Trail writer Kenji Okuyama says that he has avoided wool socks for decades because he feels they lack durability and grip.
We had them try out these wool socks in the pouring rain.

Trail writer Kenji Okuyama

A trail writer who writes articles related to trail running. He also manages competitions. He is a staff member at Hanadate Sanso in Tanzawa. He is a photographer, journalist, Patagonia Prosales Member, Kanagawa Prefecture Mountaineering Federation Member, and 8th class student of Kanagawa Forest Academy.
https://www.facebook.com/kenji.okuyama
@kenzixoku

Socks are what come into direct contact with bare feet.
Socks primarily act as a buffer between your shoes and your bare feet.
It is an essential item that keeps you warm when it's cold and absorbs sweat and maintains breathability when it's hot.

Durability is especially important when it comes to mountain climbing. No matter how comfortable they are, if they can't withstand the elements like being in the field or being washed, they're out of the question.
If the criteria for hiking socks are shock absorption, comfort, durability, and antibacterial and anti-odor properties, then all of these are essential.
This time, I tried out ILLLOLO's Peak Hunt Wool Socks , which are said to cover all four of these criteria in a balanced way.

Peak Hunt Wool Socks are medium weight socks for mountain climbing.
As you would expect from wool socks, the texture is very smooth and soft.

In addition, ILLLOLO socks are made in Hyogo Prefecture, which is recognized for its high quality even among domestically produced socks.
Although mid-weight wool socks are highly regarded, (this is only my personal experience) wool socks are comfortable, but I have always avoided them because I feel that they lack durability in harsh fields and grip when running. It's probably been several decades since I last wore them.

The first time I wore it, it was a day when I was carrying loads to a mountain hut, and heavy rain had been falling since the morning due to a typhoon.
The load for porters is about 30kg, and the distance from the trailhead to the mountain hut is about 2km.

I was wearing GORE-TEX trail running shoes, but the rain showed no signs of stopping due to the typhoon. Before I knew it, my shoes were soaked .

Peak Hunt wool socks, which I had to wear suddenly in bad weather.
Even though I was soaked from the rain, the wool remained comfortable.
I was concerned about my shoes slipping around, but they didn't feel stuffy or uncomfortable at all and I was able to climb the mountain.

When I arrived at the mountain hut and took off my soaking Peak Hunt wool socks, I found that my bare feet were not very wet .
It must have good drainage, as it has excellent moisture absorption and quick drying properties.

Since it was just shipped, it is a little fuzzy, but for a medium-weight sock, it does not seem to absorb much water.

In addition to the inherent antibacterial and deodorizing properties of wool, the fabric is also treated with Polygiene antibacterial and deodorizing agents, so there was no unpleasant odor at all .

The day we walked to the mountain hut again. It was a sunny day from the morning.
Wearing Peak Hunt wool socks, I carried my pack as usual and arrived at the mountain hut.
I changed into just a T-shirt and shorts, leaving my socks on, and changed from my shoes into sandals.

In the end, I wore the Peak Hunt wool socks from morning until night that day, and the functionality and feel of merino wool, which is less likely to get sweaty or smelly, remained the same as ever.

Wool socks generally use yarn that has nylon wrapped around the outside, which can make them feel rough.
What makes Peak Hunt Wool Socks superior is that they use NIKKE AXIO (a twisted yarn in which nylon is spirally wrapped inside the wool fibers using a special manufacturing process).
While maintaining the original smooth feel and functionality of wool, the durability has been greatly improved. It is more than twice as strong as 100% wool products, and is resistant to abrasion and pilling.
And because no polyester is exposed on the surface of the yarn, the feel and texture remain true to that of wool .

Peak Hunt wool socks.
Overall, I found the smooth texture to be comfortable even when wearing them for long periods of time or in the rain, plus they have just the right amount of elasticity, making them easy to step into.
To be honest, the rain didn't bother us.

It's the height of summer right now, but in a few months the seasons will change to autumn and then winter.

NIKKE AXIO has grooves in the yarn itself, which allows it to quickly absorb and evaporate sweat.
In winter, the moisture wicking and heat retention properties keep you warm and comfortable, while in summer, the moisture wicking and quick drying properties prevent stuffiness and keep you cool and comfortable .

As the seasons change, I would like to continue testing the performance and durability of Peak Hunt Wool Socks .

(Text and images: Kenji Okuyama)

Thank you for trying Il Roro wool socks in the heavy rain.
Please continue to use it and we look forward to your feedback.

Finally, we asked Okuyama, who loves family-style ramen, what ramen places he would recommend after a trail run.

I recommend "Seiya" in Machida.
"Ajari Ramen" in front of Shibusawa Station is also recommended, as it serves seafood dishes.
The "Afuri Ramen" in Nanasawa Onsen is also delicious.

Trail writer Kenji Okuyama

A trail writer who writes articles related to trail running. He also manages tournaments. He is a staff member at Hanadate Sanso in Tanzawa. He is a photographer, journalist, Patagonia Prosales Member, Kanagawa Prefecture Mountaineering Federation Member, and 8th class student of Kanagawa Forest Academy.
https://www.facebook.com/kenji.okuyama
@kenzixoku

Outdoor line "Il Roro"