The Trekking Heavy Crew Sock by Smartwool. Heavy full-cushioning provides shock absorption, offers insulation against the elements, and supports under weighty loads. Arch brace holds the sock in place and adds additional support. Flat-knit toe seam keeps you comfortable.
The Trekking Crew from Smartwool is just the ticket when you need extra insulation from the weather and excellent shock absorption and support under heavy loads in heavy boots. At least your feet will feel good.
| Cushioning: | Heavy Full Cushion |
|---|---|
| Fit: | Crew height |
| Height: | Crew |
| Material: | 80% Merino Wool, 19% Nylon, 1% Elastane |
| Materials: | 80% Merino wool, 19% nylon, 1% elastane. |
| Recommended Use: | trekking, hiking, camping |
| Sock Height: | Crew |
| Sock Thickness: | Heavy |
| Sock Type: | Hike/Trek |
Ill preface this review with my cut and paste statement that I work as a backcountry backpacking guide in Yosemite National Park. Nearly all of the products I take the time to review have seen at least a half a season, if not more, of use... and Im committed to not bothering to write a review until I feel like Ive really gotten to know a product. I never thought Id bother to write reviews, but Ive recently decided that since Ive spent so much time over these last many years reading reviews, and finding a tremendous amount of value in articulate and well-informed opinions, that I wanted to give back to the community. So, with that being said, here we go...
After trying myriad combinations of different socks, and different sock liner combinations... I finally came back to these. No liners. Granted... feet, socks, liners, boots... its so subjective. So, here's a little info. I have a very narrow, low-volume foot... about a 11.5 B or C. I wear Zamberlan Steeps, and was at first horribly concerned with filling such a high volume boot. I picked up some Ed Viesturs insoles (the greatest aftermarket insoles ever made), and those along with these socks are a match made in heaven. On very rare occasions I might use a Smartwool liner along with these, particularly if I'm going to be doing some grueling uphills where I might get some heel rub due to not being able to keep my heel seated in the heel cup all the time.
I really wanted to love the PhD version of these, which are incredible comfortable, bu there's one very serious issue with them - the way they are padded and stitched will create pressure points on one's foot. I wore them on a trip once and after one day I came back to these. These are so well designed, so durable, and so incredibly comfortable that I'm beginning to stock up on them.
These truly are the best backpacking socks I've ever used. Out of all my gear they are in the top three or four for most important to me.
PS. As for odor, I've worn one pair on a nine day trip and had absolutely zero funk. I had a backup pair that saw one day of use while I washed these and let them dry.
PPS. I'm very warm-blooded, and I wear these while backpacking in the Sierras in summer. On very rare occasions I'll find them a bit warm, but never so much so that they're troublesome.
If I'm doing big miles in cold weather or with a lot of weight on my back ... these are what I pack. I use liners with these as they're very thick and have a tendency to move around a little bit more than the mid weight hiker. Still, I love them ... they give me an added feeling of security when I'm shlepping 50 plus pounds over steep and technical terrain. As with all other Smartwool products, they're durable and maintain their shape and compression through many washes.
I've been backpacking for over ten years, and SmartWool have always been my #1 choice for socks. I've used these trekking socks for month long trips on the Olympic peninsula, the Wasatch range, Southern Utah as well as on various cold-weather sailing trips. They are very comfortable and are great for regulating the temperature of your feet given their merino wool makeup. They dry super quickly as well, which is great for some mid-trip washing. They also won't hold all that lovely foot odor. Fit true to size.
I hiked Alaskas arctic tundra for more than two weeks over a blanket of snow. Temperatures were never above freezing. My two pairs of SmartWool Heavy Crew socks kept my feet warm and dry. My only regret was that I did not purchase four pairs. The cold, damp environment would prevented my boots from drying through the night. Thankfully, the wool fiber absorbed the moisture trapped in the boot to protect my feet.
WOW, I mean it. I am very picky about socks, since I don't like to wear them. These are my first pair of wool socks and thick socks. My feet felt very comfortable in lace up boots and regular boots. My feet never got cold in 15-30F while working outdoors working construction wearing regular leather boots. My feet did sweat a little, but no odor. The price is worth the wear.