WALKING GEAR | Make Your Feet Happy With Smartwool Merino Hiking Socks – Review

August 16, 2021 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Homepage Feature, Outdoor Gear Reviews, Reviews, Sponsored Product/Stay

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On test today, Smartwool socks designed for the trail with just enough padding in all the right places, made using Merino wool for great technical performance. How do they perform on a summer mountain hike?

What is it?

Features

Indestructawool™ technology with extended durability zones
4 Degree™ elite fit system for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit
Additional body-mapped mesh zones for added breathability
Virtually Seamless™ toe for enhanced comfort
Comfort welt with ‘stay put’ fit
Women’s specific fit
55% Merino Wool 12% Nylon 30% Recycled Nylon 3% Elastane

What I thought

Socks are probably the most humble piece of attire we routinely use and most of us put little thought into these mostly hidden items of clothing. Nevertheless, the wrong pair of socks can lead to hiking mysery and in the past I’ve worn the wrong socks on a hike and out on runs and have come limping home with blisters.

The wrong socks really can hinder performance, whilst the right socks will provide cushioning and comfort, helping you to keep going in greater comfort for longer.

**The photo on the right shows the generous padded heel area**

I’ve been hiking for years and learned the hard way, that some socks just don’t cut it, and whilst finding the right socks for you can be down to trial and error, I’ve found that it’s all about two key things. The right amount of padding, in the right places along with moisture-wicking ability so your feet don’t get hot and sweaty.

Merino wool is used in a lot of high-end outdoor clothing and for good reason too. Not only is it very soft, but it helps to regulate your temperate and it wicks away sweat, so in terms of technical performance, it makes a great choice, whilst ethically, it’s natural and sustainable, so it’s full marks all round.

When hiking in the summer it can be tempting to wear thinner socks, or even to choose regular everyday socks in the belief that something thicker will lead to you overheating in your hiking boots.

Truth is, thin socks on long summer hikes are not a great idea, resulting in sore feet and blisters, so even in summer, I always wear proper hiking socks.

Smartwool hiking socks — **The full height of the socks when pulled all the way up**

My Smartwool socks have been worn on short canal-side bimbles, muddy dog walks and on longer mountain hikes and they perform brilliantly.

My favourite hiking socks until now have been my Falke TK2 Ribbons socks, but they are quite short by comparison. The Smartwool socks offer better padding and they are a bit longer too, providing greater protection from brambles and such like and the extra length makes them more suitable for those that like to hike with their trousers tucked into their socks.

The cushioning on these socks is enough that you can feel it there, and adds a bit of a spring to your step, but not so much that it makes the socks feel bulky or like they alter the fit of your walking boots.

The best test for them so far was a recent hike in Snowdonia. It was really warm and whilst my body was overheating, my feet stayed cool, dry and comfortable throughout the entire hike.

The verdict

These socks are padded in all the right places, are extremely comfortable to wear and I found they were brilliant at stopping my feet from overheating on warm hikes.

I know that paying more than a few pounds, even for hiking socks can seem like overkill, but both of these pairs of Smartwool socks have now joined my must-have list of hiking gear.

I really do think they are worth every penny and would have no qualms in purchasing more in the future.

DISCLOSURE | Thank you to Smartwool who supplied the featured product to us to test. We were not paid to write this review.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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