View Full Version : Which Socks to buy???
Lumberpat73
02-06-2011, 22:09
I've always used a liner sock with a midweight wool sock for hiking. I've heard so much about Smartwool socks and bought a pair today. They're the most comfortable socks i've ever worn but feel pretty thin. I'm worried about long term durability, should I invest money in these or something else?
Drymax socks are the best.
Get DarnTough brand socks if you want durability.
ChinMusic
02-06-2011, 22:26
Smartwool socks are not the most durable. But they still are my #1 choice.
Blissful
02-06-2011, 22:33
I like smartwool and wigwam
GreasePot
02-06-2011, 22:48
I like WrightSocks, ankle length. They are a double layer, and I don't get blisters wearing them. Not especially durable.
AUhiker90
02-07-2011, 00:48
Darn Tough socks are awesome. I will never hike with smartwools vs. my DTs ever again.
buzzamania
02-07-2011, 00:51
I wear midweight Injinji toe socks and then the medium weight smartwools
Smartwool Pro's. Don't need liner socks with them. Carried two pairs at a time, wore out two pairs and came home with two pairs that still have hiking miles in them.
LoneRidgeRunner
02-07-2011, 01:27
I like the heaviest smartwool socks ....never tried some of the others mentioned on this thread though
Boothill
02-07-2011, 01:30
I've always used a liner sock with a midweight wool sock for hiking. I've heard so much about Smartwool socks and bought a pair today. They're the most comfortable socks i've ever worn but feel pretty thin. I'm worried about long term durability, should I invest money in these or something else?
they have different weights that you can buy, i have everything form their dress socks to heavy weight hiking socks and i like them all......great socks
boot
Lumberpat73
02-07-2011, 01:42
thanks everybody, ill look into some of these other brands. Darn Tough sounds good, hopefully they live up to there name.
XCskiNYC
02-07-2011, 01:43
Dahlgren. gr8 sox
I use thorlos and heavy weight smart wool. both have lasted for long time and now i and many people at work use them all the time.
thanks everybody, ill look into some of these other brands. Darn Tough sounds good, hopefully they live up to there name.
If it doesn't, it just has to live up to its warranty.
Darn Tough. Period. The most durable by far. And made in the USA!
njordan2
02-07-2011, 08:56
Fox River socks are the best. And, they are made in the USA.
swjohnsey
02-07-2011, 09:09
Wrightsocks also made in the U.S.A.
flemdawg1
02-07-2011, 09:38
I like Bridgedale socks. But you need to buy a pair or 2 and try them out. I started out hiking with heavy full -grain leather boots with Thorlo and Smart Wool socks. But as my pack and shoes became lighter I started using lighter socks..
wrongway_08
02-07-2011, 10:29
i used Smarwools on my thru. Went with the thinner ones, except in winter. Think I only wore through 2 pair, if memory serves correct.
Comfy. I did use liner socks. Kept smell down. Warm.
BAG "o" TRICKS
02-07-2011, 12:02
I like Bridgedale socks. But you need to buy a pair or 2 and try them out. I started out hiking with heavy full -grain leather boots with Thorlo and Smart Wool socks. But as my pack and shoes became lighter I started using lighter socks..
Bridgedale fan myself. I wear their 'hiker' sock as it has extra padding at impact areas and their 'light hiker' does not.
I also like the 'no binding' top.
ChinMusic
02-07-2011, 12:13
I wear SmartWool Adrenalines year round, winter or summer, whether I'm hiking or going to work. It makes for a simple sock drawer.
Comfortable, never an odor, nary a blister. YMMV
I also vote for DarnTough socks. Best ones I have ever owned. I personally hike in the full cushioned ones and have never had a blister with them. They make a CoolMax type also but Ive never tried those.
Sassafras Lass
02-07-2011, 19:25
As a real-gear hiking newbie, I heard a bunch of hype about Smartwool so I bought those. They're fine.
I then bought 1 pair of Darn Tough for our AT thru this year and wow - the weave is so much tighter than the Smartwool, and they just feel extremely well-made. That alone would make me go strictly Darn Tough in the future, never mind their lifetime guarantee, but I've got a hankering to try some Dahlgrens. My father-in-law swears by Bridgedale, he's had them for years and they've kept their shape all this time.
Heard good things about Fox River, Wigwam (actually, I have their liners), and Thorlo.
malowitz
02-07-2011, 19:29
I also thrud in 2010 wearing nothing by Darn Tough socks. I wear them day to day now. I did try out some Lorpen socks off Steep and Cheap and already had a pair of Smartwools, but the Darn Toughs have been far and away my favorites. Extremely comfortable and durable. I didn't wear out a pair on the trail and after a lot of pounding, they do loose some cushion but I have no complaints about performance.
had 2 pair of the REi brand that are similar to Smartwool that lasted the entire trip and I still use them. I did pick up a pair of Wigwams somewhere along the way that were good too...I liked having 3 pair.
Smartwool socks are not the most durable. But they still are my #1 choice.
Concurred.
I've tried them all, except for Darn Tough, and Smartwool are my favorite. I just wish they were a little cheaper.