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AR15.COM
10/13/2015 11:04:37 PM EDT
So I read the "little luxury" thread and there was a lot of talk about wool socks. Apparently I have been doing it wrong all this time getting cotton socks. I am pretty sure I need to try wool socks based on all of the responses in the other thread. Unfortunately there are a lot of options. I am currently leaning toward Darn Tough but I would like to hear and comparisons to SmartWool, Eurosock, or others. Also, is there a specific style of sock you find best? Any other recommendations? I am reevaluating everything I know about socks.

Oh, someone also mentioned once a year clearance pricing on SmartWool - Are there similar deals to be had if I select a different sock?
10/13/2015 11:09:08 PM EDT
[#1]
The ones you mentioned are good. Check out the Swiftwick Pursuit series also. Different heights and colors. I wear wool socks year round. Mainly smartwool and swiftwick.
10/13/2015 11:17:07 PM EDT
[#2]
I own a couple types from "Darn Tough"

Thinner work/office style ones for warm weather and thicker hiking, athletic versions.

All of them are great, wear well, and if you care for them as directed last a long time.

I refuse to wear any cotton socks, haven't worn any in 4 years.
10/13/2015 11:20:50 PM EDT
[#3]
Cotton socks are for poor people.
10/13/2015 11:21:26 PM EDT
[#4]
I have Smart Wool, Darn Tough, and one other brand of "nice" wool socks.

I match the sock to the activity.  Hiking boots get a different sock than what I wear to work.  

I like any of the "nicer" brands - they all feel good to me.
10/13/2015 11:21:27 PM EDT
[#5]
Wait for the sales from SKD, over the holiday weekends they do 11%, 12%, 13% and 14% on successive days over the weekend.  By monday there isn't much left in stock, but it's the best and cheapest way to get Darn Tough socks on sale.  They never go on sale that cheap anywhere else.

And I've tried, DT, Smartwool, Columbia and a few other types.  Now I only order Darn Tough.

10/13/2015 11:24:35 PM EDT
[#6]
All I have worn for the last 15+ years...mostly smart wool, but  a pair of darn toughs added  here recently..just gotta watch for them to come on sale....
10/13/2015 11:24:55 PM EDT
[#7]
Do these mythical wool socks itch like a motherfucker? I know wool is good at wicking moisture but don't feet in shoes get awfully hot with wool socks?

This thread is relevant to my interests, forgive me if these questions were covered already.
10/13/2015 11:28:51 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
Wait for the sales from SKD, over the holiday weekends they do 11%, 12%, 13% and 14% on successive days over the weekend.  By monday there isn't much left in stock, but it's the best and cheapest way to get Darn Tough socks on sale.  They never go on sale that cheap anywhere else.

And I've tried, DT, Smartwool, Columbia and a few other types.  Now I only order Darn Tough.

View Quote


I only wear DT socks.  I wouldn't care if they were 10% higher.  If I needed more I'd buy them.  They are like wearing a footgasm.
10/13/2015 11:29:23 PM EDT
[#9]

Quote History
Quoted:


Do these mythical wool socks itch like a motherfucker? I know wool is good at wicking moisture but don't feet in shoes get awfully hot with wool socks?



This thread is relevant to my interests, forgive me if these questions were covered already.
View Quote




That is the biggest misconception about merino wool.  Its as soft as cotton.



Pay the money for Darn Tough socks.  Life time warranty.  Wash them cold and let the air dry.  



 
10/13/2015 11:29:45 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
Do these mythical wool socks itch like a motherfucker? I know wool is good at wicking moisture but don't feet in shoes get awfully hot with wool socks?

This thread is relevant to my interests, forgive me if these questions were covered already.
View Quote


Hot?  No.  Wool breathes and controls moisture very well.  Very resistant to odor and funk.

Merino wool really doesn't itch at all.  Some brands are better than others.

I wear merino socks all year round for several days at a time.  In fact I do the same with merino t-shirts.
10/13/2015 11:29:54 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
Do these mythical wool socks itch like a motherfucker? I know wool is good at wicking moisture but don't feet in shoes get awfully hot with wool socks?

This thread is relevant to my interests, forgive me if these questions were covered already.
View Quote


No.  I wear them outside all day in 90 degree weather.  Just buy the lighter weight socks.
10/13/2015 11:33:12 PM EDT
[#12]
I've tried most of the brands of merino socks and DT beats then all in every category. Tactical Distributors has them on sale quite often.
10/13/2015 11:35:45 PM EDT
[#13]
I only buy Darn tough. I've owned Smartwool, Bridgedale, and Icebreaker and none of them hold up like DT. If you ever wear a pair out take them to a dealer or send them back and you will get a new pair. I wear them year round and match the style to the activity.
10/13/2015 11:36:35 PM EDT
[#14]
I have a few heavier pairs of wigwam socks, but i have to wear a poly pro liner with them because they can get itchy.



truthfully, a thin liner sock + an outer sock is more comfortable to me.




I also have a smartwool hiking socks. It's not necessary to wear a liner with them, but when we're walking through the woods in the winter hunting  squirrels and such, helps reduce blistering.
10/13/2015 11:38:25 PM EDT
[#15]
I only buy these now.  But they're heavy weight so probably not relevant to the thread unless you're looking for those too.  I love them and they're priced right.  You can get them on Amazon.  http://www.peoplesocks.com/products/below-zero
10/13/2015 11:39:52 PM EDT
[#16]
DARN TOUGH!
10/13/2015 11:41:55 PM EDT
[#17]
Costco sells merino wool socks in 4 packs.

I bought a bunch a few years ago and they have held up great.

The only thing I wear in the winter and well worth the money.
10/13/2015 11:53:50 PM EDT
[#18]
REI has some good sales now and then, check the REI outlet. Wool socks are awesome year round. Even converted my wife who was a skeptic.
10/13/2015 11:54:54 PM EDT
[#19]





       Several years old:








































 

 
10/14/2015 12:03:08 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Quoted:
Do these mythical wool socks itch like a motherfucker? I know wool is good at wicking moisture but don't feet in shoes get awfully hot with wool socks?

This thread is relevant to my interests, forgive me if these questions were covered already.
View Quote


The socks are made from Merino wool, and they don't cause me any issues whatsoever, unlike regular wool which makes break out in hives.

ETA:  I wear them year round.  They come in different weights for different temperatures.
10/14/2015 12:04:55 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote History




Annnnnnd I'm looking at pictures of someone's socks from the other side of the country.  I think I've had enough internets for tonight....



10/14/2015 12:05:52 AM EDT
[#22]
Wigwam comfort hiker
10/14/2015 12:07:42 AM EDT
[#23]
wigwam and smartwool all the way
10/14/2015 12:09:07 AM EDT
[#24]
Darn Tough

Made in USA

Lifetime warranty

http://darntough.com/

Worth the price, I've used the warranty. It's simple.
10/14/2015 12:17:17 AM EDT
[#25]
had smart wool for years and bought darn tough when I couldn't find the smart wool replacements like I wanted. I now prefer the darn tough.
10/14/2015 12:19:29 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Quoted:




Annnnnnd I'm looking at pictures of someone's socks from the other side of the country.  I think I've had enough internets for tonight....



View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:




Annnnnnd I'm looking at pictures of someone's socks from the other side of the country.  I think I've had enough internets for tonight....






[]
10/14/2015 12:58:31 AM EDT
[#27]
Looks like I'll have to try these wool socks. This place costs me money, again.

Is the "ultra light" from DT too thin and unlikely to last, or will the be OK? I'm from L.A. so it doesn't exactly get cold here and I'm not fan of thick bulky socks anyway. Are the ankle height socks better for feeling lighter and cooler or the crew height just the same?

Thanks.
10/14/2015 1:01:36 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:
Looks like I'll have to try these wool socks. This place costs me money, again.

Is the "ultra light" from DT too thin and unlikely to last, or will the be OK? I'm from L.A. so it doesn't exactly get cold here and I'm not fan of thick bulky socks anyway. Are the ankle height socks better for feeling lighter and cooler or the crew height just the same?

Thanks.
View Quote


You shouldn't have any problem with crew thin wool.

If they wear out you send them back and get another pair.
10/14/2015 1:32:04 AM EDT
[#29]
Thanks for the info guys, I'll have to buy some and try them out. Last week it was a Keurig machine, this week it's wool socks. My fiance just rolled her eyes when I said the forum made me do it (again).
10/14/2015 1:40:14 AM EDT
[#30]
Bass Pro RedHead socks are lifetime guarantee and what you seek!! Get the heavy weight version for year round. This is what I wear year round even in AZ summers and with my dress clothing daily.

They are easily the best bang for buck out there at $11ish bucks a pair for mid calf, full weight wool. I have yet to kill a pare for return so.....
10/14/2015 1:43:20 AM EDT
[#31]
i've switched over to Darn Tough 100%.  the scent-lok crew (cushion) for my normal fitting shoes and the full cushion version for my work shoes that are about half a size too big.  they even work in the TX summer and never smell funky
10/14/2015 4:31:59 AM EDT
[#32]
Fox River. Get on their mailing list before Black Friday for sales.

Used to buy SmartWool; then they started selling some overseas-made stuff and I just quit them.

I'll have to try DT; they've never felt as soft in the store.
10/14/2015 5:08:18 AM EDT
[#33]
For regular daily wool socks I don't have any suggestions, but for winter wool socks, I use these. Link
10/14/2015 9:26:28 AM EDT
[#34]
I wear REI merino wool socks everyday, year round.



Merino wool socks are like vaginas to slip on your feet.
10/14/2015 9:28:18 AM EDT
[#35]
Merino wool socks from Gander Mtn + sock liners = heaven for your feet
10/14/2015 9:30:49 AM EDT
[#36]
Darn tough socks.....All day, everyday..........
10/14/2015 9:31:57 AM EDT
[#37]
I loveeeee these, I have like 9 pairs.

Probably not great for outdoors all day in 20 degree weather, but for 3 season I love these:

http://www.backcountry.com/stoic-merino-comp-trail-crew-sock-3pr

10/14/2015 9:43:57 AM EDT
[#38]
Never tried DT socks. Will have to give them a go.

I use Smartwool and Thorlo.

With your wool socks (for hiking) wear poly pro liners. They wick better. The liner sticks to your foot and slides on the wool stuck to your boot = no blisters or hot spots.
10/14/2015 9:47:11 AM EDT
[#39]
I don't think it matter that much. I use a thin wool sock for everyday use. Most brands have something like that.
10/14/2015 10:03:12 AM EDT
[#40]
Wigwam wool/silk blend:  https://www.wigwam.com/gear/socks/wigwam-merino-silk-hiker

I have several pairs, and they have held up fine for years now.
10/14/2015 10:04:21 AM EDT
[#41]
I'm all Smart Wool.  I've got socks that are 16 years old and still going (although they are paper thin on the bottom now).  They usually get eaten by the dryer monster long before they wear out.
10/14/2015 10:07:22 AM EDT
[#42]
I can't wear wool socks.  

I only wear Experias and Gold Toe.
10/14/2015 10:20:59 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Quoted:
I loveeeee these, I have like 9 pairs.

Probably not great for outdoors all day in 20 degree weather, but for 3 season I love these:

http://www.backcountry.com/stoic-merino-comp-trail-crew-sock-3pr

http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/900/SIC/SIC0241/NICNV.jpg
View Quote


That's a great price. $5/pair for Marino wool socks is worth trying.
10/14/2015 10:21:23 AM EDT
[#44]
+1 for the Smart Wool medium crew sock. The light weight ones wear out to fast. I wash them with the rest of my clothes and they are fine after drying them for longer than I should.



10/14/2015 10:26:05 AM EDT
[#45]
Omniwool from sams club.
Almost as nice as smart wool hikers, but less than $5/pair!




For arctic weight ones, I like Thorlo, smart wool, and rei brand.




Speed
10/14/2015 10:28:17 AM EDT
[#46]
Anyone have an idea where a guy can get Vietnam style GI green wool socks with no seam? My FIL loves em, he hates the seam on the toe or heel. I have looked everywhere.