If shoes make the man, then socks make the man (or woman) comfortable. Now that I’m almost 40 (four months and 10 days to go, but who’s counting?), I can proudly boast that I get my cholesterol checked regularly and I have finally purged all of the blown-out, ill-fitting and itchy socks from my wardrobe. Riding, hiking, running, walking—whatever the activity, I wrap my feet in high-quality socks and the right boots or shoes for the task.
Harley-Davidson Footwear offers a full line of boots and shoes for men and women with varying levels of protection and style. They’re made by Wolverine Worldwide, which manufactures a dizzying array of footwear for every conceivable activity (it also makes footwear for Bates, Cat, Merrell, Patagonia, Saucony and other well-known brands). Harley-Davidson and Wolverine teamed up to develop a new line of performance socks for motorcycling. Depending on the design and fabric—merino wool or Ultra Dri Ultra Spun Polyester—the socks are designed to keep feet either warm or cool, as well as dry and comfortable.
For several weeks I’ve been wearing a pair of Ultimate Riding Socks (washed between each wearing, mind you, not worn continuously!). Made of 70 percent Ultra Dri, 27 percent nylon and 3 percent spandex, the moisture-wicking, breathable fabric blend does a good job of keeping my feet cool and dry. A mid-calf height, they’re comfortably snug (I’m a size 10.5; large socks cover sizes 9-13), offering the circulation benefits of compression. There is extra cushioning at the toe, heel and shin, as well as an extra snug area in the arch for added support. And, thank goodness, the ribbed top helps them stay up rather than sagging down around my ankles.
You know you like a pair of socks when, as soon as you take them off, you scrounge around the house for enough dirty clothes to fill the washing machine so you can wash them right away and have them ready for the next day. These are those socks. They’re not too thick, not too thin, and they hug my feet in a loving embrace. Clearly, I need more than one pair!
Life is too short for cheap socks (and beer).
Harley-Davidson Ultimate Riding Socks are made in the U.S.A., are available in black only, and retail for $14. Men’s and women’s sizes are available.
For more information, see your dealer or visit harleydavidsonfootwear.com
