Having been a user of various styles of Smartwool socks for the last few years I have now reached the point where all of my non-smart socks have been relegated to the very bottom of the sock drawer. Despite the fact you could probably buy 3 pairs of low-grade wool socks for the same price as a single pair of Smartwool ones the expense is soon forgotten once the superior comfort has been experienced for the first time!

This is probably the first point to make about Smartwool socks – they are exceptionally comfortable to wear. Thanks to the wicking and insulating properties of merino wool your feet are kept both warmer and dryer than cheaper alternatives. Even when making the notoriously boggy walk up Mosedale to Esk Buttress, despite the odd soaking my feet felt dry and ready to climb by the time we reached the crag. I have also taken to using Smartwool socks on multi-day caving trips. Despite having wet feet for hours on end my feet have definitely stayed in better shape compared to the lower quality socks which I had previously used. The Merino wool fibres from which Smartwool socks are made are very fine – 20% of the diameter of a human hair. This means that despite having rather sensitive skin I have never found Smartwool socks to be itchy. It’s probably also worth bearing in mind that not all Merino wool is equal – a supposedly Merino wool baselayer that I foolishly purchased from Aldi for only £10, certainly didn’t turn out to be itch free!

A major advantage of wool over synthetic fibres, especially for those sharing a tent with a partner of a sensitive disposition is in its well known non-smelly properties. This is partly down to its wicking abilities, and partly down to the anti-bacterial properties of wool. Whilst this is clearly not of critical importance it can make camping trips pleasanter when drying you socks out overnight.

With regards to durability I have found that a pair of Hiking Medium Crews (the style I wear most of the time) typically lasts me for about 2 years of use (not continuously obviously). Although this is clearly not exceptional the socks do hold their shape very well throughout this period. This is clearly a major plus point as a good foot shaped fit is obviously very important – baggy socks which ruck-up are more likely to rub and cause blisters. I have also had no problems so far machine washing these socks at a low temperature, although I don’t doubt they would last longer if hand washed (frankly I can think of better things to do in the evenings!).

All in all, despite not being the most exciting items in the shop, they are one of my favourite products and I doubt that any first time purchaser will be disappointed with them.

Purchase Smartwool socks here.