Five on Friday: Five Wool Socks for the Summer

By: Levi Opsatnic

Socks in the summer? Well, that doesn’t always need to be a dreadful statement. Necessary, in my opinion, to keep anyone in closed toe shoes happy, socks are an integral part of your outfit, even whenever it’s hot, humid, and you’re looking at spending the day hiking ten miles.

Some people wear them high, some don’t ever want em’ to even come near their ankle bone, and others just don’t care how they fit as long as there’s at least some wool in them. If the phrase “socks in the summer” scared you, then “wool socks in the summer” may cause you run and hide in the nearest closet. However, don’t worry, you and your feet will be just fine in some wool socks regardless of how hot it is outside.

Drawing predominantly on the use of merino wool, most of the socks you’ll find at Appalachian Outdoors contain at least some merino in them, even the socks made for running on days over 100°. If you’re scratching your head as to why anyone would want to wear anything wool in the summer, then pay attention to this next part. Merino wool offers a wealth of benefits to its wearers. Some of the main things that it does that really no other material can do is wick away moisture to keep you dry, breathe even whenever you’re in hiking boots for hours on end, and (this one’s unexplainable but incredibly awesome) is naturally antimicrobial. If you can show me a cotton sock that you can wear for five days without fear of foul odors or sweaty feet, then please let us so we can put it on our shelves.

Whew, that was a bit of a long rant about wool; I’ll call it quits for now, and all of the guys out there can check out these five socks to keep their feet all sorts of happy this summer (ladies, we’ll get you next week).

1. Wigwam Mills Rebel Fusion No Show II Socks

rebel-fusion-no-show-ii-sock-lt-grey-lg

Maybe you want to rebel against socks and their weird tendency to hang out somewhere close to our calf, well if that’s your thing, then the Rebel Fusion No Show II Socks from Wigwam Mills are just perfect for you. Designed to disappear in your shoe, these socks are low, light, and always ready for fun. Made almost entirely from a stretchy nylon and merino wool, these socks work to keep your feet feeling comfy, smelling fresh, and free from annoying moisture. With the Rebel Fusion No Show II Socks, it doesn’t matter what’s on your agenda, you’re sure to stay happy.

2. Fits Sock Co. Performance Trail Quarter Socks

Fits Sock Co Performance Trail Quarter Socks

Fits Sock Co. really focuses on one tremendously, often overlooked aspect of socks. And simply put, it’s the “fit” of a sock. With a delicate attention to detail, the Performance Trail Quarter Socks from Fits Sock Co. hugs your feet perfectly and keeps you nice and comfy regardless of what activity you’re getting into. A construction consisting of a bit more than fifty percent merino wool, these socks do all the great things that merino wool does, and then  just a bit more.

3. Smartwool PhD Run Light Elite Micro Socks

Smartwool PhD Run Light Micro Elite Socks

If socks were allowed to attend college, it’s pretty safe to say that Smartwool’s PhD Run Light Elite Micro Socks would have graduated magna cum laude from Harvard. Crafted from with a generous amount of merino wool and with a 4 Degree Elite Fit System, these socks hug your feet in all the right places, while letting your feet breathe, smell good, and remain comfortable. If you haven’t already, let your feet join the elite group and grab a pair of Smartwool socks.

4. Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks

Like hugging a friend after a decade apart, Darn Tough’s Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks comfortably embrace your feet and calves as if you’ll never see them again. Offering a seamless design, light cushion, and just enough merino wool, these socks keep your feet nice and comfy no matter how long the road is ahead of you. Perfect for hiking, but equally perfect for putzing around, the Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks can do it all.

5. Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultralight Crew Sock

Smartwool PhD Ultralight Crew Socks

If their PhD Run Light Elite Micro Socks graduated magna cum laude from Harvard, then Smartwool’s PhD Outdoor Ultralight Crew Socks graduated summa cum laude (I only say that because I’m a tall sock guy; they’re both equally intelligent socks). Resting securely on your calf, these socks use a construction full of merino wool and that same 4 Degree Elite Fit System to keep your feet feeling great from the start of the day to its end. Add in a bit of ventilation, and the PhD Outdoor Ultralight Crew Socks have everything that your feet need.

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  1. Pingback: /Explore | Five on Friday: Five Women’s Wool Socks

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