Smartwool socks

Varda · Sep 23, 2014

I have a pair and love them, and plan to get a few more pairs for the Camino (at Sierra Trading Post, where they're always on sale). However, there are a bazillion different models. Mine were a gift, so I don't know what kind they are (they're on the thicker side, quite cushy).

What model of Smartwool sock do folks recommend? Or is this more of a personal choice?

peregrina2000 · Sep 23, 2014

Hi, Varda,
I have used the Smartwool brand for years, and particularly liked the Ph.D. model. But I have to say that over the years, I think the quality has decreased substantially, and I've found that their socks wear out awfully fast. On this year's camino I bought two pairs of Icebreaker socks, and after a month of walking, they look almost unworn. And though I usually get a little blister or two (or more if I'm unlucky), this year I really had none, but of course I'm not saying that it's because of those socks.

I think the key is to figure out what weight works for you in your shoe. The more heavily padded socks might feel good at the outset, but they are much hotter, and that makes your feet swell even more than they would in a lighter sock, so unless your shoe/boot has a fair amount of room, you may find you get lots of blisters, blisters you wouldn't get if your feet were cooler, even though it would mean there was less of a cushiony feel. I think there is a bit of science and a lot of luck involved here, and I think that after 15 years of walking caminos I've finally found the right shoe and sock combination. Buen camino, Laurie

Arn · Sep 24, 2014

Varda,
I wear Smart Wool (hiking-Med) with the addition of Coolmax liners. As Laurie indicates what works best for your shoe is the key.
Buen Camino,
Arn

Kanga · Sep 24, 2014

I've trialled and love some simple fine wool socks, tightly woven, made by a local Australian manufacturer. No marketing hype, no fanfare, just great wearing, well fitting, seamless and good quality. The weave is so tight I can put my foot in a bucket of water and it stays dry. They are quite thin, so not hot in summer and I can wear two pairs if I want more padding or the inner/outer sock system as a bluster preventive. Plus they are bright fire engine red!

wayfarer · Sep 24, 2014

Kanga said:
I've trialled and love some simple fine wool socks, tightly woven, made by a local Australian manufacturer. No marketing hype, no fanfare, just great wearing, well fitting, seamless and good quality. The weave is so tight I can put my foot in a bucket of water and it stays dry. They are quite thin, so not hot in summer and I can wear two pairs if I want more padding or the inner/outer sock system as a bluster preventive. Plus they are bright fire engine red!

Hi Kanga, what brand are these, can they be viewed/bought online.

edandjoan · Sep 24, 2014

On most all Smartwool sock packages there is a cushion factor. I would recommend medium. I have a number of pair in different cushion levels. Medium suits me best for Camino walking. I have one pair that I bought for my first Camino and unfortunately they don't make them any more. I just finished walking in Muxia and this is the fourth epic journey I have taken them on and they are not worn out.

Kanga · Sep 24, 2014

wayfarer said:
Hi Kanga, what brand are these, can they be viewed/bought online.

They have a very basic website - various socks but these are the ones I'm talking about. Afraid the men's size is only available in black.

http://www.aust-woollenmills.com/shop/fine-wool-socks.html

wayfarer · Sep 24, 2014

Black...... I was looking forward to the fire engine red.
Thanks Kanga.

peregrina2000 · Sep 24, 2014

Kanga said:
I've trialled and love some simple fine wool socks, tightly woven, made by a local Australian manufacturer. No marketing hype, no fanfare, just great wearing, well fitting, seamless and good quality. The weave is so tight I can put my foot in a bucket of water and it stays dry. They are quite thin, so not hot in summer and I can wear two pairs if I want more padding or the inner/outer sock system as a bluster preventive. Plus they are bright fire engine red!

So, Kanga, I don't understand all this high tech sock stuff, but I wonder if having a sock that doesn't let out the moisture from the inevitable sweating that comes in summer is a good thing -- do you find that the sock just keeps all the sweat inside and your feet get sweatier than they would in the socks that let moisture pass?

Kanga · Sep 24, 2014

@peregrina2000 they are wool so are naturally highly breathable. Wool repells water but is not waterproof. From the inside the socks absorb moisture (sweat) and releases it back into the atmosphere. "Wool fibre has a hydrophobic (water repelling) exterior and hydrophilic (water loving) interior that confer its unique moisture management properties" - New Zealand wool research.
Bear in mind that if your feet are encased in a non breathable shoe and your feet get sweaty then the socks will not work, regardless of the wool's properties.

Kanga · Sep 24, 2014

@wayfarer if you brouse the site they have some other thick wool socks they suggest for hiking - but I haven't tried them so can't recommend them. Those do come in glorious colours.

haikutaxi · Sep 27, 2014

Try some socks from Darn Tough

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