More sock questions...

tryingmybest

Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2019
Messages
46
I am trying to prepare my son for drop off in a few weeks. We now have the packing list and we are working through to get everything together. I have never thought, read, and worried so much about socks in my entire life. I have read so many other threads here and also on the fb pages. I am still very unsure about what is needed.

Can anyone who has been through this share a link to the dress socks and dress sock liners that you purchased?

I guess I am not sure what they are wearing with low quarters. Some people online are saying padded socks for comfort, others are saying thin nylon, still other threads mention sock liners (are these for hikers???). Lots of parents posted links to black cotton crew socks that come in packs from big stores (padded Hanes, AND1, etc...) and say they worked great -- were these for low quarters or were these boot socks?? Can they wear the boot socks with the low quarters - are they all the same??? (are they OK for low quarters or boots or are these cheaper packaged socks the athletic socks???)

Are cotton socks the way to go? synthetic? how high for the dress/low quarter socks?

Are boot socks (military) different from crew socks? I know there are specialty sights that sell very expensive boot socks that are linked online - are these what most people are getting? - mid calf???? - over the calf???? - medium weight? - light weight? There are so many different choices. I literally have no idea what I am supposed to get except they should be black.

Do boot socks get liners just like the dress socks? Same liners for both shoe types? Different? Do the liners need to be premium brands - where to you buy liners? How many pairs of liners? (one to one - meaning every time he wears socks he should also wear liners???? I have never purchased sock liners before).

How many??? I see suggestions for 2+ weeks of these socks and others on the parents page wrote that they bought so their child had enough for all of beast - that is a lot of money (and space) for socks when the ones that people recommend are sold individually for more than a pack of regular socks (even with a NIKE logo).

I have been working extra for months to save $ and now am prepared to pay the expenses necessary to send him with what he needs but if they end up trashed after beast (like I have read online) then I guess I don't want to spend many hundreds of dollars on socks. I am not wealthy and can not throw away money but I also want him to have what he needs to have healthy feet. I just want to make sure I am buying the right thing. When they are over $10 a pair and 14 pairs of each different kind are recommended, then add in liners that is a ton of $$ so I better get it right! Every time I go to purchase socks, I get confused from all of the choices.

Even admitting this makes me feel extremely foolish. I never once stressed about socks before but with just weeks to go and so many different options I am stuck. Maybe the stress of sending him off to WP and the world events of this spring have messed with my comprehension, making this more confusing that it should be. I can't put it off any longer. You would never realize that I am a functioning adult who has done a pretty good job raising a successful family and meeting our needs. I need a WP mentor!! Any links or specific, detailed breakdown of what I should be looking at for each type of sock is appreciated. I'm still trying my best and I appreciate any advice or experiences that you could share....
 
I am trying to prepare my son for drop off in a few weeks. We now have the packing list and we are working through to get everything together. I have never thought, read, and worried so much about socks in my entire life. I have read so many other threads here and also on the fb pages. I am still very unsure about what is needed.

Can anyone who has been through this share a link to the dress socks and dress sock liners that you purchased?

I guess I am not sure what they are wearing with low quarters. Some people online are saying padded socks for comfort, others are saying thin nylon, still other threads mention sock liners (are these for hikers???). Lots of parents posted links to black cotton crew socks that come in packs from big stores (padded Hanes, AND1, etc...) and say they worked great -- were these for low quarters or were these boot socks?? Can they wear the boot socks with the low quarters - are they all the same??? (are they OK for low quarters or boots or are these cheaper packaged socks the athletic socks???)

Are cotton socks the way to go? synthetic? how high for the dress/low quarter socks?

Are boot socks (military) different from crew socks? I know there are specialty sights that sell very expensive boot socks that are linked online - are these what most people are getting? - mid calf???? - over the calf???? - medium weight? - light weight? There are so many different choices. I literally have no idea what I am supposed to get except they should be black.

Do boot socks get liners just like the dress socks? Same liners for both shoe types? Different? Do the liners need to be premium brands - where to you buy liners? How many pairs of liners? (one to one - meaning every time he wears socks he should also wear liners???? I have never purchased sock liners before).

How many??? I see suggestions for 2+ weeks of these socks and others on the parents page wrote that they bought so their child had enough for all of beast - that is a lot of money (and space) for socks when the ones that people recommend are sold individually for more than a pack of regular socks (even with a NIKE logo).

I have been working extra for months to save $ and now am prepared to pay the expenses necessary to send him with what he needs but if they end up trashed after beast (like I have read online) then I guess I don't want to spend many hundreds of dollars on socks. I am not wealthy and can not throw away money but I also want him to have what he needs to have healthy feet. I just want to make sure I am buying the right thing. When they are over $10 a pair and 14 pairs of each different kind are recommended, then add in liners that is a ton of $$ so I better get it right! Every time I go to purchase socks, I get confused from all of the choices.

Even admitting this makes me feel extremely foolish. I never once stressed about socks before but with just weeks to go and so many different options I am stuck. Maybe the stress of sending him off to WP and the world events of this spring have messed with my comprehension, making this more confusing that it should be. I can't put it off any longer. You would never realize that I am a functioning adult who has done a pretty good job raising a successful family and meeting our needs. I need a WP mentor!! Any links or specific, detailed breakdown of what I should be looking at for each type of sock is appreciated. I'm still trying my best and I appreciate any advice or experiences that you could share....
Don't overthink this. People are trying to find every teeny tiny thing that MIGHT give even a micro amount of relief or ease and clearly, when they're talking about hundreds of $'s of SOCKS, I can tell you that the Army has been outfitting millions of soldiers for many many years and their feet just do not fall off due to their socks. I'm Navy but we wore the same low quarters and I wore them for many many years. Simple Men's dress socks like you can buy ANYWHERE will do just fine. If you go up on Amazon and look for Military issue dress socks, you'll find things like Haines 6 pairs for 15.99. Check what USMA will issue as well. This really doesn't need to be something gold plated.

Now Boot socks can be more of a thing to buy an upgraded version but there too, literally millions of people have not only survived but thrived with the issued equipment and even shoes/boots that were not broken-in ahead of time. Not a single one of my friends or company mates brought socks, underwear or shoes to our Induction day and it was not an issue. My son is class of 2011 and he too used what was issued and did fine. If you want to go for upgraded versions go right ahead, it is your right but seriously it is not needed. Search Amazon for "Military Socks" and you'll find many options if you want but again, take a look at what is being ISSUED.

As for buying enough for all of Beast ahead of time? Come on, when they graduate and go into the field, they aren't going to have 25 or 30 pairs of socks with them just as we didn't/couldn't take dozens of changes with us aboard ship. I taught my kids how to hand wash socks, etc which is about the easiest and fastest thing in the world to do with regular hand soap. I can't even begin to grasp the idea of buying and bringing enough socks (and probably underwear) to cover a significant length of time.
 
Don't overthink this. People are trying to find every teeny tiny thing that MIGHT give even a micro amount of relief or ease and clearly, when they're talking about hundreds of $'s of SOCKS, I can tell you that the Army has been outfitting millions of soldiers for many many years and their feet just do not fall off due to their socks. I'm Navy but we wore the same low quarters and I wore them for many many years. Simple Men's dress socks like you can buy ANYWHERE will do just fine. If you go up on Amazon and look for Military issue dress socks, you'll find things like Haines 6 pairs for 15.99. Check what USMA will issue as well. This really doesn't need to be something gold plated.

Now Boot socks can be more of a thing to buy an upgraded version but there too, literally millions of people have not only survived but thrived with the issued equipment and even shoes/boots that were not broken-in ahead of time. Not a single one of my friends or company mates brought socks, underwear or shoes to our Induction day and it was not an issue. My son is class of 2011 and he too used what was issued and did fine. If you want to go for upgraded versions go right ahead, it is your right but seriously it is not needed. Search Amazon for "Military Socks" and you'll find many options if you want but again, take a look at what is being ISSUED.

As for buying enough for all of Beast ahead of time? Come on, when they graduate and go into the field, they aren't going to have 25 or 30 pairs of socks with them just as we didn't/couldn't take dozens of changes with us aboard ship. I taught my kids how to hand wash socks, etc which is about the easiest and fastest thing in the world to do with regular hand soap. I can't even begin to grasp the idea of buying and bringing enough socks (and probably underwear) to cover a significant length of time.
Thank you. Trying not to overthink but that has led me to not getting any at all and time is running out. The mom's page on fb and the class page are filled with posts and discussions about the number of socks and everyone is saying they got the fox river, or their CC asked for more fox river, but is this for boots or low quarters? It seems they spend most of their time in low quarters and that is where the blisters and issues are. I would think this is where they would need the better socks. When I read that people were sending enough for the entire time, I started to panic. My kids all know how to do laundry and sink laundry (camping and traveling) but when you read threads with dozens of comments about 14 each, enough of each for 3-4 weeks, etc.. it makes you think you are going crazy. I was thinking 3 pairs of good boot socks (packing list starts with extra boot socks) and the issued ones would be fine. I didn't budget for so many pairs of socks and hadn't thought much about it until now that it is getting close. But then I read about liners, crew socks, cushioned crews, athletics, moisture wicking, cotton, blends, etc... For example, the packing list says "thin wicking sock liners for wearing under dress socks and boot socks". There are men's sock liners online when you search men's sock liners that are like women's peds/no shows and then the fox river tall liners. I am assuming it is the tall liners but who knows? When it is on the suggested list (not the optional list but the recommended list) but they don't indicate what they are or how many it is confusing for those of us who have never heard of a sock liner before. They are not cheap ($9 - $12 a pair for sock liners - something I had never heard of) - do I get the number of pairs to match how many socks are being issued? They are not on the WP issued list and they are on the packing list so I am assuming that they are required but none are issued. Every last bit of this is new to me, and learning that I have been doing socks wrong my entire life is just too much. I have no idea how I survived this long without knowing that sock liners to wear under socks were even a thing, let alone something required. If I don't figure it out, he will be fine. I know he can survive with whatever they give but I would just like him to be able to start out with the suggested items and not be at a disadvantage on day one. If we knew someone who has ever gone to an academy, we would ask them. I figured people here who have been through this before would have some insight into what is reasonable and practical as well as the different sock requirements.
 
If I don't figure it out, he will be fine. I know he can survive with whatever they give but I would just like him to be able to start out with the suggested items and not be at a disadvantage on day one.

Yes, he will be fine.

No, he will not be at a disadvantage.

Some cadets show up fully loaded, thanks to helicopter or snowplow parents (pick the description that’s most apt). Many show up with barely more than the clothes on their back. One or the other confers no advantage or disadvantage. They figure it out, they survive, they thrive.

For those who don’t make it, I believe it has more to do with mental or emotional state, not anything to do with socks. USMA well knows that not every cadet will show up with perfect stuff. And that’s OK.
 
Hi! I'm a CBT Squad Leader this summer. Like people said above, don't sweat it. If your son or daughter arrived with only the clothes on their backs, they would be fine, we would accept them, and if they needed anything, they would get the opportunity to buy items. Your child will be taken care of, that I can promise.

Boot socks are thick. The reason behind the thickness is that you have padding for your hot spots on your feet when you ruck/wear boots.

Socks for low quarters are dress socks. I am a female, but I bought men's small dress socks at TJ Maxx for like $5 for 10 pairs. Some of my socks had a weird grey line near the toes, some looked a little pleated, etc. It doesn't matter. As long as they don't have logos, are relatively thin, and go up to about your shins. Low quarters are those leather shoes you wear, and the bottoms are fairly heavy. You don't wanna be wearing thick socks for those because it'll feel super weird.

For stuff like morning PT, get socks similar to nike crew socks, but without the logo. I also found socks like these (I think they were the Timberland brand) at TJ Maxx/Marshalls for cheap.

I packed about 7 of each pair of socks and was perfectly fine. I vacuum sealed them so they fit in my bag. They also issue you all these socks, but they're lesser quality. Also, I know Fox River is great, but all boot socks are great in general for their purpose. Bates is good too, and they're a little cheaper.

If you have any last minute questions, please feel free to ask! I depart for USMA this week and will be spending the next 2 weeks learning how to lead and care for your kiddo :)
 
Thank you. Trying not to overthink but that has led me to not getting any at all and time is running out. The mom's page on fb and the class page are filled with posts and discussions about the number of socks and everyone is saying they got the fox river, or their CC asked for more fox river, but is this for boots or low quarters? It seems they spend most of their time in low quarters and that is where the blisters and issues are. I would think this is where they would need the better socks. When I read that people were sending enough for the entire time, I started to panic. My kids all know how to do laundry and sink laundry (camping and traveling) but when you read threads with dozens of comments about 14 each, enough of each for 3-4 weeks, etc.. it makes you think you are going crazy. I was thinking 3 pairs of good boot socks (packing list starts with extra boot socks) and the issued ones would be fine. I didn't budget for so many pairs of socks and hadn't thought much about it until now that it is getting close. But then I read about liners, crew socks, cushioned crews, athletics, moisture wicking, cotton, blends, etc... For example, the packing list says "thin wicking sock liners for wearing under dress socks and boot socks". There are men's sock liners online when you search men's sock liners that are like women's peds/no shows and then the fox river tall liners. I am assuming it is the tall liners but who knows? When it is on the suggested list (not the optional list but the recommended list) but they don't indicate what they are or how many it is confusing for those of us who have never heard of a sock liner before. They are not cheap ($9 - $12 a pair for sock liners - something I had never heard of) - do I get the number of pairs to match how many socks are being issued? They are not on the WP issued list and they are on the packing list so I am assuming that they are required but none are issued. Every last bit of this is new to me, and learning that I have been doing socks wrong my entire life is just too much. I have no idea how I survived this long without knowing that sock liners to wear under socks were even a thing, let alone something required. If I don't figure it out, he will be fine. I know he can survive with whatever they give but I would just like him to be able to start out with the suggested items and not be at a disadvantage on day one. If we knew someone who has ever gone to an academy, we would ask them. I figured people here who have been through this before would have some insight into what is reasonable and practical as well as the different sock requirements.
One thing to think about regarding lists is whose list it is. If it's the "Moms" or "Parents" list, just remember that the y are often written by the folks who are likely to send 2 dozen of whatever at the drop of a hat. The night before I Day for my son at USNA, we met with others from our Parent's Club for a "last supper" (a tradition in our club) and a bunch of the parents were going on and on about the care packages that they were going to send ON I DAY right after they dropped off their son/daughter and when they asked me what I was sending, I replied that I'd probably send a package in a week or two. They were shocked and looked at me like I was a negligent parent. I went on to tell them that I'd gotten 1 package during my plebe summer and didn't feel neglected and my roommate hadn't received any more than I did.
In the time since then, I've found that many parent's guides say to send a box during that first day so that they get it like 3 days into the summer. It is a PARENTS CLUB THING, not a NAVAL ACADEMY THING
 
I am trying to prepare my son for drop off in a few weeks. We now have the packing list and we are working through to get everything together. I have never thought, read, and worried so much about socks in my entire life. I have read so many other threads here and also on the fb pages. I am still very unsure about what is needed.

Can anyone who has been through this share a link to the dress socks and dress sock liners that you purchased?

I guess I am not sure what they are wearing with low quarters. Some people online are saying padded socks for comfort, others are saying thin nylon, still other threads mention sock liners (are these for hikers???). Lots of parents posted links to black cotton crew socks that come in packs from big stores (padded Hanes, AND1, etc...) and say they worked great -- were these for low quarters or were these boot socks?? Can they wear the boot socks with the low quarters - are they all the same??? (are they OK for low quarters or boots or are these cheaper packaged socks the athletic socks???)

Are cotton socks the way to go? synthetic? how high for the dress/low quarter socks?

Are boot socks (military) different from crew socks? I know there are specialty sights that sell very expensive boot socks that are linked online - are these what most people are getting? - mid calf???? - over the calf???? - medium weight? - light weight? There are so many different choices. I literally have no idea what I am supposed to get except they should be black.

Do boot socks get liners just like the dress socks? Same liners for both shoe types? Different? Do the liners need to be premium brands - where to you buy liners? How many pairs of liners? (one to one - meaning every time he wears socks he should also wear liners???? I have never purchased sock liners before).

How many??? I see suggestions for 2+ weeks of these socks and others on the parents page wrote that they bought so their child had enough for all of beast - that is a lot of money (and space) for socks when the ones that people recommend are sold individually for more than a pack of regular socks (even with a NIKE logo).

I have been working extra for months to save $ and now am prepared to pay the expenses necessary to send him with what he needs but if they end up trashed after beast (like I have read online) then I guess I don't want to spend many hundreds of dollars on socks. I am not wealthy and can not throw away money but I also want him to have what he needs to have healthy feet. I just want to make sure I am buying the right thing. When they are over $10 a pair and 14 pairs of each different kind are recommended, then add in liners that is a ton of $$ so I better get it right! Every time I go to purchase socks, I get confused from all of the choices.

Even admitting this makes me feel extremely foolish. I never once stressed about socks before but with just weeks to go and so many different options I am stuck. Maybe the stress of sending him off to WP and the world events of this spring have messed with my comprehension, making this more confusing that it should be. I can't put it off any longer. You would never realize that I am a functioning adult who has done a pretty good job raising a successful family and meeting our needs. I need a WP mentor!! Any links or specific, detailed breakdown of what I should be looking at for each type of sock is appreciated. I'm still trying my best and I appreciate any advice or experiences that you could share....
My friend who is a 2023 said that he wore gold toe athletic black socks for exercise AND with low quarters. He did not buy any white ones because USMA gives them to us. I got my 10 pairs of gold toe black ones on amazon for fairly cheap . Hopefully he is right!
 
For dress socks, I always wear Nike athletic socks. They’re soft, moisture wicking, and I hate how thin typical dress socks are. I always get hot spots wearing them.

For boot socks, I’ve never had any problems with the standard issued socks. I spent about $70 on Fox River and typically alternate between the two during the academic year as well as summer training.

I got very bad blisters on R-Day from wearing nylon socks with my low quarters and having to run around all day. It’s probably best to put on some moleskin in the morning so that you don’t even have to worry about it.
 
In terms of quantity, I’d recommend about 10 pairs of each. The laundry system is sometimes unreliable and washing your sweaty clothes in the shower or sink isn’t enjoyable. My squad leader would sometimes wash some of our clothes for us in the barracks laundry rooms and even lent us some Tide.
 
The night before I Day for my son at USNA, we met with others from our Parent's Club for a "last supper" (a tradition in our club) and a bunch of the parents were going on and on about the care packages that they were going to send ON I DAY right after they dropped off their son/daughter and when they asked me what I was sending, I replied that I'd probably send a package in a week or two.

Stories like this always lead me to roll my eyes. I know that some parents want to show their love and soften the landing and make sure DS/DD knows they’re not alone. But this business of sending care packages to arrive the day after I-Day/R-Day just seems a bit much. And some parents follow with many, many more heavily loaded boxes. Meanwhile, at boot camps across the country, enlisted teenagers are starting their military careers with nary a prep from mom and dad. And certainly none of the pomp and circumstance. I admire them.
 
How does the laundry system normally work?
During Beast, you have an opportunity to send out laundry about once a week. You fill out a slip and put clothing in its designated bag (white or brown). A couple days later you’ll get your clothes back. Sometimes they lose items, but it is possible to get them back or be reimbursed. It’s confusing at first, but by time the academic year comes around you’ll be used to it. I prefer to use the laundry machines in the barracks and pay out of pocket ($3.75). You can download an app called MyMagicPass that allows you to pay for the machines. However, you have to put at least $25 on your account.
 
A detail about sending care packages during beast - from what I am reading, they are allowed at Naval academy during the new cadet's summer training but they are generally not allowed at WP during beast. You can send your cadet socks but why do that? They can buy what they need at the C store. Then during the academic year, you can discuss with your cadet what his/her needs are and then make your purchases. Buying crazy amounts of socks and underwear isn't necessary at all. And they are issued plenty and of course they can buy more on post. You can wait to spend money until the cadet has a better idea of what is really needed. Have your cadet bring some moleskin as that will likely get used.

It's good that you are on the various FB pages. You'll find that some parents offer excellent advice - accurate 'been there - done that advice'. You will get the most accurate info from the class of 2024 page - read anything that Deb Dalton posts. And when advice from other parents, remember this - our experience is just that - our experience. Every year there are changes and this year in particular there are many, many changes. So what our cadets saw and experienced may be different for your cadet because of covid-related changes (so many changes due to covid) and because things do always change a bit.

Mine is a recent grad. He survived. Yours will too. The cadre working during the summer training really do have your cadet's best interest at heart and they will do everything they can to help the cadets succeed.
Good luck!
 
I am trying to prepare my son for drop off in a few weeks. We now have the packing list and we are working through to get everything together. I have never thought, read, and worried so much about socks in my entire life. I have read so many other threads here and also on the fb pages. I am still very unsure about what is needed.

Can anyone who has been through this share a link to the dress socks and dress sock liners that you purchased?

I guess I am not sure what they are wearing with low quarters. Some people online are saying padded socks for comfort, others are saying thin nylon, still other threads mention sock liners (are these for hikers???). Lots of parents posted links to black cotton crew socks that come in packs from big stores (padded Hanes, AND1, etc...) and say they worked great -- were these for low quarters or were these boot socks?? Can they wear the boot socks with the low quarters - are they all the same??? (are they OK for low quarters or boots or are these cheaper packaged socks the athletic socks???)

Are cotton socks the way to go? synthetic? how high for the dress/low quarter socks?

Are boot socks (military) different from crew socks? I know there are specialty sights that sell very expensive boot socks that are linked online - are these what most people are getting? - mid calf???? - over the calf???? - medium weight? - light weight? There are so many different choices. I literally have no idea what I am supposed to get except they should be black.

Do boot socks get liners just like the dress socks? Same liners for both shoe types? Different? Do the liners need to be premium brands - where to you buy liners? How many pairs of liners? (one to one - meaning every time he wears socks he should also wear liners???? I have never purchased sock liners before).

How many??? I see suggestions for 2+ weeks of these socks and others on the parents page wrote that they bought so their child had enough for all of beast - that is a lot of money (and space) for socks when the ones that people recommend are sold individually for more than a pack of regular socks (even with a NIKE logo).

I have been working extra for months to save $ and now am prepared to pay the expenses necessary to send him with what he needs but if they end up trashed after beast (like I have read online) then I guess I don't want to spend many hundreds of dollars on socks. I am not wealthy and can not throw away money but I also want him to have what he needs to have healthy feet. I just want to make sure I am buying the right thing. When they are over $10 a pair and 14 pairs of each different kind are recommended, then add in liners that is a ton of $$ so I better get it right! Every time I go to purchase socks, I get confused from all of the choices.

Even admitting this makes me feel extremely foolish. I never once stressed about socks before but with just weeks to go and so many different options I am stuck. Maybe the stress of sending him off to WP and the world events of this spring have messed with my comprehension, making this more confusing that it should be. I can't put it off any longer. You would never realize that I am a functioning adult who has done a pretty good job raising a successful family and meeting our needs. I need a WP mentor!! Any links or specific, detailed breakdown of what I should be looking at for each type of sock is appreciated. I'm still trying my best and I appreciate any advice or experiences that you could share....

My DD is USMA ‘23.

If I recall, we bought 10 pairs of boot socks and intended for her to use issued ones as back up. Fox River socks were highly recommended by others so that’s what we got her.

Having 2+ weeks of socks is too much. Definitely socks to last all of Beast is overkill. There will be regular laundry.

Probably not going to be an issue for your son but they give underwear too. I’ve worn Army-issued underwear and they do their purpose. As for my DD though, I didn’t want her to wear Army-issued underwear. We got her 10 pairs of good ones. I told her to use the Army issued underwear as back-up.
 
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What worked for me was some black Reebok socks with only a logo on the bottom of the foot. I wear them with every uniform because they have the solid material that looks like your typical dress sock, but are padded and moisture wicking, so they work for running and boot socks too. Also, it makes laundry and quick uniform changes a lot easier.
 
You have to keep in mind also that socks are going to wear out, especially over summer training. This is not me encouraging to overkill bringing a ton. It’s a reminder that at a certain point, socks should be expected to be replaced and therefore I would not recommend going out of the way to look for the most hyped up (and generally most expensive) pairs. Finding an economical solution that works and not being too attached will be better in the long run especially since space is at a premium in cadet rooms. Your new cadet will have access to the C store to get extras of whatever they deem they need to plus up on if they find they don’t have enough of.

Personally, I rocked issued boot socks and no liners all through the Academy without any issues. Most people’s foot issues come from improperly fitted or unbroken boots or not changing socks when they’re wet, not the socks.
 
If my parents are strongly encouraging...ok...forcing :)...me to bring every item on the optional items list, will I have room for everything in my quarters?
 
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