Price: $49.99 (on sale at time of review $39.99)
Sizes: Medium: Men 8-10 (US) | Women 7-10 (US), Large: Men 10.5-13 (US) | Women 10.5-12 (US), XL: Men 13.5-15 (US)
Materials: 58% premium baby alpaca fiber, 40% nylon, and 2% Spandex
Colors: Black or Grey
Fit: True to size
Where manufactured: USA
Availability: Online
How obtained: Company samples
RBR advertiser: No
Alpaca Wool Brings Warmth and Comfort to Winter Activities
Whenever someone asks me about staying warm on winter rides, one accessory I always mention is alpaca socks. I’ve been wearing alpaca for many years after discovering this amazing wool on a trip to Peru. I had purchased an alpaca hat before starting my four-day trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It was lightweight, extremely warm, and did not absorb odors. Perfect for multiple days of hiking and wear without bathing.
In 2019, I reviewed a pair of crew socks from the company (formerly called Follow Hollow) and was very impressed with the quality. Fast forward to today, and one of the company’s newest items is a knee-high ski sock. If you ask me, these socks are for more than just skiing. I contacted Brian Davis, owner of Hollow Socks, who lives in Wisconsin, a few hours from me, and asked if I could get a pair to test. For me, wearing under tights, the longer-length sock, provides added protection when biking in the cold winter weather of Chicago.
Brian sent me two pairs of ski socks, one black, and one grey. I’ve been wearing both in a variety of temperatures and situations. I tested the socks fat biking in temps in the low 20s, road biking in the 30s, hiking, and just lounging around the house. My toes stayed nice and warm in all situations without overheating or becoming a sweaty mess.
Alpaca has unique properties that make them ideal for year-round activities.
- Moisture wicking – Alpaca wool’s hollow fibers and scale-like structure allow it to wick and repel moisture. As a result, your feet stay dry and comfortable.
- Antimicrobial properties – The alpaca fibers naturally regulate airflow, preventing bacteria and odors from staying trapped inside the socks. This property lets you air out the socks and wear them multiple times without washing them.
- Hypoallergenic and odorless – Alpaca fibers attract little to no lanolin, a waxy substance that attracts dust. The socks maintain their incredibly soft feel while staying hypoallergenic and odorless. Alpaca isn’t scratchy like sheep’s wool and retains it next to skin softness wash after wash.
Speaking of washing, the socks are machine washable using cold water, and I hang them to dry. I’ve been wearing and washing these socks numerous times, and they continue to be soft and hold their shape. Also, there was never any chafing or blisters, no matter how many miles I put in on the bike or trail.
Check out their website, Hollow Socks come in different heights and weights, so you are sure to find the right pair for any activity or season. With winter winding down, you might be able to score these ski socks on sale.
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 or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I have two pair of Hollow socks. I’ve worn the crew socks on winter rides in the lo2 20’s, and my feet stayed warm the whole ride. They are super soft and stay relatively odor-free. I also bought a pair of the no-show socks for once the weather warms.