REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Breathable
Quick to wick
Fast to dry
Precise fit
No slip
REASONS TO AVOID
Not warm
Not cushioned
Not compatible with hiking boots
Feetures Elite Max Cushion Quarter Review
This lightweight polyester sock is perfect for day hiking or running in warm temps
Credit: Feetures
Our Verdict
The Feetures Elite Max Cushion Quarter is a perfect partner on the trail for tackling warm weather on long day hikes. In our testing, we tackled over 200 miles of terrain from Colorado to Iceland. We found that the 100% iWick polyester fabric provides optimal breathability and wicking power that will keep your feet dry even when you sweat…a lot. Its lightweight construction features compression paneling that hugs the foot around the arch and heel, ensuring no-slip performance.
While it is comfortable, it is not as cushioned as other competitors. For example, the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew features thicker materials and Merino wool fabrics that make it more comfortable and cushioned. That said, it's not as breathable as this synthetic design. As a result of its performance, it is far better suited for wear with hiking shoes and warm weather. Its fit is so specific and performance so breathable that its function can extend to running in all types of weather. Also, it is super fast to dry and comes with a lifetime guarantee! So, if you're seeking a lightweight synthetic hiking sock that is best for warmer weather — and can double as a running sock — this durable, home-grown slice may be your best fit!
Our Analysis and Test Results
This 100% polyester lightweight quarter-length sock is perfect for pairing with hiking or running shoes in warm weather.
Performance Comparison
A great breathable hiking sock that doubles for running. The ankle-height design is perfect to pair with a hiking shoe.
Credit: Amber King
Comfort
The Feetures Elite Max Cushion offers a superior fit and level of comfort that won't slip while adventuring. During trail runs and hikes in the Faroe Islands and Iceland, we were impressed by its ability to maintain its shape and fit when both dry and wet. It does this by employing compression panels around the arch and heel that sucks the sock onto the foot. In other words, it stays in place.
Compression panels and stretchy fabrics make these socks comfortable and cozy. It packs in extra fibers around the forefoot and heel, but it's not a super cushioned. It's a great choice for day hikes.
Credit: Amber King
While its name advertises a super cushioned experience, that is not the case. Its materials are thin and light when compared to other hiking socks that are generally thicker for longer periods of wear. That said, it provides a little cushion in the forefoot and heel for day hikes and runs. While these feetures make it a great option for shorter hikes or runs, it's not our top choice for longer backpacking adventures or expeditionary endeavors. The fit is stellar, but if you're seeking cushioning, look elsewhere.
The breathable panels around the arch of the foot add additional comfort on hot days.
Credit: Amber King
Warmth
Constructed from a lightweight 100% Polyester material, this sock is suited best for the Summer, late Spring and early Fall. When testing it in colder weather, it simply did not hold up when hanging around camp or while being inactive. The cold easily permeates the fabric that does not do well at insulating. We commonly reached for a hiking sock with thicker materials, a longer cut, and a Merino wool design instead when encountering these types of conditions. That said, it does a good job while on the move in cool weather, common to late Fall or early Spring, but not a good option for the Winter. Again - a great option as a trail runner or day hiker. A low scorer in this category, but depending on your intended use, that might be exactly what you're seeking.
A look at the inner fibers that articulate with the foot. While this sock is comfortable, it is certainly not warm. It's better as an active-wear option.
Credit: Amber King
Wicking and Breathability
The 100% iWick Polyester material does a fantabulous job wicking and breathing. When hiking in the desert, this sock is our top choice. The thin materials make it ultra-breathable. Its polyester wicks sweat away from the skin of feet, transferring it to the outside of the sock.
Running trails leading up to Uncompahgre Peak, a fourteener in Southwest Colorado. This sock provided great breathability through the whole trip extending from conditions of warm to cool. In addition, the inner material does a great job wicking away moisture from the foot to keep them dry and happy.
Credit: Amber King
When running and hiking in the various place in Iceland over the last year, we encountered rain, wind, and soggy weather for days. This sock did saturate easily and did not insulate against the cold well. Still, when wet, it did a decent job wicking moisture away from the foot to help prevent blisters on the move.
A look at the breathable panels. Where sun can be seen shining through is the areas of high breathability...focused on the top and bottom of the foot.
Credit: Amber King
Durability
After putting on 200 miles of wear and tear — through swamps, deserts, sand, and more — we only notice minor pilling with no holes or fly-aways. We took this sock hiking, trail running, paddleboarding, and more! The lightweight materials are thin, but durable, featuring a synthetic fiber that maintains its shape, even after washing and drying several times.
This sock has a lifetime guarantee! Like Darn Tough, the company will replace your socks if you're not a happy camper.
Drying Speed
As a thin, synthetic sock that is only quarter length, it is super fast to dry! In both our dryer and in-field tests it dried in sufficient time. During our tests, we dipped our feet into streams, then hiked over trails in warm weather. The sock dried quickly in these conditions and proved to perform well overall in this metric.
Best Application
As a thin 100% polyester sock with an ankle-length design, it is perfect for both men and women. Given its construction, it functions best with hiking shoes (not hiking boots) and is best suited for day hikes or runs. While it is great for on-the-go use, it's not ideal for lounging around the campfire or staying warm with on cold nights. Take it with you on your next active hike, run, or exploration in warm to hot weather!
Wear this sock day hiking, climbing, running, and more! It's perfect for any active activity that doesn't get too cold.
Credit: Amber King
Value
Loaded with a lifetime guarantee and a retail price around $16, the value is great! Most socks on the market cost about this much, but don't always offer a lifetime guarantee, nor provide the superior level of durability we observed with this model. Overall, great bang for the buck.
Feetures is a family-owned and operated business based out of the USA.
Conclusion
This lightweight quarter-length sock is perfect day hiking or running in warm weather. While it's not the warmest or the most cushioned, it provides impeccable comfort in the form of a precise lightweight fit. Take it with you on your next adventure in the desert or sunny destination.
This ankle-length sock is perfect to wear with a sturdy pair of hiking of trail running shoes. Its unisex fit is perfect for all. Wear it on your next active or warm adventure in the backcountry.
Credit: Amber King
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Amber King
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