Posted: 8/13/2010 10:33:28 AM EDT
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In the summer I'm finding that my cotton socks suck. I'm interesting in trying smart wool but, not sure where or what brands to check out. Please point me in the right direction for good types to try.
thx, Blitz |
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Smart wool is a manufacturer. What you want to look for are socks made with merino wool. There are lots of different thickness for summer/winter.
There are several companies which make socks out of merino wool. I have been using merino wool socks for about 4 years and I absolutely love them. Your feet will thank you. Thin short ones for summer, medium weight for spring/fall, and heavy weight or two pairs for winter. ETA Some companies which make merino wool socks are: SmartWool, REI, Wigwam, Teko, Cabelas, LLBean, Darn Tough, Woolrich , Thorlo, Fox River, just to name a few. I think SmartWool was one of the first companies to start making socks with it. They do seem to make more styles than just about anybody else. |
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SmartWool, as noted, is a manufacturer & brand in their own right. They make excellent products, but are somewhat pricey.
REI has their in-house line of wool/wool-blend socks that are great, & a great value. I think you get an additonal 10% off if you buy 3 pairs or more at one time (which I usually do). You won't go wrong with either one. Check out ThorLo, too...the ones I have are mostly synthetic, but I think they have some wool blends available. If I'm not wearing SmartWool or REI, I probably have on ThorLos. Regards, David |
| +1 on Merino wool. Smartwool is some awesome gear, don't buy from the manufacturer check out Sierra Trade Post and even Ebay. I got a deal on 10 pairs of REI merino wool socks three years ago for $20. I havent bought socks since... |
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In the last year or so, I have changed over to all synthetic socks.
As my old socks have wore out, I have replaced them with Smartwool and Darn Tough. I usually wait till there on sale or a deal like buy 1, get 2nd half off type stuff. I also have a pair of WigWam I am glad I did the change over! Take care of your feet and they will take care of you. SMSP |
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I came across this post from Whitblaze.net
Sock Talk –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– While hiking the AT, I purchased numerous pairs of hiking socks. Wool, wool blends and silk. And while I only wore my thin silk socks at night, the others were sufficient, especially in the winter, early spring and late fall. However, during the hot summer, even while wearing my Vasque Breeze boots, my feet got hot. While restocking food supplies at a Wal-Box store somewhere along the AT, I searched the sock section to see if I could find a non-cotton sock that might be cooler. I found these... Dr. Scholl's Diabetes and Circulatory Health Crew Socks. (From a retail web site...) Dr. Scholl's Diabetes and Circulatory Health Crew Socks are engineered to enhance circulation and provide dry use all day long. Featuring excellent moisture-wicking properties for maximum dryness and comfort. The DSM-9125 utilizes a non-binding top to improve circulation and to keep the legs unrestricted. The Diabetic Health Crew socks showcase non-irritating, smooth toe seam construction to provide added comfort in the toe area, while anti-Odor fabrication keeps your socks fresh. The Dr. Scholl's Circulatory Health Crew socks are specifically treated with an antimicrobial agent that resists bacterial odors, even after repeated washings, allowing for long lasting use and wear wash after wash. A classic crew length provides mid-calf coverage while a 2-pack design provides great value. King Size (big & tall) is designed with extra length in the foot and leg for a custom fit and extra comfort. Features include: • Fabric Content: 51% Polyester, 41% Acrylic, 7% Nylon, 1% Spandex •Non-Binding Top Allows For Better Circulation •Non-Irritating Smooth Toe Seam •Keeps Feet Drier •Odor Resistant •Made In The U.S.A. •Accepted By The American Podiatric Medical Association •Sold As A 2-Pack ( I think I paid $12 for the 2-Pack.) I really like these socks. They are light, durable, comfortable, easy to wash and dry fast. They come in several styles (low cut, crew, etc.)Thankfully, for me, they come in size 12.5 to 14. Plus, the price is right. I still have all my other "hiking socks" and wear them in cooler weather. But in the heat of the late spring, summer and early fall, I'll wear these Dr. Scholl's socks every time! –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sounds like it's worth checking out. SMSP |
| I started using these from Wright sock this summer and have been very happy with them. I got them from the REI Outlet. |
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Thorlo's are good stuff. Winter or summer they help regulate the temp of your feet, have a lot more padding than traditional socks, and are priced reasonably.
Just remember that a lot of these socks are thicker than regular cotton gym socks, so your shoes might not fit the same. Make sure you test them out. |
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Quoted:
Smart wool is a manufacturer. What you want to look for are socks made with merino wool. There are lots of different thickness for summer/winter. There are several companies which make socks out of merino wool. I have been using merino wool socks for about 4 years and I absolutely love them. Your feet will thank you. Thin short ones for summer, medium weight for spring/fall, and heavy weight or two pairs for winter. ETA Some companies which make merino wool socks are: SmartWool, REI, Wigwam, Teko, Cabelas, LLBean, Darn Tough, Woolrich , Thorlo, Fox River, just to name a few. I think SmartWool was one of the first companies to start making socks with it. They do seem to make more styles than just about anybody else. +1 on merino wool, don't forget that Sportsman warehouse also has their own line of merino wool. They are pretty much all I wear year round. |