Smartwool Socks Secrets: Merino Wool, Recycled Nylon & More

Smartwool Socks at Blister Prevention

We're thrilled to announce a new addition to our lineup that's bound to elevate your active lifestyles: Smartwool socks! We've heard you loud and clear - you want woollen socks for your outdoor adventures and your day-to-day! So we've teamed up with the best of them all, Smartwool, to make it happen. Made in the USA from natural and recycled fibres, Smartwool socks are renowned for their unbeatable quality, comfort, and advanced features designed to keep you moving in style.

smartwool logo

Whether you're hitting the trails for a hike, pounding the pavement on your daily run, or simply tackling the everyday hustle, we've got you covered with Smartwool socks in a variety of categories to suit every need. From the Hike collection, Run collection, plus the cozy Everyday Socks perfect for, well, every day, there's a pair for every occasion.

Get ready to experience unparalleled comfort, durability, and performance like never before. We're excited to embark on this journey with Smartwool and to continue supporting your active endeavors every step of the way.

Read on for more details on our Smartwool sock offerings and get ready to step up your sock game to the next level!

Sock Architecture

Smartwool socks architecture

PERFORMANCE: Smartwool’s Performance socks represent the highest degree of performance, leveraging decades of sock-making expertise. These feature additional technologies like lndestructawool'" technology, a patent-pending Merino wool-based durability construction, and our 4 Degree'" elite fit system for maximum in-shoe comfort. Athletes who require a higher level of comfort, fit, and durability choose the performance Smartwool socks.

CLASSIC EDITION: Over 25 years ago, Smartwool introduced Merino wool socks and forever changed how outdoor enthusiasts look at their feet. The Classic Hike sock is one of the best-selling apparel items in the outdoor industry and the starting point for relentless innovation in comfort and performance. The Classic Edition is for outdoor enthusiasts looking for the most comfortable sock for all their outdoor activities.

EVERYDAY: The Everyday collection is the foundation of Smartwool's versatile 'wear everywhere’ socks. They combine the performance and feel of Merino wool with comfort-focused features and everyday style to create a better overall unisex sock. The everyday range is perfect for people looking for exceptional comfort and style for everyday life.

Sock Technology

Let’s look closer at the tech that goes in to Smartwool socks.

smartwool socks technology

- 4 Degree™ Elite Fit system

Smartwool's most advanced proprietary fit system is found in all of their Performance socks. This locked-in, secure-fit platform ensures less slippage and more summits - helping to keep your sock in place for better flex and recovery.

- lndestructawool™ Technology

This isn't just something Smartwool added to their Performance socks, but a different way to build them. lndestructawool technology is a process that places the right materials in the right places to create a stronger, nylon-reinforced exterior while keeping Merino next to skin.

- Shred Shield™ Technology

Shred Shield technology reinforces the toe cap with minimal cushioning, to combat excess friction from the top and front of toenails. It increases durability by 3x and is found in all of our zero cushion, 200-needle Performance and Everyday socks.

- Made in the U.S.A.

Every single pair of socks we make is proudly produced in the U.S.A. from imported yarn.

- Recycled Nylon

As part of our ongoing sustainability efforts, Smartwool is using recycled nylon in all their Performance socks to cut down on environmental impact without sacrificing performance. When they add other materials to their Merino wool, they want to do it as responsibly as possible. Well done, Smartwool!

- Virtually Seamless™ Toe

Smartwool have smoothed out the toe seams for ultimate in-shoe fit and comfort. This technology is found in Performance and Everyday socks.

- ZQ Merino™

Smartwool partner with the New Zealand Merino Company-which developed ZQ-certified wool to ensure the wool they use has the highest standards of environmental, social, and economic sustainability while safeguarding animal welfare.

- Women's Specific Fit

Women's feet are like a slice of pizza, and men's feet are like 2x4s. They need different cuts of socks. Smartwool's industry-leading women's specific fit is crafted to provide more comfort and performance for women, with its narrower fit and shallower heel.

- Extra Stretch Calf

Smartwool have engineered extra stretch in the leg of their socks to accommodate wider calves. This feature will provide greater stretch around the calf of the sock to deliver more comfort without sacrificing a stay-in-place fit.

Wow, that's a lot of tech and details!

Choosing Your Fit

Smartwool socks come in various sizes, heights and degrees of cushioning. Use the images below, and the following descriptions to find your perfect Smartwool sock.

Smartwool socks heights
Smartwool Socks cushioning specs
Smartwool socks sizing guide

Blister Prevention's Smartwool Socks Range

Let’s look closer at the specifics of the Hike, Run and Everyday socks available in our store. Here’s how Smartwool describe their socks to help you choose the best for you.

MEN’S HIKE

1. Men's Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks

Smartwool Men's Light Cushion Ankle Socks

Perfect fit. Powerful durability. That’s what you get when you put on our Hike Light socks— formerly known as PhD Outdoor. Featuring our top sock technologies, dialed-in fit systems, updated mesh zones, and extended durability zones, we’ve upgraded these hiking socks to help you push any summit or enjoy any trail in absolute comfort. Light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot to bring more comfort to your favorite low-cut hiking shoes.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Ankle
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 58% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 29% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane
  • SIZES: M-XL

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
  • Buy here

2. Men's Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks

Men's Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks

With a mid crew height and a comfort welt with “stay put" fit, the Performance Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew shows just enough of its personality above the shoe while protecting all of your comfort inside of it. This sock features Indestructawool technology for increased durability, updated mesh zones for less pressure, and a 4 Degree elite fit system to match your foot just right. Plus, with the comfort of responsibly sourced Merino wool, these men’s wool socks will elevate any hiking experience.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Mid Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 56% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 29% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
  • SIZES: M-XL

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
  • Buy here

3. Men's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Men's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Perfect fit. Powerful durability. That’s what you get when you put on our Hike Light socks— formerly known as PhD Outdoor. Featuring our top sock technologies, dialed-in fit systems, updated mesh zones, and extended durability zones, we’ve upgraded these hiking socks to help you push any summit or enjoy any trail in absolute comfort. Light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot to bring more comfort to your favorite low-cut hiking shoes and the addition of recycled nylon makes for a more sustainable sock construction. Go farther in ZQ-certified Merino wool hike socks.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 57% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 28% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
  • SIZES: M-XL

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
  • Buy here

4. Men's Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks

Men's Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks

Our Hike Full Cushion Crew socks, formerly PhD Outdoor, use cushioning on the entire sock to help maximize warmth and protection. These responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool hike socks are built with our top sock tech, including Indestructawool technology for enhanced durability, our 4 Degree Elite Fit System for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit, and our Virtually Seamless toe for maximum in-shoe/boot comfort. We’ve updated our hike line by improving mesh zones for additional breathability, as well as creating a new ply structure that reduces pilling while enhancing hand-feel and comfort. Not to mention, our best-feeling, best-fitting hiking socks are now made with recycled nylon—making these socks more sustainable than ever.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Full Cushion
  • CONTENT: 63% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 23% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane
  • SIZES: M-XL

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
  • Buy here

5. Men's Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Socks

Men's Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Socks

Our Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew socks focus on comfort and durability, so you can go farther on every hike. Responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool keeps things soft, while recycled nylon keeps it all sustainable. And full cushioning on the entire sock adds the warmth and protection you need and love. Stay cozy out there with our updated Classic Hike socks.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Full Cushion
  • CONTENT: 66% Merino Wool, 8% Nylon, 25% Recycled Nylon, 1% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-XL

Features

  • Our first sock construction, only now featuring recycled nylon (content varies by style)
  • Elasticized arch brace for a secure fit
  • Flat knit toe seam for additional comfort
  • Buy here

 

WOMEN’S HIKE

1. Women's Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks

Women's Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks

Perfect fit. Powerful durability. That’s what you get when you put on our responsibly sourced Merino wool women’s Hike Light socks. Formerly known as PhD Outdoor, these socks feature our top sock innovations and women’s-specific fit, updated mesh zones, and increased durability, we’ve upgraded these hike socks to help you push any summit or enjoy any trail in absolute comfort. Light cushioning along the entire bottom of the foot offers a snug fit in your favorite low-cut hiking shoes. And the addition of recycled nylon makes for a more sustainable sock construction.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Ankle
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 57% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 30% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-L

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
  • Buy here

2. Women's Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks

Women's Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks

Our new and improved Hike Light socks, formerly PhD Outdoor, offer a women's-specific fit and bring you enhanced features to maximize comfort and help you get after it at the highest level. We’ve extended the durability zones to make them cover even more of the sock-offering the same comfort with even more strength. And updated mesh zones help improve breathability without sacrificing the perfect sock fit. Less pressure. More performance. Add these features to a lightly cushioned sock that already provides the highest degree of comfort, fit, and durability, and it’s never been easier to go far and feel good.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Mid Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 56% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 29% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-L

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
  • Buy here

3. Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Women's Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Perform with the power and comfort of ZQ-certified Merino wool in our Hike Light Cushion Crew socks—formerly known as PhD Outdoor. We’ve updated our best women’s hiking socks to include more sustainable materials with the addition of recycled nylon, improved durability and mesh zones, and an even more perfect fit. But, don’t worry. Our fan-favorite sock technologies aren’t going anywhere—offering you all-day comfort and natural performance in a women’s-specific fit. A crew height helps add coverage on the trails and light cushioning along the entire bottom of the foot helps keep you comfortable when the ground isn’t.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 58% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 27% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-L

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
  • Buy here

4. Women's Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks

Women's Hike Full Cushion Crew Socks

With a revolutionary 360-degree printing process, we can add flavor and style to any women’s Merino wool hiking sock. This one can help you express your love for the outdoors, camping, and hiking. With full cushioning on the entire sock for added protection and warmth, you can feel cozy during any trek—as well as at the relaxing post-hike campfire gathering.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Full Cushion
  • CONTENT: 62% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 24% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-L

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
  • Buy here

5. Women's Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks

Women's Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks

Over 25 years ago, we invented the original Merino wool performance sock—the Classic Hike. The Classic Hike remains mostly unchanged and certainly unmatched in comfort. But today, it’s getting upgraded. And that upgrade starts with recycled nylon—adding more sustainability to our favorite socks. They’re also made with responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified wool that was grown with a focus on ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability while also taking the best care of our Merino sheep.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Crew
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 66% Merino Wool, 7% Nylon, 26% Recycled Nylon, 1% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-L

Features

  • Our first sock construction, only now featuring recycled nylon (content varies by style)
  • Elasticized arch brace for a secure fit
  • Flat knit toe seam for additional comfort
  • Buy here

 

MEN’S RUN

1. Men's Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks

Men's Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks

Running can be grueling, but that doesn’t mean it has to be completely uncomfortable. With our Men’s Zero Cushion Low Ankle run socks, you get the comfort and durability that will help make every mile feel good. From the Virtually Seamless toe to the breathable mesh zones and from the Indestructawool technology to the Achilles heel tab to reduce slippage, this sock offers purpose-driven features that help you get the work done. So if you’re ready to hit the trail, the pavement, or the treadmill for some good old-fashioned training miles, be sure your gear includes the sock that will help you stay comfortable for the long haul.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Low Ankle
  • CUSHIONING: Zero Cushion
  • CONTENT: 50% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon, 21% Recycled Nylon, 4% Elastane
  • SIZES: M-XL

Features

  • Indestructawool™ technology with extended durability zones
  • 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit
  • Mesh zones for added breathability Shred Shield™ technology reduces wear from toes
  • Virtually Seamless™ toe for enhanced comfort
  • Achilles tab prevents sock from slipping into footwear
  • Buy here

WOMEN’S RUN

1. Women's Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks

Women's Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle Socks

Our Women’s Run Zero Cushion Low Ankle socks offer the comfort and durability that will help make every mile feel good. Indestructawool and Shred Shield technologies increase the sock’s durability, while the 4 Degree elite fit system. Virtually Seamless toe, women’s specific fit, and breathable mesh zones increase its comfort. No matter if you’re hitting the trail, the pavement, or the treadmill for some good old-fashioned training miles, be sure your gear includes the sock that will help you stay comfortable on every stride.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: Low Ankle
  • CUSHIONING: Zero Cushion
  • CONTENT: 46% Merino Wool, 29% Nylon, 22% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-L

Features

  • Indestructawool™ technology with extended durability zones
  • 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit
  • Mesh zones for added breathability Shred Shield™ technology reduces wear from toes
  • Virtually Seamless™ toe for enhanced comfort
  • Women's specific fit
  • Achilles tab prevents sock from slipping into footwear
  • Buy here

 

EVERYDAY SOCKS (UNISEX)

1. Unisex Everyday Cushion No Show Socks

Unisex Everyday Cushion No Show Socks

ZQ-certified Merino wool makes these men’s no show socks naturally soft, odor-resistant, and breathable. But that’s not all—they’re also chock-full of other comfort features, like a seamless opening that reduces pressure points, an internal gripper for a secure fit, a supportive arch brace, and light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot. For a day at the office or a day around town, these socks are built to make your feet feel good.

Product Details

  • HEIGHT: No Show
  • CUSHIONING: Light Cushion
  • CONTENT: 71% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 18% Recycled Nylon, 1% Elastane
  • SIZES: S-XL

Features

  • Internal gripper at heel to secure sock fit Light cushioning under foot for all-day comfort
  • Virtually Seamless™ toe for enhanced comfort
  • Shred Shield™ technology reduces wear from toes
  • Seamless opening reduces pressure points and enhances comfort
  • Supportive arch brace
  • Mesh zones for added breathability
  • Buy here

Smartwool socks with Altra shoes

Feedback

We are incredibly grateful for your feedback and support. Your trust and enthusiasm inspire us to continually strive for excellence in providing the best products for your blister prevention and foot care needs. Please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know how you're getting on with Smartwool, or any other products and solutions you'd like us to provide.

Wrapping Up

With the introduction of Smartwool socks to our range, we are thrilled to bring you a brand synonymous with quality, comfort, and innovation. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to enhance your comfort and style. We look forward to accompanying you on every step of your journey with Smartwool socks.

 

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