Socks

Recent Sock Reviews

Smartwool Expedition Trekking Socks

Have been my “go-to” hiking sock for years! Quality is top-notch and they last for A LOOONG TIME! I have both the Smartwool branded, as well as the now extinct L.L. Bean branded version of these socks. If you compare them side by side the ONLY difference is the branding on them. Smartwool in white. LL Bean written in red. They are fantastic socks. They offer enough padding to protect your feet, while also taking up a little additional space in your boots if you need it. They keep my feet warm… Full review

Bridgedale Hike Ultra Light T2 Boot

A well-cushioned pair of hiking socks that are designed for warmer temps. The cushioning makes for a very comfortable wear, while the non-wool Coolmax fabric (polyester) doesn't quite wick moisture as I had hoped. Still, a very comfortable and durable sock that is best worn during low-to-moderate energy-burning activities. Conditions I’ve worn the Bridgedale Hike Ultra Light T2 socks in a wide range of temps and conditions from April to October in the mid-Atlantic, USA. From cold, wet hikes to… Full review

Bridgedale Hike Lightweight T2 Boot

A well-made pair of socks that have ample cushioning, but run a little warmer than I had expected. The non-wool Coolmax technology has its pros and cons, but is overall favorable. Best worn when hiking in cooler temperatures. Conditions:I’ve worn the Bridgedale Hike Light Weight T2 socks in a wide range of temps and conditions from April to October in the mid-Atlantic, USA. From cold, wet hikes to midsummer humidity, I’ve worn the socks on countless occasions with four different pairs of footwear—sandals,… Full review

Skinners Sock Shoes

Is it a sock? is it a shoe? Yes! Skinners sock shoes might be a new category in outdoor footwear. I recently acquired some Skinners Sock Shoes. What? They are basically a sock covered on the sole with a protective rubber polymer. I believe that this might be new category of outdoor footwear. I'd say they offer more protection that a sock and perhaps less protection than a minimalist shoe. I suppose the closest comparable footwear might be minimalist footwear like FiveFingers Shoes, Merrell Trail… Full review

Bridgedale Men's Hike Lightweight Boot Coolmax Comfort

Lightweight and cool enough for summer use for those like me who have hot feet. Good for hundreds of miles of blister-free walking. After boots, socks are probably the most crucial decision any walker, hiker, or trekker will make yet they are seriously underrated. The humble sock is a vital piece of kit and deserves a great deal of consideration to find the right pair. I learned the hard way… I ended up abandoning a long distance trail after two days because I thought I could get away with a… Full review

NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks

Provides good warmth in wet and cold conditions. I've packed these on my last four years of doing an event that takes you across the Bob Marshall Wilderness in May, but never felt the need to use them, so they stayed in the pack. This year we experienced a lot of cold rain (temps in the 30's and 40's), more snowshoeing than any year past, and with the normal amount (lots and lots) of fording icy creeks/streams/rivers, so I tried them. I used them in conjunction with a very thin merino sock—think… Full review

NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks

Versatile sock for wetshoes and sandals. Fit is good, but fairly thin, so not super warm. Great for mild water conditions. Used these socks in Keen sandals during a three-week rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. On the raft, in the water, on hikes, they did well. Very comfortable fit. Easy to get off and on. They are socks not booties, and have no soles and provide no traction. They are for use inside footwear of some type. The material is fairly thin and isn't intended for cold conditions. A thicker… Full review

Swiftwick Pursuit Four Sock

Swiftwick is as good as it gets for scent-free, blister-free comfort, wicking, and durability. Updated!! I have owned Swiftwick socks of one variety or another for five or so years now. I've worn them up and down several Cascades Volcanoes and they are now my go-to light hiking and running socks. Test Conditions: I received two almost identical sets of Swiftwick socks about four months ago and I have included them in all my fitness, trail runs, gym workouts and hikes in the hills. It's been long-pants… Full review

Balega Blister Resist Quarter

Balega's Blister Resist Quarter is a hybrid mohair and synthetic sock from a company that does a great job with running socks. Great wicking properties help keep your feet comfortable. Smooth material doesn't tend to chafe. They tend to show wear by looking "fuzzy" but that's cosmetic—no notable thin spots or wear. Slightly more bulky than a typical running sock. OVERVIEW By calling this a "blister resist" running sock, Balega is pretty clearly pushing the narrative that this sock is somehow better… Full review