Super Comfortable Possum Socks

Pearly’s Possum Socks

I am all about the comfortable socks. I don’t go in for anything that can’t handle the conditions well: no cotton, no acrylic for me. Even many so called “moto” socks are not particularly well designed for the needs of the enduro rider.

Typically I find hiking/biking socks are best at managing heat and comfort. They are also durable. I go with lightweight for the summer and heavier for winter time riding. All are wool blends. Because I always wear full length skins, I choose ankle length socks.

I was recently introduced to Pearly’s Possum Socks from New Zealand. With our unseasonably warm weather this year, I did not get a chance to wear the cold weather socks until last week. It only took one day of riding mild temperatures to fall in love with the comfort.

Possum Socks! Yes, that is what I said. They are a woven blend of fine merino wool and possum fur. Who knew? As for the texture, think of cashmere, ridiculously luxurious, something like that, but thick and sturdy built for work too.

Have you ever bought a pair of thick and soft feeling acrylic socks from the mega mart, then found that they do nothing for moisture control and are useless for real outdoor use? These have that kind of feel, but the moisture wicking properties of wool. The Possum’s seem to do well at odor control too.

Why possum? Here is the Wiki-

The common brushtail possum was introduced to New Zealand by European settlers in an attempt to establish a fur industry. There are no native predators of the possum in New Zealand, so its numbers in New Zealand have risen to the point where it is considered a serious pest … Since 1996, possum fur, obtained from about 2 million wild-caught possums per year, has been used in clothing with blends of fine merino wool with brushtailed possum fur

Pearly’s are available in heights ranging from crew to knee. The short ones suit me, but the full length would be a more traditional moto length. The heel and toe area are reinforced. They include a Nylon Lycra blend to help stretch and stay in place.

I am sold on them. And yes they are a bit of a big ticket item, prices range from $38 to $58 depending on height. But like most of my other gear, quality pays off in the long run.

Pearly’s Possum Socks