Foot Fancy Review: The GoldToe AquaFX Sock Series

When it comes to wearing dress socks, there are a few key things that men (and women) really will appreciate in a great sock-in however you value these qualities, comfort, good elasticity, and adequate thickness are all key. If you can wear a dress sock with a upscale sneaker or boot or dress shoe and the comfort is not compromised, then chances are that you have a winner, and GoldToe has long met that qualification. As a devoted aficionado of the GoldToe product line, I've always had good results with their socks, whether I've worn their casual dress, athletic, or Under Armour performance products. Simply nothing compares to a GoldToe sock.

Recently, I became aware of the evolution of the brand's evolutionary use of moisture-wicking fabrics used in their woven dress socks. GoldToe's AquaFX technology is a brand technology that is also used as a brand initiative to promote GoldToeADC (an acronym for "All Day Comfort") amongst its products. Per GoldToe, my socks were packaged with an affixed label, saying:

This sock is made with an AquaFX Moisture Control System. AquaFX maximizes sweat absorbtion and moves the moisture quickly to the external surface of the sock allowing rapid evaporation. The AquaFX Moisture Control System keeps your feet drier and more comfortable ALL DAY LONG.

Being that I try to wear nothing but socks that can keep my feet dry and comfortable, it came as a surprise that the same technologies that have been implemented into more prevalent athletic socks are now used in the GoldToe casual sector. Having tested a few pair of their trademark product, I came away pleased, equally delighted by the usage of the materials, but also by the varying feels of the socks.

I tested three kinds of blend in the GoldToeADC AquaFX sock series. The first sock I tested was made of mercerized cotton. It had a micro-herringbone knit pattern. It looked like zig-zap tread and was ultra-detailed in its stitching. This version managed moisture extremely well and seemed to grip my foot, also like a second skin. The second version I tested was a pima cotton blend. It had a diamond pattern, and it featured a distinct feel underfoot and was very comfortable, which was likely from the diamond dotting pattern. Thirdly, I tested a combed cotton version that set itself apart with an argyle upper with a simple straight knit on the foot of the sock; this particular knit of the foot provided me tons of toe freedom and wiggle room. Though not grip-tight like the mercerized and pima sorts of the other GoldToe socks, the combed cotton was just as comfortable.

All the socks measured good in moisture management in my opinion, though the mercerized cotton did the best. With the shoes off of my feet, the socks were very effective; so effective, in fact, that I many times had to put shoes back on so that my feet wouldn't be cold-the socks were that good in allowing air to the feet. Simply put, the AquaFX series of socks is another golden step of progress and continued excellence in the GoldToe product family.