Replace Your Tube Socks: Smartwool Socks

10/16/09  Print This Post Print This Post    4 Comments   Popular   Written by Austin Chu
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Give your feet a little loving.

Socks often get overlooked. In fact, this soft piece of fabric is one of the most important pieces to any adventure.

Personally, I own nothing but Smartwool socks. I have a whole drawer full of dress socks, hiking socks, bike socks, running socks, and socks for life. Some women collect designer handbags while some men collect fancy wristwatches.

I collect socks.

One of my all time favorites is the Smartwool Adrenaline Light Mini which is the perfect combination running/biking/light-hiking/casual sock.

I own about ten pairs of these.

It’s a perfect blend of 67% merino wool, 32% nylon, and 1% elastic. The wool naturally wicks moisture away from feet while providing the added temperature control. The nylon provides the breathability we all desire out of a sock. The elastic offers support in critical areas: arch and heal.

So the next time those white cotton tube socks slow you down on your backpacking trip, spend the extra bucks and keep your feet happy.

Price: $16 | Where to buy: Smartwool


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About the Author

Austin Chu

Austin Chu was laid off in December 2008. He has a deep obsession with breakfast burritos and backpacks. He doesn't know why. He just drove through fifty states filming a documentary on the economy and the recession. Follow his project on www.therecessends.com

4 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Kevin Post replied on October 16, 2009

    I couldn’t agree more. I swear by Smartwool socks. As soon as one tries on a pair of Smartwool socks it is nearly impossible to go back to cotton. Instead of traveling with nine pairs of socks one can travel comfortably with less bulk with two pairs of Smartwools.

    Also try Darn Tough Vermont http://www.darntough.com/. Very comfortable, incredibly durable and still made in the U.S.

    Thanks for the article Austin.

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  • Megan Hill replied on October 16, 2009

    yes, Smart Wool! definitely worth collecting.

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  • marilyn_res replied on October 17, 2009

    SmartWool’s the best. I’m wearing them right now. You can turn down the thermostat and still have toasty tootsies!

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  • Akila replied on October 18, 2009

    Yep, love those Smartwool. I am an even bigger fan of the socks now being made out of bamboo fibers that feel even softer than Smartwool. I’m using them on our RTW in Australia now and they are so comfortable.

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