CRESSI Unisex Ultra Stretch Ultra Stretch Socks Premium Neoprene Anti Slip 1.5mm (pack of 1)

I bought these as I was new to Open Water Swimming and I have a dread of slimey things on my feet. I bought small, I am a UK ladies 4.5/5 and they are a perfect fit. I had a bit of difficulty wrestling them on and off as I was unaware of the knack required. You turn it half inside out on itself to put on and then roll up your heel/ankle. Then reverse the process to remove. I was recommeded to buy a more expensive brand which I didn't and I'm glad I didn't as these are great. They don't get full of water and I really wasn't particularly aware of them when I was swimming at all. I love them and I'm very happy with my purchase.

1st pair were great. 2nd left sock was badly stitched and would rub on toe and heal, so going back. I use them for off road (cross country, fell) running when likely to be wet, or even just to keep warm. Also adds some cushioning. This thin and stretchy pair make it easy to put on and still fit in your shoes. At first I thought the firm/studded base would make it harder, but in practice it helps keep it in place in the show. I tried other socks with a simple soft base and they tended to bunch up after a mile or so when wet. I also tried other socks but without the stretch very difficult to get on.- Only problem for running is it tends to make a hole in the big toe area, for this I use McNett Seam Grip Adhesive, just a thin coat does it, ideally before the hole appears, and keep it stretched "in shape" while the glue dries, otherwise it will stay in the shape it was in while the glue dried.

These socks do not provide a barrier at all and they just seem to let all of the water in and out, which means they don't do their job in keeping your feet warmer than they would be without them. I appreciate that they are only 1.5mm thick and therefore aren't designed to keep your feet toasty but there is absolutely no insulation benefits at all.I had bought these to replace my Huub socks that had some loose threads but even with the loose threads they don't let as much water in as these.I will keep them to see if they are ok for summer, but I certainly would not recommend them for winter at all.

These Cressi socks are just what I needed to pad out my new dive slippers, which are slightly too big for me. They provided a bit of extra warmth and comfort. The neoprene-lined cuffs didn't slip or roll down. They'd also work well inside a full-foot fin to add some cushioning. The soles are soft, with tiny dots to give a bit of grip; I wouldn't use them on their own as beach shoes as they won't make it any easier to walk over stones or rocks. But a soft sole is what I was after for my needs.

Going off the chart, i bought a 3/m and i'm size 9 (25.5cm). They fit perfectly if anything, a tad snug (which is what you want in a neoprene sock). I'm using them for fell running and they keep out the worst of the cold but i'm soft so going to buy 3mm socks next. They're well made and feel great on. I've only given them 4* because nothing is perfect ;)

The glue on one of the side seam gave way and split the side of the boot after the 3rd time of using. Big disappointment as these were very comfortable.

Keep my feet warm and quite dry when open water swimming. Unfortunately they wear through fairly quickly when getting in and out of the water at beaches and river banks, so I would call them socks rather than boots. I would have given them 5 stars if they lasted longer!

They are the best I've found so far in terms of staying on when swimming but still slide down after approx 100 m proper swimming.