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TEST LAB >> Tuff Cuff Paddock Boot Sox Sock It To Me! For Cool Comfort We tested out a slew of socks to find the best bet for every type of rider. By MOLLIE BAILEY Hello, my name is Mollie, and I'm a sock addict. My co-workers wait by the exit of trade shows with overflowing bags of blingy brow bands, shampoo samples and cool new full-seat breeches, while I'm still debating between the calf-high and kneehigh style of my fourth pair. I have two dresser drawers filled with nothing but socks, and I scour the Internet regularly to find new styles. Sure I'm picky (and obsessed), but there's nothing worse than having uncomfortable feet when you're spending all day at the barn or having one come up holey after just a few weeks of wear. So many socks look good when you pick them up in the store or see them on the screen, but few turn out to have the durability required by active horsemen. So I tested out a slew of selections and weeded out the flimsy, poorly fitting and lousy quality to find a few great choices for every equestrian. 18 W INTER 2013 U N TAC K E D >> Noble Equine XtremeSoft Boot Sock—Over The Calf This well-made sock is slim where it needs to be and padded where it should be. The foot bed of this sock is extracushioned, which makes for a little more comfort during a long day, and it adds durability to a slim-fitting sock. I made it home from a three-hour hunt trail ride in my snuggest tall boots with no rubs (no small feat for me). There's also stretch mesh on the front of this sock to give it a close fit and plenty of breathability to keep you cool several hours into a long day. I'd recommend the black over the white color, as my white ones ended up black from half chaps at the end of one day (though they did wash out nicely). The sock also comes in a shorter crew height, if you're not a knee-high sock kind of person. $11.99, nobleequine.com. If you're a short-sock kind of rider, it's hard to do better than these. The 4" padded cuff is just the right height for both my pairs of paddock boots, and they don't slip at all. They wick away sweat in the summer and are exceptionally durable and comfortable. Tuff Cuffs are good for your soul, too: They're made in the United States and are eco-friendly, comprised of Coolmax EcoMade fiber made from recycled water bottles. Best of all, there are 16 funky designs to meet your mood with contrasting foot and ankle patterns, and I found myself wearing them on non-barn days, as well (and earning a few compliments along the way). Not looking for something quite so short? They have similar styles in 6" and kneehigh lengths. $15, jojosox.com. For Paddock Boot Lovers

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