Ausangate Alpaca Socks Review

Writing about socks, much less alpaca socks, is not the norm here at Beantown. Up until now, it’s the exception. About a month ago, we decided to transition this consumer tech-only site to one which covers a whole lot more (tech, cool toys, gaming hardware, entertainment, and cool apparel) but from a lifestyle perspective. While I’m sure there are sites out there like this, we’re not playing follow-the-leader. We’re keeping our work original and authentic. Recently, we were contacted to try something new in the apparel category. This brings us back to alpaca socks. So for our second clothing lifestyle post, let’s take a closer look in this Ausangate Alpaca Socks review.

Ausangate Socks

This brand has the basics covered. While we’re only focusing on crew, casual, and hiking socks for this post, let it be known the folks at Ausangate also manufacture dress and ski socks, all of which are made from their patented Alpacor® blended alpaca fiber. What sets Ausangate apart from other alpaca sock manufacturers is this Alpacor® blend. With the addition of a little nylon and spandex, their socks are stronger and machine washable. You won’t get this from other brands whose socks are 100% alpaca. Those have to be hand washed and will almost certainly shrink. Good luck remembering to buy socks one size larger every time you shop.

This past weekend here in Boston, we had two ‘small’ events: the Boston Marathon and the Sports & Fitness Expo. As I walked around the latter, I checked out all of the sock manufacturers present. While there were only a handful of brands in the building, none offered product made from alpaca. These brands claim that their socks won’t lead to blisters, their socks wick away moisture, keep your feet warm and dry, etc. We’ve heard all of this before, and some of it may be true. But I came to the expo to conduct a test. I was wearing the Ausangate crew socks with my Mizuno running shoes.

For 4+ hours, I walked the city wearing the Ausangate alpaca crew socks with smiles on my feet. Go ahead, imagine it for a moment. Happy feet.

Some of the features of the Alpacor® yarn is that they’re super soft, hypoallergenic, lanolin free, antimicrobial, odor free, and wick away moisture. This sock delivered on its promises. Based on my results, there’s no reason to look at anything but alpaca. Now, they did fray a little on the back heel, but this was my sneakers fault–it’s a bit worn in the lining.

The crew socks come in two colors, both with vented tops and ribbed bands, and list for $12.99. Alpacor® yarn content is between 75-80% depending on the color you choose. In case you’re wondering which has more, it’s the white socks.

Casual and Hiking Socks

Like their crew socks, Ausangate’s casual and hiking socks are nearly indistinguishable from their non-alpaca cousins. It’s only when you put them on do you feel (and notice) the difference. While I haven’t broken these two pairs of socks in just yet, I have tried them on, and they’re like butter. I’m looking forward to wearing the casual socks while I’m at the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas.

The features I described for the crew socks are all present in these casual and hiking socks. If you’re wearing the hiking socks around the house or apartment just to keep your feet warm, they do that and keep them dry. It’s amazing how much better these alpaca socks are from the Timberland® I’ve been wearing.

The Alpacor® casual socks come in three colors (sand, gray, and white) and list for $14.99. Alpacor® yarn content is high at 87%.

The Alpacor® heavyweight hiking socks come in two colors (gray/black and sand/brown) and list for $24.99. Alpacor® yarn content is high at 85%.

Both the casual and hiking socks are available for men and women.

Final Thoughts

Are Ausangate’s alpaca wool socks the best alpaca socks available? At this moment, it’s a difficult question to answer as I’ve just become a convert. If you’ve tried a few brands, then many of you alpaca sock wearers already know the answer. Having a favorite is alright.

There are a handful of alpaca sock manufacturers here in North and South America. As the use of alpaca fiber increases in popularity, the number of brands will surely grow. With the current generations of buyers caring and asking questions about product quality and integrity, it’s good to know that alpaca fiber is an eco-friendly and renewable animal material.

Now that I’ve worn Ausangate alpaca fiber socks, I wholeheartedly plan to never go back to the bamboo, cotton, nylon, rayon, and wool blends. These alpaca socks blow away those made of sheep’s wool by a wide margin. For a comprehensive Alpaca versus Wool comparison, check out this link.

For a $11 or $25 per pair, Ausangate Socks may be priced a bit higher than your traditional (and mass-produced) wool socks. This all depends on what you’ve been wearing. In our opinion, the 10-20% or so price difference is justified and worth paying. This alpaca product you put on your feet is way better than the mass-marketed norm you’ve worn your entire life.

Ausangate alpaca socks are available for purchase on Amazon (see links below) as well as on their website.

What do you think of this Ausangate alpaca socks review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Ausangate Socks homepage to see their latest products. To see some frequently asked questions and answers or learn about shipping and returns, click the respective links.

FTC Disclosure: Ausangate Socks provided Beantown with one (1) pair of men’s heavyweight hiking socks, (1) pair of men’s casual socks and two (2) pairs of men’s crew socks samples for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017