Smartwool Merino Wool

Choose a fabric type 

• Wool: Stays warm when wet, resists odor and wicks moisture
• Synthetic (nylon, polyester or acrylic): Ideal for sensitive skin, trap warmth and wick moisture. 

How much cushioning do you want?  

• No cushioning: Best for tighter-fitting performance boots that have a tighter fit or maximum ground feel
• Light cushioning: Shin padding with minimal cushioning on the balls of the feet, often with reinforced toes and heels 
• Medium cushioning: Added padding for warmth and impact absorption; ideal for cold conditions or looser-fitting boots 

Length 

• Knee high: Most socks for skiing and snowboarding go up to the knees to help protect from shin bang
• Crew: Cross-country skiers and snowshoers may prefer shorter hiking socks

Select your sock height

• No-show: Minimal protection; best with low-cut footwear like trail-running or light hiking shoes
• Ankle: Covers your ankle bone; best for low- to mid-cut shoes and boots
• Crew: Extends above ankle; good for boots or shoes
• Knee-high: Provides warmth and protection against high-cut boots

Choose your preferred cushioning level

• None: Ultralight; ideal for hot weather or as sock liners
• Light: Thin cushioning; better for warm conditions
• Medium: Targeted cushioning in the heel and ball; ideal for moderate to cold conditions
• Heavy: Thickest and most cushioned; best for long trips, rugged terrain and cold

Select a fabric

• Choose moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials like wool, polyester or nylon
• Spandex adds stretch to prevent bunching
• Cotton isn't recommended as it absorbs moisture and dries slowly

Find your fit

• Choose based on your foot size, not shoe size.
• If you're between sizes, size down to avoid excess material that can bunch up and cause blisters.
• Socks should feel snug but not tight, and the sock's heel cup should naturally line up with your heel.

Fabrics

• Synthetic: moisture-wicking, quick drying, durable, but can hold on to odor
• Wool: moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, cooling in warm weather, can be less durable

Styles

• Bikini: less rear coverage, thinner waistband, higher-cut leg
• Briefs (women's): full-cut briefs offer more coverage in front and back; hipsters offer medium front coverage and back with higher rise

• Briefs (men's): close fit and good support, but less thigh coverage

• Boxer brief or boy shorts: snug fit, good coverage, longer cut extends down to the upper thigh
• Boxers: looser fit, added coverage can prevent chafing but prone to bunching
• Thongs: lightweight and quick-drying but provide the least coverage
• Sports bras: compression and support during high-output activities like hiking and running

Which material is best?

• Wool: highly moisture-wicking and odor-resistant
• Synthetic: durable and less expensive
• Silk: soft and lightweight for casual activities

Match the temp to the trek

• Lightweight layers: best for moderate to cool temperatures
• Midweight layers: best for cold temperatures
• Heavyweight layers: best for below-freezing temperatures

Find your fit

• Must be close to skin to efficiently wick sweat; should fit comfortably snug
• Base layer is for moisture control; your mid layer is for warmth