smartwool extra cushion hiking socks

But again, youd be hard-pressed to find more merino for less, making REIs Merino Wool collection an excellent value for most casual outdoor-goers. Materials: 39% Coolmax, 58% nylon, 3% LycraCushioning: MediumWhat we like: Five-toe design can help with hotspots.What we dont: Takes longer to put on than other socks and can spread out the toes. It's true, they aren't tall enough for all hiking boots, but they're a great pairing with ankle-height hiking shoes or trail runners (and importantly, they offer considerably more coverage and protection than no-show designs like the Balega above). In addition, it does not soak up water to the extent that merino does, allowing it to dry faster. If youre hiking in hot places like Utah or Arizona in lightweight hiking shoes, you may want to consider an ultralight hiking sock. They also wear well around the house and under your favorite pair of shoes, provided theres enough room. They still wont last forever, but the Run Zero Cushion is a nice option for summer when you dont need serious padding and thickness. Another concern is long-term durability, which is largely a result of the fairly minimal padding. In normal temperatures your feet will sweat, and despite merinos impressive ability to wick moisture, you will get unwanted dampness. Finally, this series also includes thinner, ultralight quarter socks ($12), as well as higher-riding crew options ($14-$16).See the REI Coolmax EcoMade Lightweight. Importantly, Swiftwick lists the Pursuit Four as having medium cushioning, but weve found that its noticeably thinner and more breathable than options like the Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion and Balega Hidden Comfort above. The obvious compromise is a drop in breathability, but the extra padding and insulation are great for winter outdoor activities and those who prefer maximum support and impact resistance (again, be sure to take your boot size into account, as these socks add considerable bulk). What we dont: Lacking in plushness and everyday appeal. Finally, we really like the height, which lands between a quarter-length design and traditional crew-cut models (wed categorize it as close to a 3/4-length crew). For warm-weather hiking, trail running, and casual use with your sneakers, a minimally padded sock makes a lot of sense. Materials: Inner layer: 70% polyester, 26% nylon, 4% Lycra; Outer layer: 71% polyester, 24% nylon, 5% LycraCushioning: LightWhat we like: Great protection from blisters.What we dont: Not very cushioned. As their name implies, over-the-calf socks rise higher than crew socks to just below the knee. Materials: 77% Coolmax EcoMade, 22% nylon, 1% spandexCushioning: LightWhat we like: Around $5-$10 cheaper than the merino competition.What we dont: Holds onto stink more than wool. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. All that said, there are some inherent drawbacks to the Wrightsocks two-layer construction. In terms of construction, theyre made from 56% merino wool (10% less than the Darn Tough) and have the same traditional look and feel as the brands popular Classic Hike Light Crew but with a noticeable boost in warmth and cushion. But if the performance characteristics appeal to you, the Flite XT Trail is an undeniably quality option and one of the most intentionally built designs here.See the Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Two. In the end, heres our take: If blisters and hotspots are a major issue for you, it may be worth giving the Injinji a shot. Finally, for those looking for synthetic material that is kind to the environment, check out Coolmax EcoMade (seen in the REI Co-op Coolmax EcoMade Lightweight), a polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. Weve also begun to see more companies utilizing recycled materials, including Smartwools recently updated Performance line that uses recycled nylon and socks made with CoolMax EcoMade, which is a polyester made from recycled plastic bottles. As with all heavyweight socks, youll want to take your boots into consideration before buying to ensure you have enough room. High-density knitting creates excellent padding and breathability for virtually any 3-season outdoor activity. Materials: 51% merino wool, 46% nylon, 3% LycraCushioning: LightWhat we like: High-quality design that is sourced and made in the U.S.What we dont: Less merino and pricier than the Smartwool Performance Hike Light above. This style also crosses over well to wear with running shoes. Alternatively, socks like the Wrightsock Coolmesh II above have two-part designs that essentially blend the two components together, and Wigwams Arbor NXT Crew takes a similar approach by knitting an inner lining into the design. Even lower than quarter-length are no-show socks. At $30 and with very little merino in the build, the Sockwell Circulator is fairly pricey for the mix of materials you get. Materials: 46% merino wool, 51% nylon, 3% elastaneCushioning: UltralightWhat we like: Light and breathable design is great for summer hiking.What we dont: Minimal cushioning impacts comfort as the miles add up. We think you can go either way here in terms of line or machine drying, but keep in mind that you may get slightly more pilling and shrinkage in the dryer.Back to Our Top Hiking Sock Picks Back to Our Hiking Sock Comparison Table. They just dont tend to have the same durability issues as other merino products and the warm dryer has a nice way of getting the socks back to their original shape. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. If youre regularly putting in the miles and want to try something a little different, give the Sockwell Circulator a look.See the Men's Sockwell Circulator Socks See the Women's Sockwell Circulator Socks. Quarter (1/4) height hiking socks cover the heel and ankle but dont extend up the leg as far as crew socks. For starters, the synthetic material holds onto stink more than merino. Compared to REIs Coolmax sock above, Darn Toughs version is better-made and offers a much closer fit (the downside is a jump in price). Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. And some of the Coolmax models like the Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew provide excellent breathability for adventuring in hot conditions. For long-distance trekking, peak-bagging, and other mileage-heavy pursuits, some hikers and backpackers now turn to compression socks to improve blood flow and help with overall support. These socks are soft, wick moisture well, and offer sufficient padding for most moderate hiking and backpacking with added reinforcements in friction-prone areas like the heel, toe, and footbed. And in use, weve suffered no discomfort, and the separation has left our toes dry even after long and sunny days on the trail (although the Midweight sock here runs warmer than their Original Weight models). Merinothe namesake wool from a highly prized type of sheep that lives predominantly in harsh mountain environments, including New Zealands Southern Alpsis extremely comfortable, wicks moisture well, and does a nice job of breathing and regulating temperature. Materials: 56% merino wool, 42% nylon, 2% elastaneCushioning: HeavyWhat we like: Durable, cozy, and cheaper than the Darn Tough Hiker Full-Boot Cushion above.What we dont: Less merino than the Darn Tough and runs very hot in summer temperatures. We've tested the full array of styles in varied conditions from the heat of Utahs Canyonlands to the snow of Washingtons North Cascades, and below are our picks for the best hiking socks of 2022. Most of our favorites are made with merino wool, which has become the standard-bearer in socks and performance outdoor apparel in general. With cozy seamless construction, high-quality merino wool, and a lifetime warranty to back it up, Darn Tough socks simply are the best. For the purposes of this section, we are evaluating overall sock thickness (ultralight, lightweight, midweight, etc.) Materials: 32% Drynamix, 11% nylon, 3% neofil, 2% elastaneCushioning: MediumWhat we like: The most low-profile socks on our list and very comfortable.What we dont: Minimal coverage and no wool. All told, these socks are well built, impressively durable, and highly comfortable for long days in frigid temps. In general, we strongly prefer merino wool over polyester. Merino Wool You cant overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: They keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. These socks are a nice option for hot-weather hikers, and like our favorite merino models, they are snug-fitting, well cushioned, and do not stretch with use. Hiking pants can be quite thin, so the extra cushion is helpful, and particularly if youre wearing shorts on all but the easiest of trails, crew is the way to go. Our favorite model for hiking and backpacking is the Micro Crew Cushion. Further, the Circulator comes up to just below the knees, which helps with coverage and protection when venturing off-trail but isnt everyones cup of tea. Smartwool used to be synonymous with hiking socks, but over the past few years Darn Tough has taken the lead. Smartwool still cant match Darn Tough's lifetime guarantee (although two years is pretty good), but we think the updates to the new Performance collection are positive and give them a leg up in some areas, including fit and plushness.See the Men's Performance Hike Light See the Women's Performance Hike Light. For more information, see our hiking sock comparison table and buying advice. This isnt a bad thingDarn Tough socks can really take a beating (hence the name). All that said, there are some downsides to be aware of with the Injinjis unique design. Other popular brands like Stance, Feetures, and Farm to Feet also have strong lifetime guarantees, with the latter two brands also offering full refunds (with proof of purchase). We prefer 1/4 socks for most of our outdoor endeavors simply for the added coverage, but shorter socks, like Balegas Hidden Comfort, are undoubtedly lower-profile and have appeal for those looking to minimize bulk. By covering more of your leg, they can be a great option for hiking off-trail through high grass or brush, or in cases where you need extra warmth. Finally, the Flite XT Trail is on the less breathableend and has led to sweaty feet in temperatures above around 60 degrees while hiking and running (theyre best suited for active use in cooler weather). The focus on sustainability has been increasing in the outdoor industry over the past several years, and hiking socks are no exception. The materials are considerably thinner than the Darn Tough above, even in critical areas like the heel and toe box (although there is some reinforcement at the toes). If youre sold on the benefits of merino but are looking to save, the REI Merino Wool Ultralight Crew hiking socks are just the ticket. Minimalist hikers and those out in the heat of summer may prefer 1/4 socks like the Darn Tough Quarter Cushion, which work well so long as you arent wearing boots with high ankles (you may end up feeling some friction) and dont need protection from abrasions. Smartwool, for example, has soft and comfortable socks but weve noticed holes developing more quickly than they used to (the recent change to Indestructawool has helped). We tested the low-top shoe version through everything from early winter conditions in the Pacific A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Technically billed as trail running socks, Swiftwicks Pursuit Four is an excellent all-around performance pick. We included one compression model on our list abovethe Sockwell Circulatorwhich is a nice match for those who want a bit of added snugness and security on the trail. Hiking socks have gotten fairly expensive in recent years, which has made their warranties a noteworthy part of the buying process. All that said, if youve exhausted all other options and want to give them a try, a liner sock could be a viable way to boost padding and protection between your foot and shoe. Materials: 56% merino wool, 42% nylon, 2% elastaneCushioning: LightWhat we like: Performance fit and now made with recycled materials.What we dont: Can't match Darn Tough's lifetime guarantee. Made with fabric constructed from recycled plastic bottles, these socks provide a soft next-to-skin experience without the usual environmental burden of polyester (REI has been strong of late on the sustainability front). With these hiking socks, you get all of the comfort, moisture-wicking ability, and odor protection of crew-height socks, but in a trimmed-down form. The crew and quarter-height socks above cover the heel and ankle, but no-show designs like the Balega Hidden Comfort ride even lower. There also are a handful of up-and-comers like Stance that are a slight step down in overall comfort but have more attractive styling that many hikers appreciate. If youre wearing low-riding hiking or trail-running shoes, a no-show sock should rise just above the collar and still offer padding and protection between your ankle and shoe. In this category, there currently are two key trends: wool that is certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and the use of recycled materials. We feel that this is the optimal height for hiking: Crew socks dont make you excessively hot and offer some added lower leg protection from brush and rocks. And if you like the design but prefer more coverage, Wrightsock makes the Coolmesh in a crew-height version for $17 (both models strike us as a decent value).See the Wrightsock Coolmesh II Quarter See the Women's Coolmesh II Lo Quarter. Finally, youll often find shorter or more limited policies from budget-oriented brands. Both socks run too warm for most sub-alpine summer outings, but if your itinerary includes logging considerable mileage above treeline, the Hiker Boot Full-Cushion is a proven option that should last many seasons.See the Men's Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion See the Women's Hiker Boot Full-Cushion. Its true that quality hiking socks are priceythey generally run in the ballpark of $20 per pairbut all of the options below are tough enough for trail duty and made to last. The fit is super comfortable, not overly elasticized around the arch or forefoot, and doesnt bunch or create pressure points. Darn Tough socks arent the softest but we have had no issues to date with holes with either their Micro Crew or Quarter Cushion, which is frankly pretty amazing. Right off the bat, well note that Injinji socks are a far cry from the more traditional designs above, and the polarizing looks will be enough to deter many hikers. It also detracts from the socks ability to fight odorsthey get smelly faster than alternatives like the Darn Tough Micro Crew and Smartwool Performance Hike Light above. Durability is brand specific and weve seen changes throughout the years even among the same manufacturers. There are a dizzying number of hiking socks on the market, but Swiftwicks new Flite XT Trail collection stands out as one of the most feature-packed and purpose-built options on our list. If you want to try them out, make sure to pair your liner and sock accordingly: You should use a merino liner with a merino sock or a synthetic liner with a synthetic sock. Cotton, on the other hand, is heavier, absorbs moisture, and doesn't dry when wet. Todays backpacking sleeping bags offer not only exceptional warmth for their weight Smartwool Run Zero Cushion Ankle Socks ($19), See the Women's Smartwool Run Zero Cushion, REI Coolmax EcoMade Lightweight Hiking Quarter ($14), See the Women's Darn Tough Quarter Cushion, See the Men's Darn Tough Hiker Boot Full-Cushion, Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew ($23), See the Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight, REI Co-op Merino Wool Ultralight Crew ($16), Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks ($16), See the Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew, Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew ($23), See the Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion, Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion ($23), Sockwell Circulator Compression Socks ($30), See the Women's Sockwell Circulator Socks, Darn Toughs heavyweight Hiker Boot Full-Cushion, 77% Coolmax EcoMade, 22% nylon, 1% spandex, 32% Drynamix, 11% nylon, 3% neofil, 2% elastane, Inner: 70% polyester, 26% nylon, 4% Lycra; Outer: 71% polyester, 24% nylon, 5% Lycra, 39% nylon, 23% merino wool, 23% Olefin, 12% polyester, 3% spandex, 37% nylon, 34% Coolmax, 26% acrylic, 2% Lycra, 1% other, 32% merino wool, 32% stretch nylon, 31% rayon, 5% spandex. We have multiple pairs in our sock drawer that are used both for outdoor adventures and around town, and we rarely have to replace them. Finally, compression socks in general are more popular among the ski and road cycling communities (where the tech has more of a potential impact on recovery), but some hikers find the boosts in security and added performance worth the slight cost penalty. Its incredible how many times weve put our hiking socks through the washer and dryer and had them come out feeling and fitting like new. And its taken some time to get used to the feeling of having each toe separated in our hiking shoes, although the slight awkwardness did fade after a short time. Many companies sell both mens- and womens-specific socks, but in most cases, there are no major performance differences between the two. The density varies by sock as welljust because the REI Merino Wool Ultralight Crew socks are 72 percent merino doesnt mean they are the highest-quality option.

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