Offshoot from the winter gloves thread.
I have searched, but can’t find. There was a thread about good warm durable socks and one brand interested me - and we have a supplier that I looked up
when the thread was running.
I’ve got several Smartwool socks because I like the colourful ones, but they just don’t last in boots and the heel wears through. At $24.00 Cdn a pair they are pricey.
Anybody know what Im talking about?
oh, I know exactly what you’re talking about! Smartwools are warm, cute and expensive and last me one season, max. I second Darn Tough. They’re much more durable, and I know people for whom they’ve made good on the guarantee. No experience myself - which speaks volumes.
I buy the Costco multipak (4/$16.00) wool socks- women’s are nice for work, men’s great for barn and they last well.
I second demidq–CostCo socks are great. The womens wool socks come in pretty colors for about town and the mens are nice and thick for working outside. And they’re CHEAP. Depending on your CostCo, they might have sold out already though.
A friend has found the same mens socks at the Army Surplus store.
Thanks, Scarlet - that is the site and there is a stockist here near me.
Darn tough hands down. So worth the $$$
[QUOTE=Saskatoonian;9003147]
oh, I know exactly what you’re talking about! Smartwools are warm, cute and expensive and last me one season, max. I second Darn Tough. They’re much more durable, and I know people for whom they’ve made good on the guarantee. No experience myself - which speaks volumes.[/QUOTE]
Are the light or ultralight ones tougher in the heel than Smartwool? I don’t need a thick or cushioned sock, which is what I think gets me into worn out heel territory with Smartwools. They are so great otherwise, though.
I get these from Cabelas. They come in a four pack. I am REALLY had on socks (extremely dry nasty heels) and I have yet to wear out a pair of these. I wear them daily and some pairs are 6+ years old.
I have the same experience with Smartwool. Pricey, doesn’t last.
For Maine winters, I wear Darn Tough, Bridgedale, Thorlo, Fox River, or Point6 socks…whatever is on sale at www.sierratradingpost.com!
This is a good resource for American-made socks. Read the comments for more brands.
http://www.usalovelist.com/made-in-usa-socks-our-top-ten-source-list/
I have to smile 
I ask a simple question and in response we get all this fabulous information
that is so interesting and helpful – trust COTH.
I have a couple of pair of Fox River wool-blend socks that are in their third or fourth year. I wear them constantly. They are tough as nails and just starting to pill.
I’ve also purchased some Schmidt and Carhaart socks from Tractor Supply the past couple of years that have worn very well, too.
I always purchase crew-height, mid-weight socks with the cushioned foot. I’ve had the same experience with Smartwool. The heels wear out fairly quickly. For what it’s worth, I wear my winter socks all year long. I find my feet are much more comfortable in my wool socks in the summer than cotton.
[QUOTE=IPEsq;9003341]
Are the light or ultralight ones tougher in the heel than Smartwool? I don’t need a thick or cushioned sock, which is what I think gets me into worn out heel territory with Smartwools. They are so great otherwise, though.[/QUOTE]
If you’re looking for a lightweight wool sock, Defeet makes some pretty hard wearing ones.
I wear wool year round…Defeet lightweight in the summer, Darn Tough in the Winter.
I’m loving the Darn Tough socks, and I wear them year round. The original Smartwool socks lasted a long time, but the newer ones not so much.
I’ve also had good luck with Icebreaker socks.
Darn Tough are made in USA, Icebreaker are made in New Zealand.
Another Darn Tough fan sockhttps://darntough.com/. I wear them around the house as slippers after “boot duty”.
Carhart usually has good warm wool socks. I’ve still got the original 3 pr I bought probably 15 yrs ago! :eek: They will not die.
Also, the only really great product I’ve ever found at TSC are the wool socks. I think the brand name is Fox River or Fox something. They are tan and have a thicker foot bed than most socks. Only problem is they pill very fast.
[QUOTE=Dutchmare433;9003727]
If you’re looking for a lightweight wool sock, Defeet makes some pretty hard wearing ones.
I wear wool year round…Defeet lightweight in the summer, Darn Tough in the Winter.[/QUOTE]
I have a lot of Defeet socks, but I’m specifically looking for tall boot socks. The only tall wool socks Defeet makes are ski socks with padding.
These are my very favorite winter socks, but as you can see, this time of year they are always sold out. I have to remember to buy what I want by November or pickings get pretty slim. You can also buy them at Sierra Trading Post or Backcountry and their stock generally holds out longer. Of course I have only ever worn out one pair in the past 10 years but I like to get different colors.
http://www.woolrich.com/woolrich/details/ten-mile-wool-crew-socks/_/R-22531
I got 2 pair at least 4yrs ago at Target - Columbia brand maybe? The have a “CG” logo on the soles.
I rotate the 2 through Winter, wearing a pair until they can practically stand alone, then wash & back into the rotation.
They are still soft, warm < but not too warm & amazingly (for me) the toes have not worn through.
I know I paid a lot less than $20/pr, because I am that cheap. Probably closer to $10.
my Thorlo medium hiking socks have held up many years over many long distance hikes
they also come light and heavy weight for your different insulation needs
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