The Sealskinz Raynham is a mid-length waterproof sock with a three-layer build: a stretchy outer, a waterproof Aquasealz membrane, and a merino-blend lining, designed to keep your feet warm and dry when the weather turns.
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I purchased the SealSkinz Raynham waterproof socks for review. All opinions are my own.
- Waterproofing
- Breathability
- Warmth
- Comfort & Fit
My Verdict
A reliable waterproof sock for anyone whose feet keep getting wet. From my experience, they’ve kept the water out and stayed warm, and I haven’t found them overheating on brisk walks. I did find the fit a little generous on my size 7 foot, so it’s worth checking the size guide carefully. At £42 they’re far from the cheapest socks you’ll buy, but when its wet between October to March, I’d say they’re worth it.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
Sealskinz Raynham
My Verdict: “A mid-length waterproof sock that keeps feet dry and warm in wet weather without overheating on brisk walks.”
Available in S, M, L and XL, and in four colours.
The Raynham is Sealskinz’s midweight, mid-length waterproof sock. It sits alongside the ankle-length Bircham and the Hydrostop versions in the range, and comes in four sizes (S to XL) and five colours. I tested the medium, which covers UK 6 to 8. It’s a waterproof, breathable, anti-blister sock with a close fit, 4-way stretch, zonal elastication for support and flat toe seams to prevent rubbing.
Full Specifications
Price: £42
Length: Mid length
Weight class: Midweight
Sizes: S (UK 3–5) / M (UK 6–8) / L (UK 9–11) / XL (UK 12–14)
Construction: Three-layer (outer, Aquasealz membrane, merino-blend lining)
Colours: Black / Grey Marl, Grey / Grey Marl, Blue / Grey Marl, Pink / Grey Marl, Olive / Grey Marl
Outer: 62% Polycolon, 29% nylon, 9% elastane / Membrane: Aquasealz / Lining: 36% merino wool, 36% acrylic, 18% polyester, 5% nylon, 5% elastane / Care: wash at 40°C, low tumble dry or drip dry
How I Tested It
The one bit of kit I was most envious of on the Great Glen Canoe Trail, when I paddled coast to coast across Scotland, was waterproof socks. A few of my teammates had them, and I didn’t.
So, once I was home, I picked up a pair ahead of my paddleboard instructor course, so my feet would stay warm and dry even when wet inside my neoprene boots.
As well as my paddles, I’ve also been testing them on my daily dog walks: strenuous, muddy trudges through the woods with Max, my excitable cocker spaniel. The ground is already very wet for mid-October, and my once waterproof shoes have started to fail me, so the Raynham has been keeping my feet dry until I pick up a new pair of walking boots for the winter. Here’s how I’ve got on with them.
Are the Sealskinz Raynham Socks Waterproof?
They are, and it comes down to how they’re built. It’s a three-layer construction for warmth, durability, and waterproofing, with the Aquasealz membrane sandwiched between the outer and the merino-blend lining. That membrane is doing the work: any water that gets past your shoe stops at the sock rather than reaching your foot. On top of being waterproof, they’re breathable and anti-blister.
I can’t comment on how they cope over a whole season, as I’ve only had them since the end of summer, but so far, so good.
Are They Warm and Breathable?
With a waterproof sock, you’d expect your feet to end up overheating, but happy to say mine haven’t at any point. The merino lining is there for moisture control, insulation and comfort, and the membrane lets body heat and moisture out. I tend to walk at a fast pace where I generally get quite warm and sweaty, and the thermal regulation has done its job well.
What Is the Fit Like?
The medium covers UK 6 to 8, so as a size 7 sitting smack bang in the middle, I expected a spot-on fit, but they actually came up a little bigger than I expected. They fit pretty well, but there’s a bit of room around my toes, and unless I pull them up tight, they crinkle up beneath my toes when I’m walking.
They’re meant to be a close fit, with 4-way stretch and zonal elastication for added support, and for the most part they are, apart from a little too much sock around my toes. If you’re at the lower end of a size range, I’d think about going down. That being said, the flat toe seams mean there’s nothing to rub, so it’s not going to cause blisters. In winter, that extra room is also no bad thing, as they’d be very comfortable over a thinner pair of socks if you want to double up.
What to Know Before You Wash the Raynham
Before they go in the machine, it’s worth knowing that they’re not quite like regular socks. The care label says wash at 40°C, then low tumble dry or drip dry, and do not dry clean, iron or bleach. I’d stick to that to the letter, because the membrane is the bit you’re paying for.
Alternatives to the Sealskinz Raynham
If you wear low-cut shoes, Sealskinz also makes the ankle-length Bircham, and there are Hydrostop versions of both lengths.
For more options, my best waterproof socks roundup has the full list, and my best hiking socks guide covers regular socks for dry days.
Should You Buy the Sealskinz Raynham?
In short, I’d say they’re a sensible buy if your feet spend a lot of time in wet conditions. They suit wet dog walks, hikes through boggy ground and winter paddles, and in my experience they’re a good stopgap if your waterproof shoes or boots have started to fail, like mine, until you can replace them.
I found the fit a little on the large size, so if you want a snug, close fit and sit towards the bottom of a size range, think about the smaller size. If you mostly wear low shoes, the ankle-length Bircham would likely suit you better.
All in all, for how I’ve used them, I think they’re worth the money.
Where to Buy
Sealskinz Raynham
My Verdict: “A mid-length waterproof sock that keeps feet dry and warm in wet weather without overheating on brisk walks.”
Available in S, M, L and XL, and in four colours.
Related Guides & Reviews
The resources below cover the basics, common questions, and related kit to help you get more out of your time outdoors.
- Best Waterproof Hiking Boots UK Buying Guide
- Best Paddle Board Accessories
- How to Break in Hiking Boots Without Blisters
Steve Cleverdon
Adventure-driven outdoor gear reviewer and paddleboarder, Steve has spent 20 years exploring rivers, coastlines, and trails across Britain and abroad, sharing what he’s learned along the way. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
