Hi-Tech Clothes

Germans take their free time activities very seriously.  Their hours spent on cars, sports, or any hobby are focused and dedicated.  Combine this with their appreciation for technology, and you get some great products.

In this case, it's the lowly sock that they have elevated to a sophisticated tool (well, relatively speaking of course).  I bought these for the hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro, and wore them recently with Frau A on a winter walk through the snow to the monastery at Andechs.

Check 'em out below.  They are fitted for right and left feet (and have the R and L to let you know which is which) and of course have the latest heat-trapping, moisture-wicking materials and specially designed knit pattern (including tiny strands of silver to keep feet smelling nicer).  But the icing on the cake is integrated rubber beads woven into the inside of the top of the sock. 

Why? 

Well, winter hiking is common here, so these are designed so that you can pull the socks over your long underwear and the rubber beads cling and help them stay up -- maximizing heat retention and preventing bunching in your [naturally, also high-tech] hiking boots.