FAQs
frequently asked questions.
Due to our new guarantees, there is no requirement to register your new Sealskinz products.
Please follow the link below for more information about our guarantees;
Sealskinz Guarantees
Please keep your proof of purchase in a safe place, just in case, as this can be helpful.
Our socks come in 4 sizes:
Small (UK shoe size 3-5)
Medium (UK shoe size 6-8)
Large (UK shoe size 9-11)
Extra Large (UK shoe size 12-14).
If you are between sizes, we recommend going up a sock size, i.e. if you are a shoe size 8½, buy a ‘Large’ size sock.
The close-fitting nature of our socks means they fit comfortably, just like a normal sock in your shoes. The 3-layer construction also helps prevent friction and blisters.
The LED in your Roll Cuff Beanie is charged via USB.
Firstly, remove it from the hat by pushing it out of the front.
Then remove the cap from the side to reveal the USB.
Then the small USB can be plugged into any port capable of charging from a USB or a phone charger.
It will begin to flash as it is charging, and should take no longer than 2 hours to fully charge.
Sealskinz operates a strict anti-mulesing policy and have done so for the last few years.
All our waterproof socks and gloves that use Merino wool are assembled using knitted components which are sourced from a number of approved knitting factories.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, these knitted components contain Merino wool sourced from sheep which are not subjected to mulesing or mistreatment of any type.
To ensure the longevity of your nano treated product it is advised to wash at a maximum temperature of 30'c and tumble dry on a cool setting for a maximum time of five minutes, this will help to reactivate the nano treatment to its optimal performance level.
It’s difficult to say as everyone feels the cold in a different way. It will also depend on the activity and the weather conditions but our products can be worn in conditions ranging from summer warmth, through to extreme cold.
The thermal rating and climate guide systems are our own guidance to the relative warmth of different hats, gloves and socks – the higher the thermal rating or climate guide, the colder the weather condition the product can be used in.
Sealskinz waterproof socks and gloves are designed to be worn directly next to the skin with no liners.
However, if you do need an extra layer for warmth, our liner socks and gloves are perfect. Made with Merino wool, they are both warm and have excellent wicking properties – a must for any liner. Of course, the liner gloves and socks are also great when worn by themselves.
As with other items of quality outdoor clothing, if cared for in the right way, our products can last for several years depending on how often they are worn.
The nylon outer is harder wearing than a typical walking sock and they will last just as long, if not even longer.
Blisters are formed because of excessive friction on the skin. Wet skin, being softer than dry skin, is far more susceptible to blistering.
Our socks reduce the chance of blistering by keeping your feet dry. The patented 3-layer system also absorbs movement between the shoe and the skin, further reducing blisters.
Yes. The 3-layer system used in our socks is inherently warmer than a traditional non-waterproof sock and the membrane is windproof as well as waterproof.
Of course the biggest factor is keeping dry as you will feel considerably warmer when your feet, hands and head are dry!
No, they shouldn’t.
The membrane is ‘breathable’ and the inner lining ‘wicks’ moisture and sweat away from the skin. The moisture then passes through the membrane, keeping your feet dry and avoiding any clammy feeling.
We recommend not using Sealskinz socks under wetsuit boots as the waterproof construction may insulate the foot from the warm water layer between the skin and the neoprene required for the function of the wetsuit.
This can happen in extreme conditions if water runs into the top of a sock or into the wrist of a glove.
To reduce this, many people will wear their trousers or leggings over the socks. With gloves, tuck the cuff under the wrist of the jacket to prevent water running into the glove.
Each of our products carries a climate guide enabling you to make an informed decision on the best product for your activity. How you feel the cold is always subjective and dependent on activity, as such you should always go by your personal operating temperature to determine your choice of product.
These ratings are designed as a guide and also show where they sit against other products within the Sealskinz ranges.
As the socks contain a waterproof membrane, always wear them with appropriate footwear. Avoid standing on stones and sharp objects that could puncture it. With gloves, avoid thorns and other very sharp objects that could also puncture the membrane.
Yes. The membrane is windproof as well as being waterproof. Did you know they also provide a barrier to dust and fine sand in dry regions and our socks are regularly used by the military in hot, dry, deployments.
No. The membrane is a permanent waterproof barrier. There is no need to treat or re-proof it in order to maintain or restore waterproofing.
We specify a minimum W.V.P (Water Vapour Permeability index) of 65% for all our patented socks and gloves (BS7
Waterproof fabrics and garments are generally tested to withstand a certain level of ‘hydrostatic head’.
Our Sealskinz membranes are tested to withstand a column of water (hydrostatic head) >10,000mm. (BS3424: Part 26; Method 29A: 1990)
Merino wool is finer than traditional wool and soft to the touch so is very comfortable next to the skin over long periods of time. Merino is excellent at absorbing and releasing moisture which acts to either insulate in the coldest of conditions or regulating temperature in cooler conditions to keep you comfortable.
Each fibre has microscopic overlapping scales that encase each fibre, these scales are hydrophobic (water repellent).
The core of the fibre is highly absorbent enabling merino to absorb and release 10 times more moisture than synthetics.
Merino fibres can absorb up to one third of its own weight in moisture without feeling clammy or wet to the touch. In our waterproof products the moisture is then transferred through the membrane where it then dries. Merino has excellent anti-microbial properties which prevents odour buildup inside the sock.
Our unique Hydrostop technology creates a barrier to water ingress around the cuff of the sock, providing a secure fit between the sock and your leg.
Hydrostop is a soft elastic taping positioned at the inside cuff of the sock. Providing a secure comfortable fit and enables the sock to fit close to the skin and minimises movement and slipping during activities. Hydropstop also assists to reduce water ingress at the cuff of the sock from moisture running down the leg.
Sealskinz waterproof knitted socks are crafted as a three layer product, consisting of a durable outer fabric, a soft comfortable inner layer for insulation, moisture wicking and comfort and fused between these to layers is a hydrophilic waterproof membrane. It is this hydrophilic waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry and allows high breathability.
The hydrophilic membrane is present throughout the product up to the stitching located at the cuff of the sock (this can be seen by turning the socks inside out).Sealskinz waterproof socks are guaranteed waterproof up to the stitching at the cuff where the Hydrophilic membrane ends. Hydrostop is positioned above the stitching at the cuff of the sock and does not create a watertight seal so it is not recommended that socks are fully submerged underwater above this level.
If fully submerged in water above this level the inside of the sock is likely to become wet. If greater coverage up the leg is required Sealskinz waterproof socks are also available in knee length options.
The waterproof, breathable material we use is a hydrophilic membrane. It’s a thin but solid, flexible layer which does not allow water droplets to pass through, making it totally waterproof. The membrane ‘breathes’ by allowing water molecules to pass.
These water molecules are driven through the membrane because of the higher temperature and humidity inside the sock, glove or hat compared to the outside.
This process is also known as osmosis.
No.
Our brand name was created many years ago to demonstrate the best protection qualities of a seal – 100% waterproof.
There is no other connection with seals but we do use other animal derived products like Merino wool and leather.