The Bottom Line
Wool is the best natural fiber for socks, but had its drawbacks until SmartWool made wool socks better. They process the natural wool to make it into itchless and machine-washable and dryable socks. Wool keeps your feet dry by allowing the sweat vapors through before it becomes wetness on your skin. That helps prevent blisters. You don't need a liner sock with SmartWool, wear them by themselves for walking comfort.
Pros
- Itchless natural wool socks
- Machine washable and dryable
- Wool keeps feet dry and comfortable
- Designed for walkers
Cons
- None
Description
- Natural fiber itchless wool socks
- Light padding at the heel and ball of foot where walkers need it.
- Compression zone at arch for foot support.
- Machine-washable and machine-dryable.
Guide Review - SmartWool Walking Socks
SmartWool walking socks are designed for walking. They have cushioning at the heel and ball of the foot where walkers feel the most impact with each step, but waffle knit at the arch so you don't have extra bulk where you don't need it. SmartWool is itchless - they process the wool to take out the part of the fiber that causes the itch. They are machine washable and dryable for convenience. SmartWool walking socks come in natural white (actually a buff color), gray and black, and in mini-crew and crew lengths.
Smartwool socks provide natural moisture-management. To prevent blisters, your feet must be kept dry. Wool allows the sweat moisture to escape while it is still a vapor, so it never collects moisture next to your skin. Smartwool is natural wool made better, a great natural sock fiber.
These socks are excellent for winter walking, they provide insulation without thickness. I wore them for a walk at near freezing temperatures with a chill wind and my feet never felt cold - nor too hot.
I found a slight amount of shrinking upon washing. If you are near the top of the size range you may want to go up a size.
