How to Choose Hiking Socks

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For socks that have it all, look no further than the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew Socks. They offer fit, comfort and durability wrapped together in one smart design.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 63% merino wool/35% nylon/2% elastane |
Sock Height | Crew |
Sock Cushioning | Medium Cushioning |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
S | M | L | XL | |
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U.S. Men's | 3 - 5.5 | 6 - 8.5 | 9 - 11.5 | 12 - 14.5 |
U.S. Women's | 4 - 6.5 | 7 - 9.5 | 10 - 12.5 | |
EU | 34 - 37 | 38 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 |
For socks, please use shoe size.
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These socks seem like they're from the future. I dig the extra cushion around all your foot's contact points, so they feel dreamy if you're putting in a lot of miles, or have hiking boots that need a little forgiveness. They're also a nice weight that works for any time of the year (at least here in the PNW). But the coolest thing is seeing how they stretch and fit tightly over the arch and top of your foot. The hidden color on the inner-weave was an awesome detail I didn't expect. On a side note, the packaging is minimal, easily recyclable, and uses no plastic. So that's an extra bonus.
I’ve been a sock fanatic for years, as my job of National Park and BLM ranger and personal travel has taken me to South America and Asia for 8 years after retirement. In my opinion after wearing dozens of various socks with different construction and materials, the high class (and high cost) socks such as this one made of mostly wool, are worth the price. I will never again buy cheap socks. Wool works great in cold and hot climates, and I’ve worn these, and other wool socks, on one trip lasting a year at elevations from sea level tropics to a Himalayan trail up to 17,400 feet.
Purchased these socks a day before hiking up Pikes Peak...in fairly new leather boots. Yes, I know...not the wisest decision. What was intended to be a 13.2 miles ascent to the summit, culminated in a 26 miles, 16K feet, 13 hr ascent/descent as high winds and 65 mph gusts shut down the roadway and Cog RR (my intended descent). Bottom line...these socks performed amazingly! Though thoroughly exhausted I was elated that I experienced no blisters...at all. Surprised and grateful! I wholeheartedly recommend these socks! Ended up buying three more pair the next day...I'm a believer!
I haven't bought Smartwool socks in a while, I've mostly worn Darn Tough. However, I was given this pair of Smartwool socks and I find them to be very comfortable. I wore them while camping, taking walks, and doing work around the house. On a wet 45-50° day, I worn them with athletic shoes to rake leaves. Despite my shoes getting wet, my feet stayed really comfortable. Even when the wetness got to my feet, it never really felt like they were wet. These socks have a good amount of insulation and padding. I would recommend them.
I've worn a number of pairs of Smartwool socks and wear them frequently for running, casual walking, work and hiking. Trying these for the first time felt like more of the same - great comfort, solid arch support, protection from hot spots, and good breath-ability. Prior to wearing Smartwool socks I wore cotton or nylon blend. Wool was always meant for cold weather and usually only when wearing boots. Smartwool's blend of materials keeps your feet comfortable and this is very important when lugging around a 40+ pound backpack for several miles on the trail. I will continue to buy their socks, especially when it comes to hiking.
I tend to be warm no matter the temperature, so I was wary about wool socks and having over-warm feet. I wore them during normal days of walking and working at a standing desk - the amount of padding on the bottoms is probably overkill as a daily wear sock. I wore them during a day hike on rocky trails with a lot of elevation changes and with a light pack. The padding was fine, and will hold up to a lot more weight. A second hike on flatter trails with more weight was fine as well. No issues with overheating of feet, from cold mornings to warm afternoons. It's a good hike when you don't notice your feet at all. Washing was simple, and I just hung them to dry overnight.
I’ve preferred merino wool socks for several years now and these don’t disappoint. They have the perfect amount of cushion. The elastic support is pretty good too, it isn’t noticeable but you can tell it’s helping to support your foot. They stay put so you don’t need to pull them up all of the time. I have worn them for several days in a row and they don’t get stinky and dry very quick. They help keep my feet warm too, I have a pair of sneakers that usually make my feet cold as they have a lot of vents, but these socks are the perfect insulation layer to help solve that. Great overall/everyday sock
The Smartwool Light Hiker crew sock has been my go-to for hiking/backpacking for years. After many, many washings, they stay up on my calves, do not lose elasticity, and do not pill. Thus I was initially a bit hesitant to test the PhD Medium Crew socks (why mess with perfection?). However, I really enjoyed the extra bit of cushion and sweat absorption, without feeling like I was sacrificing support or that feeling of contact with my trail runners (even when wearing silk liners). This is a very comfortable and well-fitting sock. I am looking forward to testing Smartwool's new PhD technology over the next several months, because these were already the best hiking socks on the market for the price.
Received there smartwhool socks in the mail and I have not tried them on the trail yet. But I have them on now and tell you the truth. They are so comfortable . The socks was package well and they fit me good. I would recommend these .
Hands down my favorite pair of socks ever. I wore them recently on a 3 hour gravel ride then proceeded to hike with some friends and was never thinking about changing socks between activities. They are warm enough for the frigid late fall/early winter temps while keeping moisture away from the skin. The cushion on the toes and heels, where most socks fail in my opinion, showed no signs of distress after multiple outdoor endeavors. I really appreciate the fact that these socks do not fall or loose their shape after a couple of washes. These are now my "do it all" socks.