My favorite socks by a wide margin
I work in forestry restoration, and I wear these socks with my steel-toe boots that are no longer waterproof. Even after hours in the snow when I know my feet are soaked, these socks are still cushy and keep my feet reasonably warm (they even *feel* dry!). For example, earlier today: my feet didn't get cold until the very end of the day, but seriously... they were sopping wet ALL day from the holes in my boots. In fact, my pants had gotten wet and were frozen solid to my boots, but my feet never went numb and stayed surprisingly comfortable. I really don't believe there is another sock out there that can do that. If I was wearing cotton socks today I would have been miserable within the first hour (I know this because I used to wear cotton socks... never again!).
They're the most expensive socks I own, but they're by far the most comfortable and functional socks I own. I will be buying more of these, just spread out over a few paychecks :-)
ChiTownHiker at
REI on
01/01/2012
Truly excellent socks
I've been able to use these socks several times on day hikes ranging from easy to moderate and they have been so comfortable on every outing. I have noticed to make comforts about them. One the are very cushioning, my feet always feel padded and comfortable all day. The second, they are always the perfect temperature. When I'm hiking they never feel excessively hot and when I stop they are pleasantly warm. I've always had problems keeping my feet at a nice temperature, either my feet are blaring hot and sweaty or freezing cold, and these have completely fixed the problem. They only complaint is the price, I'm thinking of trying the REI equivalent for a small price savings but I did notice when I compared the two brands side by side by flipping then inside out that the smartwool brand does have substantially more cushioning and threads, so I imagine you get what you pay for.
Project48 at
REI on
04/04/2013
A LIFESAVER!!!
These socks have literally improved my quality of life. I do a lot of maintenance/mechanical work outside in Chicago winters and these socks have made every day just so much better.
I bought them because they seemed like the warmest in the line, and they are great.
My feet were toasty and comfortable (nicely padded on bottom, heel, and toe)and not once were they sweaty or itchy (problem I had with other socks). True to the other reviews, they did not stink after wearing them all day.
These might be overkill for lighter use, but if you know that you will be very cold for any extended period of time I highly recommend investing in a pair. That being said, I am wearing them right now, inside the warm house, and they aren't uncomfortable at all.
ramseym at
REI on
02/02/2010
Excellent, comfortable socks!
As Smartwool states on their packaging, these are ‘seriously comfortable socks’. Made from 80% wool, 19% nylon, and 1% elastic, the Smartwool Merino fibers provide incredible efficiency in wicking away sweat and water, as well as maintaing an uncanny ability to control odor . The socks are versatile in providing superior regulation of body temperature by keeping feet plenty warm in the winter, and they were clockwork while we trudged through a significant amount of snow in the Colorado front range. These socks were built with extra heavy cushioning in mind, a feature that is a must when challenging yourself on a winter mountaineering ascent Color and size options are abundant, and for [$]retail, they may seem pricey but your feet will be thankful that they were wrapped in these babies.
JPFreek at
REI on
09/09/2007
Very good socks for hiking
I bought this socks for hard tracking with backpack over 20 kg and radial excursions to peaks. It have been tested in the winter outdoor event where we pass from 1200 up to 3095 meters, temperature was from -3 to -12 celcius degree. And it was snow up to 60 cm. I have a little problems with cold legs only at night when we stay for two hours while waitings for ropes mounted. All other time my feets was dry and warm. Finally it is only socks I have no any blisters with my Salewa Bison GTX trecking boots! I planned to use them one day only but feel very comforatable for more than 3 days. Now I planning to buy two additional pairs for everyday outdoor usage.
HuronMaramba at
REI on
01/01/2012
Great Hot or Cold...
I have worn these socks on a daily basis in Danner
work boots summer and winter, and inside a pair of White's Pac-Boots in extreme cold conditions for the last 5 years while working in the forest. I wear a fresh pair each day, and with weekly washing they have held up great.I keep about 6 pair on hand, and I have only had to replace them about every 18 months on average.Drying them in the dryer takes a toll on the elastic in the upper part of the socks over time.They are a lofty sock and wick moisture away from your skin in hot or cold to keep your feet comfortable, and
give additional cushioning to your feet.
4SCruiser at
REI on
08/08/2009
Long lasting good quality sock.
I've had some of my SmartWool Mountaineer Socks for a decade now. They do loosen up over time, and my older ones aren't really suitable for hiking anymore, but they're still just fine for casual use in the winter or wearing around the house. A few have worn through the heal, but again I still have some from my original decade old batch that have been used a lot and haven't worn through. Overall they are very durable and will last you and stay serviceable for years. The price is offset by the number of seasons they'll last you.
Only downside is that they're pretty bulky.
Santa Cruz Adventurer at
REI on
12/12/2011
These socks are so warm!
This review will not probably contain the expected comments about how great these socks are for their regular use in outdoor sports, because I don't use them for sports. Although I think they would be perfect for sports in regard to their intended usage, I buy them for wearing around the house in the winter. I especially love wearing them in the evenings while relaxing when it is really cold out. They feel so warm and comfy. My feet just love them! They are so well padded that I can wear them all around the house with no shoes.
Just Dianne at
REI on
02/02/2010
Perfect!
Dear wanna-be-cheap people, don't be. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend [$] on a pair of socks either, but they were smartwool and they've never disappointed me once. I'm so glad I did! I hiked up and down Mt. Rainier (all day event in deep-ish snow) and my feet were warm and comfortable the whole time. I never got a blister, not even a sore spot and my feet never got cold or overheated. Too perfect. I highly recommend them because they were worth every penny. Do it. You know you want to...
Muah! at
REI on
03/03/2010
The best sock ever made TEN STARS
You would think such a thick sock would be hot in the summer. Not so.I wear these year round now and my feet have thanked me. It is like walking on pillows. I wear them with my sandals in the summer for extra comfort and they breathe really well.
In the winter they keep my feet warm and toasty in my shoes or boots.
The Only drawback is you need to size your shoes to these super socks. Again your feet will thank you for wearing these socks.
Gallaher at
REI on
06/06/2009