Smartwool Socks – Gear Review

Gear Review

Am I alone in feeling a little sensitive with my feet? If my feet are cold, my entire body is cold. I hate when my feet sweat in socks. I can hardly stand if socks slide in my shoes or if my socks are wet in my shoes, it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me. Also, I have arthritis in my feet, so if they are in pain, it can be tough to ignore and I get a little irritable. With all of that said I am grateful to have learned within the last few years that higher quality socks exist and that wearing them makes a huge difference in how my feet feel, impacting how my entire body feels, and my overall demeanor.

A few years ago, a dear friend of mine began to tell me how much she loved her Smartwool socks. When I found out the price, I became a little resistant and thought to myself, surely there’s no need to spend $17 on one pair of socks, not when I can probably get 6 pairs for that price. My friend insisted I keep a pair of her socks to try. So I took them home to try them out. Long story short, it was love at first wear. It wasn’t long before I began wearing them over and over, seeking only that pair, neglecting all the other pairs I owned in my overstuffed sock drawe

I’m not informed about the science behind these socks, but I believe there is indeed a science behind these socks. These socks keep my feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. My feet don’t sweat. The socks don’t slide in my shoes. The socks hold their shape after a ton of wear, and after a few years, they still feel brand new. I know they will last a very long time. 

I am grateful for all of the wool socks I’ve ever received for Christmas from loving grandparents. But I learned all wool socks are not created equal. I wear those gifted wool socks snuggled up on the couch watching a movie in the winter. I wear Smartwool socks for everything else, working out at the gym, walking, hiking, snow activities, just wearing them around the house, you name it. Before these socks, I was very much a barefoot person, but now I really don’t want to take them off.

Types

Smartwool makes a wide variety of socks for men, women, and children with various sock heights and thicknesses. With arthritis in my feet, I prefer the thicker versions that provide cushion and support. But if you like a thinner sock, they make those too. I personally like to wear my no show socks with my tennis shoes and ankle-high with my hiking boots. I even have a few pairs I wear with dress flats that actually stay put!

I’ve also turned my very analytical husband on to these socks. If you have any interest in his thoughts about them, when question he stated, “When I open my sock drawer, I’m looking for my Smartwool socks.” 

I will mention I’ve noticed some pilling with the socks, but personally, it doesn’t bother me. I wouldn’t doubt my mediocre laundry skills could contribute to this.

These socks make great stocking stuffer gifts for Christmas or really for any occasion. Year after year, I continue to build an inventory that serves all my needs and takes up less space in my sock drawer instead of hanging onto a bunch of socks I actually don’t like or don’t wear.

I typically watch for sales and snag a pair in the REI Outlet. But I’m so thrilled to recently learn that I can also shop locally because the Wilderness Voyagers store in Ohiopyle, PA carries a very nice selection of Smartwool socks. 

I’ve just entered the world of higher-quality socks with Smartwool. I have friends who love other brands such as Darn Tough. Now that I know how much I love these socks, I’m sure I’ll give others a try at some point. But for now, I’ve been very satisfied with Smartwool. Have you entered this sock world? Which ones do you like? Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @adventureswkelly to share your experience with Smartwool socks.

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