The Best Wool Socks:
What makes a great wool sock, the best wool sock?
Not all socks function the same. The primary role of socks is to help ward off sweat.
Here are the main factors when considering the best wool socks for you:
Comfort: Merino wool has itch-free fibers. Do you remember or have you seen the raggy-wool socks used by your grandparents? The well known Merino have one important advantage-they control the surrounding temperature.
Odor Protection: antibacterial properties that fight odor
Blend: the blend of a sock should be at least 30% wool. Wool content varies. A blend of for example Merino wool and AlPaca performs well. It can keep you as warm as a Siberian Husky.
Durability: longevity is something to look for in a wool sock. Fibers should respond to washing in a way that supports protection of the sock.
Moisture Management: the surrounding environment remains dry and this prevents blistering and chronic skin fungal infections
Other properties: there are a few cutting-edge companies that have been augmenting the wool sock as we knew it. A gradient that is internal to the sock can change how it responds to moisture. Wool has the built-in feature of absorbing moisture and we can add elements that will create a micro-environment.
The 5 Best Heavy Wool Socks Alternatives to SmartWool:
Making a decision about a wool sock is subjective. It varies from person to person. With that being said, we'll go through 5 different brands of socks. There are a ton of products out there and not all socks are suitable for you.
By using this decision matrix you can decide on a great wool sock that save you time, frustration and money.
The Care Remote Sock is an Advanced Textile Boot Sock. It has a lot going on and it's designed to really support your legs and feet.
Comfort: it is soft and comfortable next to the skin
Odor Protection: as we know wool already has some protection that will evade human smell. Care Remote socks have an antibacterial which is 100% Organic and All-Natural so it's great for the environment.
Blend: we use an AlPaca and Merino blended sock to extend the properties of Merino wool.
Durability: fibers refresh and reshape after washes. This is due to the internal structure of the sock which allows it to last longer.
Moisture Management: Care Remote wool responds a bit differently when they come into contact with water. The wool forms a concentration gradient that almost acts like a shield to keep the feet dry.
Other properties: thinner, it comes into medium weight and heavy weight. The medium weight can be used as a liner in cold weather. The HEAVY WEIGHT WOOL allows you to stand in cold water for up to 3 hours without a care in the world. The socks is a multi-wear sock so there's no need to change between activities.
If you're gungho about warmth try a medium weight liner under a Heavy Wool sock. You may have to experiment to get that ideal pair up for hiking, hunting, fishing etc.
A good wool sock should do what wool does. If you don't need all of the bells and whistles you can look for a traditional wool.
But, if you're looking for a sock that will meet the 5 criteria that we've gone through above I would consider any of the socks above. I like to approach this from a need/want perspective.
If you have issues with cold feet, wet feet, odor, comfort or socks falling down the socks listed above are slightly different. And they should be used in a way that will support their design.
Care Remote: We understand that wear and tear is a normal part of the owning a garment and everything will eventually wear out. Care Remote will replace the sock, if you have any issues no questions asked.
SmartWool
SmartWool has existed for a while. They offer a variety of socks. The wool is a Merino wool that is ZQ-certified.
Comfort: it is soft and comfortable next to the skin
Odor Protection: odor is absorbed into the Merino fiber. Interestingly, the odor molecules become trapped in the wools fibers and cannot be detected by human scent. This true across most Merino Wool socks.
Blend: the ZQ Merino is a pure wool sock.
Durability: there wasn't too much information on longevity and durability of the sock. The wave-like shape accounts for it's softness. After washings the ZQ Merino in SmartWool's sock should keep its shape, color and feel.
Moisture Management: the fiber is a technical fiber that regulates temperature. Merino was compared to a half-man made fiber and it showed that the Merino side was drier.
Other properties: ZQ proposes that wool was created by nature and it protects sheep against extremes ranging from freezing weathers to scorching summers. "Wool has inherent properties and that makes a good choice for humans as well."
Again these are pretty much natural properties of Merino. SmartWool is one of the top contenders. In this article we'll give you an overview of the best wool socks. Our 'alternatives socks' are based on criteria that cover most aspects of a quality sock.
Let's move on...
DeFeet
A cycling sock. DeFeet specializes in cycling socks. The Aireator is the original DeFeet sock. When it comes to cycling socks it's the cream of the crop. Pricing is good. The sock is named after the mesh weave foot top. It's design allows it to breathe and moisture wick. The Wooleator and the Woolie Boolie are the wool socks.
Comfort: Wooleator is non-padded and handles all 4 seasons well. If you expect moisture this may be your sock. Woolie Boolie is padded on the entire heel and foot bottom. They may be too tight if you have cycling shoes on.
Odor Protection: odor is absorbed into the Merino fiber. Interestingly, the odor molecules become trapped in the wools fibers and cannot be detected by human scent. This true across most Merino Wool socks.
Blend: a thin sock that is non-padded.
Durability: very durable
Moisture Management: it's structure supports moisture wicking very well.
Other properties: open mesh weave airflow, durable
Again these are pretty much natural properties of Merino. SmartWool is one of the top contenders.
Let's move on..
Cabela's
Cabela's is a top brand. They're on top of trends and changes in technology. A wool sock from Cabela's is a good bet.
You probably fish or hunt and you're looking for a decent sock. Cabelas doesn't specialize in socks and it does offer a wide array of products.
It's socks selection is good and if you're looking for a pair of wool socks for the season this could be your choice.
Comfort: it is soft and comfortable next to the skin
Odor Protection: odor is absorbed into the Merino fiber. Interestingly, the odor molecules become trapped in the wools fibers and cannot be detected by human scent. This true across most Merino Wool socks.
Blend: wool which is thick. I would opt for the medium weight if possible.
Heavy Wool is an option yet, sometimes as lighter weight can be beneficial.
In the video below Cabela's Deer Nation talks about the importance of having a thinner sock:
Durability: there have been some complaints about durability and that they wear out easily.
Moisture Management: the fiber is a technical fiber that regulates temperature. Merino was compared to a half-man made fiber and it showed that the Merino side was drier.
Other properties:
Overall these socks are warm. And this depends on the setting. They are also thick so it may be difficult to get your boots on.
Darn Tough
Darn Tough make a good sock. People like the comfort and quality.
Comfort: it is soft and fits well.
Odor Protection: antibacterials
Blend: Merino is a pure wool sock. Darn Tough works closely with suppliers to provide, only sustainably sourced Merino Wool from sheep that are not exposed to the practice of mulesing.
They support the development of the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), an emerging international standard that protects animal welfare, provides assurances that farmers follow sustainable land management practices, and ensures traceability throughout our entire supply chain.
They are shifting to their material base to RWS-certified Merino Wool.
Durability: there wasn't too much information on longevity and durability of the sock. The wave-like shape accounts for its softness. Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee on their socks. You can just send them back and they'll issue a refund.
Moisture Management: the fiber is a technical fiber that regulates temperature. Merino was compared to a half-man made fiber and it showed that the Merino side was drier.
Other properties:
Again these are pretty much natural properties of Merino.
Care Remote Socks: a new pathway
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