The Sock Review Thread (With Imgs)

[rsnurkle]

knightoftheroad asked me about some merino sock brands I own, and instead of just my two reviews, I thought it might be cool to have a thread dedicated to sock reviews in general. Please, join me in discussing these small-but-important pieces of gear. Any advice on the care and keeping of socks is also super, super welcome...


And because I like the search button, here are some older sock threads (last post date in parenthesis):
Walmart Wool Socks..Good Buy? (Dec 2011)
Socks, boots, sneakers, shorts, and fishing gear. (Oct 2010)
Durable Wool socks? (Oct 2010)
Any experience with toe socks? (Jul 2010)
What gortex liner, socks, gloves will keep me warm when wet? (Jun 2010)
boot inserts and socks (Mar 2010)
Socks... (Feb 2010)
Best place to get cheap hiking socks? (Jul 2009)
Wig Wam Socks (Jan 2008)
Best Socks for SHTF? (Dec 2008)
I hate love my smart-wool socks. (Nov 2007)


Wool/Wool Blend Sock Companies
DarnTough, Thorlo, SmartWool, Point6, FITS, Wigwam, Bridgedale,

[rsnurkle]

Merino Wool Socks: point6 review

Overview: point6 is the company created by Peter and Patty Duke AFTER they founded SmartWool (de facto leader of the merino wool revolution), rose to awesomeness, sold the company to Timberland, and waited several years for their non-compete agreement to expire. If you can't tell, their story of the second-time underdog and "cutesy nomadic" branding makes me kind of smile, so I wholly admit a fond fuzzy bias for anything point6 does. But their background also makes me first and foremost compare them to SmartWool.

So, what's different from SmartWool? Main thing is that the p6 socks are "compact spun" yarns. The way my co-workers explained it to me (when I worked outdoor retail) was that the compact spinning process pulls a lot of extra air out of the sock as the wool fibers are put together--meaning, more merino strands per cubic inch than conventional spinning processes.

Why do we care? Because more strands in the same space means more durability without additional bulk.

Point6 is in my mental category of "two-thirds merino." Like SmartWool, and FITs, they are about 60-70% merino to 20-30% nylon, with a few other things thrown in at less than 5-10%. While this means you get better thermoregulation (warmth in the cold, breathability overall) than more synthetic-based socks, this means that the socks are at risk of wearing out faster than their 40% nylon counterparts (example, Bridgedale socks). Unless, of course, you add more and more tightly woven merino strands. The compact spinning process for point6 socks means that a midweight compact spun sock can now have durability closer to a heavyweight conventionally spun sock, except you don't have to worry as much about fitting your sock-covered feet into everyday shoes. At least, that's what it's felt like to me when I wear them.

Point6 is also messing around with optimizing their sock shape (like pretty much all of the legit companies nowdays*)--adding arch support, tapered calves, deeper pockets, and [seamless toe boxes]. A (rather skinny) co-worker criticized the elastic band at the top for being too loose during serious outdoor activity, but he was the only one who mentioned it, and I personally have yet to notice any issues, and think they're done a nice job with getting a good fit.

*SmartWool's "PhD" line is an earlier example of making socks more "foot-shaped" and addressing the durability weak-spots of two-thirds merino (e.g., adding more cushion to the heel to keep it from wearing out, adding arch support).


Which models do I have? Hiker Medium x2, Active Light, Cushioned Work/Boot Sock (Hiker Medium)

Note, companies are increasingly putting size and cushion type on the sock itself--makes getting two socks back together after the wash a little easier.


How long have I had them for? Since December.

How have I used them? 7-hour work shifts in a retail store (so, lots of low-impact standing and walking around), general use on non-work days, day hikes/paddles, and around the house for warmth (inside my house shoes).

How is their wear/durability? Great so far, but I don't usually run shoeless around the house in just my nicer merinos, or walk outside in only them (ever), so I'm not an extreme short-term tester. Minimal pilling, if any, fuzzies--they look good, even with my once a week washing compulsion. No rips.



How is their performance? What I expect from high-quality merino socks. There is good cushioning in several models (the "boot" crew line, for example) for standing for long periods, and a they're warmer than similar weight socks of other brands, so great for cool weather. I didn't end up testing them in my cold-water dunking adventure (they weren't the "back-up" socks that I changed into, they were the primaries that I changed out of, sigh...), so I'm still not sure I know everything about them, yet.

How is their comfort/fit? Great! The wool is noticeably softer/smoother than my SmartWools. A friend with foot problems who I gifted a pair too have commented that arch support originally made her suspicious, but has since found them really comfortable. I have high arches, so my main perception is that the sock shapes to my foot like, well, like it was made for a foot .

Do keep in mind the greater density--I wore insulated hiking boots at work quite a bit (they were my most comfortable shoes, so I dealt with the sometimes inappropriate temperature range). On those days, I always found the point6s ARE warmer and made my feet reach the overheated stage a little sooner than all other wool socks I've worn of comparable bulk.



Conclusions: I haven't had point6 socks for long enough. I'm still interested in more testing to get an even better idea of how I will use point6 socks compared to the other merino socks in my collection. (More testing will come with my recent relocation )

That said, the company obviously knows wtf they're doing, and they're bringing some excellent ideas to the table. If you like SmartWools, you owe it to your feet to give point6s a try. And if you're testing out the higher-quality two-thirds merino wool sock market, you won't go wrong with just going for P6s right off the bat.

[rsnurkle]

Merino Wool Socks: FITS review

Overview: FITS is a company based in Tennesee, coming from the Crescent Sock Co. who manufactured socks for other companies for a pretty long time. The factory turned into FITS when they decided to go into the sock business for themselves, and while they're still small, I think if they can get into enough stores to continue building a fan base, they're going to be serious contenders in the merino market--as soon as they fix the durability issues of their ultra-fine merino.

The FITS brand concept is to make socks that fit your feet (deep heel pockets, tapered calves, seamless toes, and other details that make feet feet, and make high-quality socks more than tubes of fabric). Besides the design of the sock anatomy/fit, FITS makes their socks with "ultra-fine" (19 micron) strands, rather than the 23 micron strands that most other merino companies are using. Basically, their socks are noticeably softer (assuming you're in the merino sock wearing mode at the time you test them), but also a bit more fragile and subject to pilling. Overall, I think they're great, and haven't seen any performance comprises, but for the 19 micron sock lines, the look definitely changes after a month of wearing and several washings.




Which models do I have? Lightweight Hikersx2, Rugged Hikers, Business Linersx2 (no cushion)

How long have I had them for? The rugged hikers and a pair of midweights since July 2011. All others since November 2011.

How have I used them? Work shifts in the store, general use on non-work days, day hikes/paddles, and around the house for warmth (inside my house shoes).

How is their comfort/fit? Amazing. The company rep handed me a pair to feel in the heat of July, when everyone was wearing sandals and shorts, and glad to be in the air-conditioning. I felt the socks, thought, "Well. It's feels alright, but I'm not sure why he's raving about these." It took me two months to realize that whenever I did decide to put on socks, I was reaching for my two pairs of FITS over my one pair of midweight SmartWools and all twenty-plus of my other socks in the drawer.

FITS socks are weird, because, when I put them on, they fit my feet in a way that makes me spontaneously smile whenever I look down and see their logo. The fit is that comfortable. The people I gifted them too have had similar reactions, if the frequency and length of time that I've seem them in the FITS post-holidays is any indication. If you want comfort, this company has done something pretty damn right, and I think it is one of the reasons why I get tripped up comparing point6's midweight (23 micron strands) to FITS midweight (19 micron strands) in terms of comfort--there's a difference, and it makes it like comparing apples to oranges, despite the fact that they're both just wool socks =]. I'm going to tentatively say that FITs anatomic work on their socks (choices for toe box shapes, arch stretch/support, calf taper, and heel pocket depth) is spot on for making the socks shape to your feet. The only downside I've ever seen in terms of fit is that the top elastic band gets a little tight until it's "broken in"--my July socks are both super comfortable at the top now, even though initally they left impressions in my calves (I'll guess I have average-diameter calves for my sock size).

How is their performance? Great. Their minimal bulk allows my feet to fit comfortably in all of my shoes and keeps the "stuffed in a sweaty boot" feeling that I induce intentionally by wearing insulated boot sin warm conditons at bay for longer than all of the other merino socks I've worn (SmartWool, Point6, Wigwam) regularly.

How is their wear/durability? Good. But not as good as their competitors for their non-rugged sock lines. And this is the huge if/and/but to FITS socks. FITS 19.3 micron merino strands mean that the wool's weave is a little more delicate, and susceptible to abuse. I haven't run across any holes, but after several months of wear and my sometimes unnecessarily regular laundry habit, they have serious fuzziness/pilling. This is my July pair.


And this, is the pair I gifted to a friend who runs around on all sorts of surfaces in just her socks--she's had them for several days at this point. My phone focused on the floor, but you can still see the fuzzy pilling has already started at the toes.

That said, the rugged hiker line (which goes back to the 23 micron merino) has had minimal pilling, and is still pretty darn comfy.



Conclusion: I haven't seen any holes yet, but if you like your socks to stay nice looking for the first several months you have them, go with the rugged model or check other another brand. If you're not that picky, then hot damn, get a pair and tell me if the fit makes you as happy as it makes me. As much as the pilling/fuzzyness bothers me, I am HUGE fan of these socks, and haven't completely embraced point6 because I love the FITS fit so much. I'm going to be keeping an eye on this company for the future.

[rsnurkle]

Additional Socks from RSnurkle's sock family
(and then I'll be quiet for awhile... =])



Going clockwise from the top-left.

Two pair of "Omni-Wool" (picked up at Sam's Club in a 3-for$15 pack). These have merino in them, I have no idea about it's quality, and I'm going to guess there's only 30-40% of it in there, with the rest being your stand combinations of nylon and whatever other fun synthetics they put into socks these days. I also believe they have a sort of two-layer weave to them, where the inside is more of a soft fuzzy looped construction, versus the flat woven outside (meaning, you get nice soft fuzzy feelings when you put your feet in, contrary to what you might expect from the outside of these cheap socks). These sock I consider my beaters, for wearing without my house shoes on rough surfaces, or if I'm going to be out doing something potentially mucky for maybe an hour or so, or just want thicker socks to fill out my pair of less-than-optimally-fitting hiking boots. They do not have enough merino to invoke that weird, and super pleasant "My foot is so comfortably warm right now!" feeling that happens in the higher-end two-thirds merino socks that I own, and for longer hikes, these are typically not my working go-to socks, but for what I use them for, I think they were a great deal.

SmartWool Light Cushion Hikers, and Liner Socks

The liner socks are awesome. Thin, cozy black merino that can fit into any size shoe. They're crew cut, so if you're wearing anything besides pants, they're pretty obvious, but otherwise they're a great way to wear the performance of merino in a serious-looking formal workplace sock. Yup, thin means they're wear quickly (I haven't noticed anything ridiculous in the year that I've had them, but I can wear thicker socks daily, so they only see light use from me). A lot of merino sock companies are offering the lighter weights, so check your favorite brand's lineup. I'm a fan of these items from SmartWool--they're not buttery soft like my FITS liners, but I also think the slightly stiffer weave will help the durability of these thin socks for longer. I'll keep you all posted.


My first and only pair of SmartWool hikers. I got this pair a year ago to finally test out these wool socks that my friends were raving about. They definitely converted me to merino. These socks have also helped me out--when I fell over into the river, and then, after changing into dry clothes and stupidly sticking my feet back into wet waterproof boots, I ended up wearing only these socks (1 layer of wool) inside my kayak and my feet going from about-to-turn-numb in two pairs of soaked socks and soaked insulated boots, to starting to get comfortably warm again in just one layer of totally soaked merino wool.

They're definitely getting crazy-fuzzy on the heels and toes (this is where FITs socks were becoming an absolute mess, and where I imagine my point6s will start to wear when they do give in), but otherwise they're still going strong. Not as soft as any of my others (including the rando "Omni-Wool" brand I picked up), but your basic awesome merino wool performance.

Wigwam Running Socks

Huh? You say. Merino wool running socks? Who would want those? My first reaction, anyways. But it's a lightweight (not as light as merino liners) designed for running, which works quite well. I've switched to these almost exclusively from some basic cotton/synthetic blend running socks, and whenever I do put the cotton/poly blend back on, my feet frown at the weird, cold feeling surrounding them. I've never had an issue with high levels of activity in these socks--they're thin enough to show the merino/synthetic blend's awesomeness at heat and moist regulation during full-out activity. And, unlike cotton/poly, when you do slow down or stop, your damp feel don't start to get chilled. They've also held up pretty well since I received them in July--I tend to absent-mindedly walk my sweaty feet dry in these around the house without house shoes, and that seems okay by them. =] Definitely check out wool running socks, and if you're looking for a little give on price points, also check out Wigwam's other sock offerings. I haven't tested anything but these runners, however I do like what I've seen.

P.S. Besides the wool source (merino sheep live in the New Zealand Alps area, no getting around that fact), Wigwam socks are also USA made.

[Woods Walker]

Good post. This is a good topic as marginal socks will put the hurt on.

[Civilian Scout]

For you toesock fans, Injinji does make wool socks. Their "NuWool" is 70% merino, which puts it on par with most lightweight Smartwool socks. They're not quite as warm as Smartwool in my experience, but are quite comfortable and could definitely be a three-season sock and - depending on your choice in footwear - potentially a four-season sock for anything but the hottest weather. I just got some wool OTC Injinjis and they've quickly become my favorite winter sock.

I've been a Smartwool fanboy for years, but my transition to more minimal shoes (starting with running shoes, but as you adapt it changes your whole relationship with footwear) has got me hooked on toesocks. Smartwool makes toesocks as well. They are warm and comfortable, but to my knowledge they only make micros and minis at present and neither of those are great for cold weather. A Smartwool toesock crew would be awesome, and hopefully they will expand the line. I would love to see a Smartwool toesock crew with their PhD structuring. Sock nerd nirvana!

My Smartwools have held up remarkably well over the years. The only tips I have are to turn them inside out, wash in cold water, dry on low heat and don't use fabric softener. Every now and then add some Nikwax Wool Wash and it does an amazing job of "revitalizing" the wool fibers. Injinjis are more delicate in my experience, and I prefer to let them air dry. This is no big deal for me as I air dry most if not all my running gear.

[Kutter_0311]

I've been wearing SmartWool Lightweight Hikers for a few months now, and am generally quite happy with them. Gander Mtn keeps having sales, and they gave me a credit card, so they're more accessible than I had initially thought. Having previously lived in USGI boot socks, my heels had a hard, horseshoe-shaped rind around it. This faded after my first week in SW socks, and is now almost entirely gone.

Wet experience: One late-season range day, my buddies and I decided to get some use out of the 500yd range. This required walking all the way down to the targets and back first thing, and I was only wearing my Bates Lites desert/jungle boots. I was soaked over my ankles pretty quickly, but was surprised how soon my feet were back up to a comfortable temperature. My feet never felt cold except when they were in water, or when I had stopped moving them for 10+ minutes. As long as I was on my feet, walking around a bit, my feet were fine, even though I could feel water squishing between my toes.

Durability: As I mentioned, I wear these every day, and wear a pair for at least 3 days before changing them. Since I'm not working, I pretty much tend the kids and work around the house, sometimes in my boots, but most times in just socks. I'd rate the durability as 'moderate' as there are a few wear spots showwing on some of my socks after the last few months. This may not be as visible if I changed socks more often, like if I was hiking for a week.

[Blackdog]

Socks, gotta love them.

In the merino world I have come to really like Darn Tough socks. I find that they hold their shape a little better than Smart Wool and are a little more dense and durable. I have been using them for quite a while and haven't managed to wear a pair out although the first pair that I bought has gotten a little thin in the heals, still useable but a little thinner. For most of the year these are my favorites.

http://darntough.com/hike-trek-1405.html


P1010128 by mj1015, on Flickr


In anticipation of a trip "far north" this winter I have been experimenting with heavy weight socks. During a sale I picked up a couple pairs of these, Patagonia Expedition socks:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/expedition-weight-merino-hiking-mid-socks?p=50130-0-DRF-199&src=pfmxdf&netid=2&src=gps&mr:trackingCode=9DDE6047-19B3-E011-973E-001517384908&mr:referralID=NA#BVRRWidgetID

Dense, warm and snug, also insanely expensive. My plan is to layer these with either a pair of REI expedition socks and/or EMS summit socks along with a thin liner and a pair of felted wool insoles. Looking at an extended stay outdoors with lows in the neighborhood of -50, so screwing around with my little piggies is not really an option I want to screw with. These are big boot socks all the way. Testing these combos has been a sweaty affair as I haven't been able to get anywhere near the -50 scenario this year. Still everything has to fit and work.

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3650499&cp=3677336.11315463.11315755

http://www.rei.com/product/664970/rei-merino-wool-expedition-socks

In regards to the REI and EMS socks I give a slight nod to the REI socks but the EMS brand is good also.

Both have proved to be durable but the REI seems at least to me to be a little more comfortable. Again both of these socks are big boot socks.

I really don't have any durability findings on the Patagonia socks yet, but I will.

I know that the instructions say to wash all this stuff inside out. I may or may not remember to do that and it seems to have little or no difference that I can detect. I have a "European" washer and they tend to be a little more gentle on clothing than a North American top load washer so that may have something to do with it. Everything that isn't white gets washed cool so I have no recent knowledge of what happens to the socks in hot water. I don't own a dryer so none of these sock have visited the inside of one.

[Civilian Scout]

I know that the instructions say to wash all this stuff inside out. I may or may not remember to do that and it seems to have little or no difference that I can detect. I have a "European" washer and they tend to be a little more gentle on clothing than a North American top load washer so that may have something to do with it. Everything that isn't white gets washed cool so I have no recent knowledge of what happens to the socks in hot water. I don't own a dryer so none of these sock have visited the inside of one.

In my experience, turning them inside out greatly reduces pilling. This should have a long-term effect on their durability, as it helps keep surface fibers intact, but I have no scientific data to back that up.

[Kutter_0311]

OK, I had been wondering why I had to flip them outside-in, thanks!

I heard USMC picked up Darn Tuff(?) for their issued socks, at least for the A'stan mountains.

Have not heard much about those models, or the RAT boots bought for that same place.

Maybe we have an SME available, wait one...

[Doctorr Fabulous]

OK, I had been wondering why I had to flip them outside-in, thanks!

I heard USMC picked up Darn Tuff(?) for their issued socks, at least for the A'stan mountains.

Have not heard much about those models, or the RAT boots bought for that same place.

Maybe we have an SME available, wait one...

SME means Salty Marine Enlisted, right?

Yes, we do get issued RAT boots now for A-stan. I've never gotten socks issued though. I usually use some kind of Merino wool. Some units might by Darn Tuff, or they may be considering including them in the deployment issued gear. I know they do sell them in the exchanges.

[Blackdog]

I know that the instructions say to wash all this stuff inside out. I may or may not remember to do that and it seems to have little or no difference that I can detect. I have a "European" washer and they tend to be a little more gentle on clothing than a North American top load washer so that may have something to do with it. Everything that isn't white gets washed cool so I have no recent knowledge of what happens to the socks in hot water. I don't own a dryer so none of these sock have visited the inside of one.

In my experience, turning them inside out greatly reduces pilling. This should have a long-term effect on their durability, as it helps keep surface fibers intact, but I have no scientific data to back that up.

Makes total sense. I'm not suggesting that anybody not turn their socks inside out, I may in fact be suggesting that I take the massive amount of time to do so . I do always turn them inside out to field wash them.

[the_alias]

Great thread, Hall of Fame'd

[Pineslayer]

Wow, there are geeks for everything. I say that with love in my heart. My 2 cents, I live in the woods, work in the woods, and hike daily. For the past year or more I have been buying Kirkland brand Trail Sock from Costco. I rotate about 6 to 8 pairs through the sock drawer and they last about 8 months before the heel wears out. I put a lot of miles on them, being a logger by trade and an owner of dogs that require year round romping. They are comfortable and cheap, big pluses in my world. I wear Danner's most of the time, even in the winter when the temps drop ( elevation of 8500 - 9500) they keep my feet warm in uninsulated goretex boots, as long as I'm moving. In my Danner Raptors (400g Thinsulate) they work great at temps below zero. I have owned many brands, even the expensive ones, but these are a great deal for everyday use and at $2 a pair, why spend more. Made in the USA.

[SkidvonArk]

I haven't exactly tried a bunch of socks as far as for their "tactical" uses lol. But so far I've found the 5.11 socks to be pretty awesome, I wear a pair daily but I don't do a whole lot of hiking and whatnot so I can't really attest to their longevity. I am on my feet for most of the day as my job has me moving around a lot. They're by far the most comfortable socks I own.

[AKFTW]

Don't have time for a detailed review, but I have totally standardized on Thorlo Combat Boot socks. Yes, you read that right- every pair of socks I own. They are awesome for any and all weather, all day every day, and I never have to worry about finding matching socks ever again When one sock wears out, I toss it, and buy a new package every once in a while.

http://www.thorlo.com/socks/army-socks/over-calf/181.php

[Kutter_0311]

Don't have time for a detailed review, but I have totally standardized on Thorlo Combat Boot socks. Yes, you read that right- every pair of socks I own. They are awesome for any and all weather, all day every day, and I never have to worry about finding matching socks ever again When one sock wears out, I toss it, and buy a new package every once in a while.

You know, I did that when I was a grunt, and it didn't work so well sometimes. Granted, that was mostly in pretty hot weather, and made worse when gore-tex boots were mandated, but you don't run around in the tropics, so you should be fine, I guess. I've had much better success with SmartWool socks, though. That's what I have standardized right now.

[knightoftheroad]

rsnurkle,

thank you for taking the time to post pictures and to write this excellent hands-on review!
knightoftheroad

[knightoftheroad]

I picked up over the winter some white wool heavy socks that were advertised as U.S.GI/military issue.

One pair is the bog standard you see online...white wool sock made out of 75% wool 25% cotton with a loop padding inside.

Pass on these. They tend to flatten out, don't really stretch and seem to have shrunk despite washing them in cold water. They are probably a commercial copy-they are the type with the material content inked on the material.

The other pair was better. They are made by the Special-T Hosiery in the Carolinas. Package had military markings and the DSCP-apparently this is the DLA? Logistics supply to the military-I picked them up off Ebay.

They are similar to the copycat copy except that the material feels better and there is some elasticity to the fabric. Fabric is wool/cotton mix.

They are a thick heavy sock-suitable for use in rubber boots. If you were to try to wear these in regular leather boots you would have to increase your boot size. If you can get a pair cheap you might want to try them out. They are not Smartwool quality or design though.