Size 9-12 mens, 11+ womens
I am a true size 9US and am 275 in the original German Army Trainers. I am a size 42 in CP Achilles (don’t have any atm) and a size 9.5US in Chuck Taylors. I would say the fit is more towards the tight side, and I would like Ninja Sox to increase the size of the overall sock in future as this should be able to fit a size 12 with slight tightness, whereas it fits a size 9 with a significant amount of tightness.
The sock measures approximately 17 cm long and the leg opening is approximately 9cm.
The first thing to notice about the sock is its size. The sock is nearly half the length and width of a normal sock of that shoe size. This is due to it being composed primarily of cotton which gives way for stretching and potentially the sock forming around the shape of one’s foot whilst still maintaining a sense of comfort. This is primarily the reason that separates it from other no-show socks. Others experiment with compositions and usually get it wrong; mixing in a little too much polyester or nylon.
The sock has a gel type of padding just above the heel and this is where the back of the foot usually rubs against your shoe and can cause blisters. When laced up in a well-fitting shoe, your foot would normally slide up and down a little as you walk. Over time, rubbing the same area against leather or canvas would cause damage to the skin. This gel pad definitely seeks to prevent that and furthermore, it not only keeps the sock slipping in the shoe, but keeps the foot slipping inside the sock. However a larger gel padding that covers a larger area would be beneficial and I would like to see this in future models.
The panels of fabric that form the sock are something to appreciate. Ninja Sox has created a sock whose top panel is of a much thinner cotton when compared to the sole or heel. This allows breathability, which is a necessary thing to have as the socks would be primarily worn in summer. The sole of the sock is much thicker and though one may think that this would induce sweating, it does wick away moisture more efficiently than other socks, especially socks whose fabrics are composed in such a way so as to maximize its lifespan. The ribbing of these socks is also more reinforced when compared to other no show socks. The ribbing is thick yet isn’t uncomfortable and this helps it stay in place. This is something that I would like to see maintained in future models.
The branding on the sole of the sock is not a problem at all, considering that nobody would ever see it as the socks would always be worn with shoes. I know it would be more expensive, but it would be cool to see no text but the logo and maybe a katana sword on the sole of the shoe, though this is just a minute detail to the overall aesthetic of the sock and its functionality.
Wearing these socks with normal sized low profile shoes; Margiela GATs, original GATs, Lanvin low tops, Jack Purcells, Converse Chuck Taylors will all have a great sockless look when Ninja Sox are worn. Many other no show socks can compete with the visibility of the sock in this regard. However with lower profile shoes, these socks stand out. People wearing Ninja Sox with shoes such as Common Projects Achilles, Vans and boat shoes will have a true no show look relative to other socks.
All in all, for the price these socks are a steal.
GATs (Click to show)
Side View (Click to show)
Top View of the Gats (Click to show)
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