Anybody got an opion on Smart Wool?
it’s awesome stuff. their socks simply make my feet happy, and happy feet is what makes the world go round! 
but seriously, i’ve used thier socks on month long backpacking trips through alaska, and hour long runs through the woods. i’ve never had a problem w/ blisters (unlike some socks where you need a wool sock/liner combo), and they’re super cushy. though expensive, they’re worth it, in my opinion (fwiw, i’m a college student on a tight budget).
Anybody got an opion on Smart Wool?
Yes. My lightest and warmest ski socks became my favourite cycling socks in April. Though I didn’t notice being any smarter while wearing them.
Ever use the thin socks in the summer?
Boss: I see you’re late again…
Employee: Wool…My car broke down
I am a smart wool fiend. I have smart wool socks for just about everything I do. They are the best socks I’ve ever owned. Comfort and durability kings. If I could get away with wearing them as dress black socks in uniform, I would. The only other types of socks I wear are the thin running/cycling socks like Defeet or Sock Guy. Otherwise, I’m usually in some pair of smart wool. They aren’t cheap, but they are the best. Plus an $8 pair will outlast 15 pairs $1 cotton tube socks or the like.
Agree with all of the below, but the heels on mine wear thin pretty quickly.
I was not aware but I also have a pair of Smart Wool.
I bought them last year asking for a good pair for a cross-country race I did. They are fantastic. Very comfortable.
As I said I was not aware that they are Smart Wool and I never heard about this brand before. But when I took my socks off earlier today I noticed a small mark that reads SmartWool. These are the best socks I have ever bought - I really do recommend them. But I only use them in the winter or walking/running off road.
I have about six pairs of them of various vintages. Great socks. They also go onto wet feet better than anything else I have found which is great if you put on socks at T1. They’re a little pricey, but soooooo comfortable. They are a little warm in the Summmer (even the thin racer rbx model) but they make my feet happy, and they are all I want to wear.
Thanks for a great post/thread. I had my worst ever xc ski blistering season last year when I switched to a thicker sock as we had some extremely cold weather. Wrong move… blisters that never really resolved until the spring. Is SmartWool a thick sock? I want to start out on the ‘right foot’ so to speak this year.
Peter
No other socks have touched my feet for running or hiking in the last 4 years or so. Simply the best, Smart wools are.
The only problem with Smart Wool is my dogs. If I threw 50 socks on the ground and only one of them was a Smart Wool that’s the one they’d pick up and chew to bits. I’ve lost 4 SW socks in last 6 months to the little shits. That leaves me with 4 socks without mates, but I love my SW’s so much I just keep wearing them as non-matching pairs.
If you ever happen across an L.L. Bean outlet, they carry SmartWool seconds with little imperfections for about 1/3rd the cost. I buy them buy the barrel that way for me and my wife.
Smartwools are great.
They are relatively cool in the heat, and quite warm in the cool. They breathe and wick better than anything I have tried.
I’ve used them extensively in long treks (up to 16 hours straight, several times) and adventure races- one week long- two-three pairs during the week, and usually have pretty good feet at the end.
I agree about the durability shortcomings, but you can’t have it all. Their comfort is the best.
Good web site, too- www.smartwool.com
There was a good article about the creator of smartwool in Outside MAgazine, or Men’s Journal a few months ago.
Caveat- I am a huge believer that Smartwool products are the best (and have bought many pairs)- BUT they were also a product sponsor for my AR team last year and donated/promoted 16 pairs to the cause.
konz- Smartwoold come in all shapes and sizes. There are great product descriptions at the web site www.smartwool.com and you can also order a catalogue from the site.
There are new models coming out all the time- but I noticed that they have a couple new ski models that might suit your needs. They are all so great for different needs, I have difficulty recommending a favourite model. (my “hiker” thicker socks are probably used the least since I get the very good cushioning and comfort from my midweight models like the adrenalin.
I have on Smartwool socks right now. I am a big believer in them and have quite a few pairs. I even did an ultramarathon in Smartwool socks. I think they are good.
Their apparel is nice too. In general, top notch stuff.
Love em. I cycle and run in DeFeet/Sock Guy, but everything else (hiking, canyoneering, etc) in SmartWool. Socks, IMO, are way under-rated pieces of gear. I think, arguably, socks can be as important as shoes … a month ago, I went hiking at Red Rock in my broken in perfect Vasque boots, but with DeFeet socks (all the SmartWool were dirty). At the end, my feet were shredded.
Start buying Smart Wool socks. As pairs of your non Smart Wool socks wear out, replace them with Smart Wool socks. That’s my 10 year plan. I have pairs for sport, for hiking, and for work (they make some that are pretty much like plain ol dress socks in appaearance but Smart Wool in feel). I’d like to pick up their clothing but it is quite pricey. Check out The Sock Company (www.sockcompany.com) for deals on Smart Wool.
LOVE Smart Wool Socks. Summer, Winter, heck, I might even wear them with sandals… shudder okay, maybe not, but they’re still fabulous! The only other thing that even comes close is those double layer blister guard socks. (forget the name right now…)