I’ve been singing the praises of alpaca over merino wool for years, with my first encounter in Peru when I trekked the Inca Trail. About a month ago, Brian Davis reached out to me asking if I’d try out his new Follow Hollow alpaca socks and provide some feedback.
Out of the package you could tell they were high quality and well-made. I’ve worn them on cold bike rides, long walks and just hanging around the house. As part of my testing, I went on a fat bike ride in the morning wearing the socks with flat pedal shoes. Then came home, changed kits, and put the same socks back on to head out for a group road ride. I had happy feet…dry, warm and comfortable.
Brian is an avid cyclist and the inventor of FixitSticks.com and The Weatherneck (click link for my review), and backbottle.com. He launched a Kickstarter campaign on October 10th for his new Follow Hollow alpaca socks.
The Wisconsin-based company uses alpaca fiber as its technical advantage against synthetic, oil-based fibers and other wool options to deliver a modern, high-performance sock. Follow Hollow is derived from the alpaca fiber that is completely hollow on a microscopic level. The hollow cavity creates a capillary action to move moisture away from the skin keeping feet dry and regulating temperature. The proprietary yarn (80% baby alpaca, 15% nylon and 5% spandex) is imported from Peru and manufactured in North Carolina. Combining the highest quality alpaca fiber with the best manufacturing creates a sock that lasts all day long.
Brian said, “I started looking for an all-day sock to wear to work, to work out, and go out for the evening. I am always trying to squeeze every minute out of my day and get more out of less. Alpaca is often considered the perfect material for socks, but no one was making perfect alpaca socks, so I decided to do it. After two years of working on this project, I am thrilled to be launching it on Kickstarter. We’ve had hundreds of product testers, and the response has been extraordinarily positive from all types of sports from hunters to runners.”
Brian started the Kickstarter campaign with one style, one color and two sizes. Follow the links if you are interested in more information on Follow Hollow or the Kickstarter campaign. I was so impressed with the socks and believe in Brian, I’ve supported his campaign.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio.
Alpaca is the BEST!! I have a blanket from Peru that is the most comfortable ever. I am never too hot or too cold . Can’t wait to try these socks
Is his really “Brain” Davis??
Thanks for pointing that out. Fixed it. But yes, he is super smart….
Is his really “Brain” Davis??
Sheri
I’ve seen alpaca socks that won’t stay up. Assuming you are still enjoying the socks, how are they holding up?
Dave
Hi Dave,
Sorry I didn’t see this comment sooner. My bad. To answer your question, I’ve had no problems with the socks staying up. I’ve worn and washed not only the sample that was tested but I bought several off the Kickstarter. The elastic is holding up just fine.
These socks would seem to go perfectly with a $200 jersey, a $350 jacket, and $225 bibs.
But what else would I wear riding my $10,000 bike.
Where’s the sanity???
I purchased three pairs of these socks – one for me, my partner, and my triathlete daughter. Special occasion gifts. We all LOVE them. Toasty warm, practical on a cool day, and stay dry on a warm Florida day. They wash beautifully, I hang to dry. They are worth every penny.
BtW: Including my shoes, my cycling attire was under $400. (Bike and helmet not included 🤣 😂)
I bought some a month or so ago and have been using them to do touring on chilly days, and – well, just sitting around on chilly days – and they are really great! I think my Smart Wool socks are fine, but these are definitely a few steps better. I hope one day they will have some shorter styles for those of us with shorter legs.
So you know, these socks fit really snug (I’m a 9 1/2), and not just in the length – which I think is a good thing – but they pill really badly at the heal, and after only two wearings.