UK Northwest Frontier Socks

These socks are made from heavyweight double woven khaki wool. The weave is thick and tight. They are a good alternative to itchy wool or unknown fibre MOD issue socks.

These socks are reproductions of those worn by the Indian Army on duty in the high country around the Khyber Pass. They were also popular for wear with Chaplis sandals. In North Africa, they were a mark of veteran campaigners.

The socks are generally large and wide out of the packaging. They are described as huge and like leg warmers by some. After washing, the length of the foot reduces, but they remain wide.

It is recommended to wash the socks before wearing them. Washing in cold water with a mild detergent or Woolite type soap and laying flat to dry helps to remove a preservative that can cause foot discomfort. After washing, they soften up and become comfortable.

These are very warm socks, described as the warmest some have worn. They are heavy duty and will keep feet toasty through winter. The double layer build provides good insulation.

The socks are too thick and bulky to fit comfortably with US size 10 Chaplis sandals. A larger sandal size, such as US size 11, may be needed to accommodate them without squeezing.