provide this review, but it was solicited by Wrightsocks system via email 14 days after order fulfillment (for full disclosure).

If the two initial pair of Merino Wool Escape Crew socks end up lasting at least 3 months, I will continue to rate them 5 stars. If they end up lasting 2-3 months I would remove a star. If they last less than 2 months I would remove two stars but would still prefer them to the ArmaSocks in winter for ease of use and winter warmth.

So, after 10 days, a strong 5 stars.

Merino Escape Crew Anti Blister System

Great socks, keep making them! Once I tried the double-layer sock there is no going back to a single sock, especially when hiking, travelling, or just plain walking.

Excellent for my pooor foot life changing

I have used wright socks for 15 years and I have never had to leave the trail due to blisters. Before weight socks I wiould often have problems with blisters. Great product! Thanks!

Merino Escape Crew Anti Blister System

Comfortable and protective, I find these socks to be exactly as described. Finest quality craftsmanship and materials combined to give you blister free trekking.

I loved Anti Blister Sock that I purchased from Merino. They keep my foot warm, at the same time no friction and hence no blisters.

Unfortunately in the US I have to get them internationally. I am so glad you ship overseas!!!!

True to promise. No blisters or hot spots!

Wright socks are better than any other sock!

I have walked the Camino several times and always use Wrightsocks for the 500+ mile journey. Never had a blister!

I bought my husband 7 pairs of Wright socks for Christmas, and they all shrank to a size small after one washing! This was not the case in the past. DO NOT BUY THESE SOCKS! A TOTAL RIP-OFF!

First, I was expecting/hoping for a thicker sock. While not as thick as I would like, I tried them with a pair of boots that always rubs as they are slightly wide. I wore them for about 10 hours. While I could feel the rubbing, there were no blisters or sore spots on my feet. In my opinion they did exactly what they were advertised to do. For me that was a home run. If they were thicker like a Darn Tough heavy weight sock they would be awesome. I also washed them and there weren’t any issues.

The socks work fine so far for short walks. However the stitching in the toes is a bit awkward -- at the point where the inner layer is attached -- and could affect longer walks.

I think your size info may be off. I returned too short and the merino unless they shrink a little they may bunch in the toe.
I do like the concept

Merino Escape Crew Anti Blister System

These double layer merino wool socks are so soft and comfortable to wear. I definitely do not have to worry about blisters or hot spots on my feet. I will not wear anything else hiking. They are true to size.

I’ve have Wrightsocks for both backpacking, casual hiking, golfing and general wear. As an Eagle Scout (now an old Eagle Scout), I always believed in two pairs of socks when I hiked and never had blister problems. Now Wrightsocks fills the bill with two in one. Great product. Buy them. They work.

The socks are great and make my feet feel great . I have been testing a few since this year I will be doing another long walk for 40 days or 800km . Main goal is to avoid blisters and to keep feet in good shape and warm.

Very comfortable socks that work as advertised, prevent rubbing and keep my feet warm - wish I had them in time for that winter storm, but I'll be prepared next time!

Merino Escape Crew Anti Blister System

I have not yet received these. The tracking information has that they have been on quite a journey, including to London, England. They are apparently back in the United States again but no indication they are on their way to me in Canada.

I bought a pair of Wrightsocks when I got a new pair of boots. My first hike was a long, difficult trek up Wheeler Peak in New Mexico. The socks were superb. I did not get a blister, they were warm in the morning when it was cold but weren't hot when it got warm in the afternoon. I've used one pair since 2019, I've hiked and backpacked in them all over the western US and they're just as good as the first time I wore them. I highly, highly recommend these socks.

Really good socks

I’ve worn these socks for regular use and they feel great. I’m looking forward to wearing them on a long hike.

I have used Wrightsocks for hiking for at least 5 years and have never had a blister with them! When someone says they are thinking about buying thin liner socks to wear inside of their "regular" socks, I tell them about Wrightsocks! My son and I will be wearing them on our A.T. thru-hike startig in late February 2022. Thank you for such a great product!

These are the only socks my husband has worn (year round) for years. He walks at least 3 miles and up to 12 per day. He swears by them!