So you finally took the plunge and invested in a pair of golf shoes that cost more than what you’d pay for two pairs of sneakers….combined. Yet when you wear them out on the course or range you notice that they just don’t fit the same as they begin to break in. Well did you give any consideration to the socks that you’re wearing? Maybe you need to invest is a good pair of golf socks to go with your new shoes? Kentwool Tour claims to have ‘created the world’s best golf sock.’ Pretty strong claim if you ask me. THP just put these socks to the test and did they wear out or hold up? Check it out.
From the Company
Kentwool Tour was started by Mark Kent in by asking ‘why doesn’t anyone make a great golf sock?’ The company was started largely in part to Mark’s own desire to have a comfortable golf sock after having some on course issues of his own with other socks. In late 2008 the first Kentwool Sock was made and the journey of ‘the world’s best golf sock’ was underway. The claims?
* Optimizes performance
* Provides superior comfort
* Enables muscles to stay at peak conditions for long durations
* Reduces fatigue and friction-increasing circulation and preventing abrasions
Key Features, Technology & Functionality
The innovative design has a proprietary blend of super fine merino wool yarn-WINDspun by KENTWOOL- and other premium natural & high-tech fibers. The integrated foot technology system includes a micro-climate feature which reduces abrasion and muscle fatigue. Also included is:
* Moisture management and wicking properties
* Enhanced cushioning at strategic micro-stress points along the foot
* Innovatively engineered heel, toe, and bridge elements designed with advanced reinforcement-providing maximum support and protection against injury.
Testing/Usage
I tested the Men’s Tour Profile line (low cut) for this review. I’ll spoil the surprise, these are the best golf socks. Ever. How did I arrive at this conclusion? First I primarily wanted to wear them around the house as a part of everyday use. They’re so soft and comfortable that you barely even know they’re on your feet. Almost like your favorite pair of slippers. The padding along your toes and heel coupled with the arch support really is something. Never once did I notice any pain let alone ‘pressure’ when walking on everything from hardwood to carpet. If they feel that good by themselves on these surfaces, can you imagine what they feel like when paired with your golf shoes? That was my thought as I took them to the range to see how they felt under simulated game conditions.
I wear Ecco Golf Street Premiere shoes when on the range so I was interested to see how these felt in the ‘part sneaker/part golf shoe’ product. They certainly didn’t disappoint. In my review of the Ecco’s I had said that they were some of the most comfortable golf shoes I’ve ever worn and the Kentwool socks made them that much better. Standing on a range mat never felt so good. Walking in the parking lot was like walking on a cloud. Hitting from the grass felt as if you were in the middle of a fairway. These socks were quickly winning me over. The final test would come when I wore them for a round of golf.
I typically ride in the cart when playing golf but I went out of my way to walk as much as possible to get the full effect of these amazing socks. Once again, they didn’t disappoint. The comfort and support that these socks give you is instantly noticeable but quickly forgotten as you become used to them quickly. The fact that your feet don’t fatigue as fast (if at all) with these socks really adds a level of confidence to your game. Now my feet have a sweat factor of 16 on a scale of 1-10 and let me tell you, my feet hardly sweat at all. The moisture wicking technology is second to none which was a huge benefit and surprise to me. Other golf socks I’ve worn tout this feature but sometimes fall a little short. Kentwools, however, deliver on this promise and then some.
Overall
As I stated before, these are the best golf socks. Ever. Also testing these was a fellow forum member who is a woman and for the women’s line of socks the same feelings and thoughts prevail. Unsolicited, we were both sending messages to each other echoing the same praises and minor concerns. Hmmmm, what could those concerns be you ask after reading this glowing review? They’re minor actually. I thought there was a little slippage off the heel but this was cured by pulling the sock up a little higher than the normal fit. Will this stretch out the tops of the socks? Only time will tell. The other minor concern was the color. The socks come in two colors, black and natural. The natural color that I tested looked ‘dirty’ when paired with predominantly white golf shoes. Please Kentwool, make some white socks. But being that these are the only issues, you have nothing to fear should you buy these socks. One pair of Kentwool Tour socks runs $20 a pair. A little on the pricey side, yes. Worth the investment if you’re a walking golfer? Absolutely. For those golfers who consistently walk 6,000+ yds and more when playing a course, they would be really doing themselves a disservice by not giving these a try. For more information about the company and their line of golf socks, click on over here. These socks are genuinely the real deal and are making their way into the various tours. The first player to wear these is Kristy McPherson on the LPGA Tour. On the PGA Tour, Bubba Watson and Jonathan Byrd wear these as well. Will you be next?
T. Hanks
