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What one company has created would really come in handy during the snow

Posted at 5:05 PM, Jan 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-23 17:22:00-05

PORTLAND, Ore. — The wet weather in the Pacific Northwest can make getting around difficult for outdoor enthusiasts, and that is what inspired one local company to make some special waterproof gear.

KPTV reports Showers Pass created waterproof socks to solve what they call “the soggy toe problem.”

The Crosspoint crew socks are designed for cycling, hiking, skiing, running, and pretty much any other outdoor activity.

The Portland company also makes other waterproof gear, like jackets and pants, but they say no matter how good the rest of their gear worked to keep rain away, people’s feet were still getting soaked.

Showers Pass spent three years developing the waterproof socks.

The Showers Pass President said the sock is made up of three layers and described how the layers work.

Crosspoint crew socks

Crosspoint crew socks

“Think of a screen door; the holes are small enough to keep the bugs from getting in, but the air can get out. Take that and shrink it down really tiny, and now the rain can’t get through the holes, but the air can get through the holes that’s what makes it breathable,” said Kyle Ranson. “I have to say I put these on in a six mile torrential downpour rain here in the Pacific Northwest and after about half a mile I was like oh my goodness these things really work, and instead of skipping over the puddles I was running straight through the puddles.”

Ranson said the socks aren’t just popular with cyclists and runners. People who work outside in the rain, like construction workers, have also been picking them up.

If you would like a pair, you can pick them up at REI, select local bike shops or at the Showers Pass online store.