Thickest, warmest wool socks?

[mr.loverman]

Any recommendations for warm winter socks for snowshoeing and similar activities?

Preferably 80% wool or higher.

 

[Gus]

Check out Smartwool brand. They make a heavy weight for winter hiking and best of all, they are knit to fit nicely.

 

[CaptainApathy]

As Gus mentioned Smartwool makes socks in a variety of weights. You can also check out Darn Tough, Scott Nichols (though their socks may be better for a cold walk to the office), and Corgi. Of the bunch my favorite for warmth and comfort would be Smartwool, Corgi for design.

One word of caution: do NOT put wool socks in the dryer, nothing will kill them faster.

 

[FlyingMonkey]

Another vote for Smartwool. My experience is that they don't seem to suffer from the dryer at all - so long as you don't put it on the hotter settings.

 

[cocostella]

Smartwool. Have had many different weights and heights. All go in washer and dryer without any problem for many years.

 

[double00]

also smartwool , and i also dry with no issues long term .

 

[mhip]

I'm Team Darn Tough...

 

[cocostella]

Used both on HST thru-hike and will say though I’ve only had a few DT models, they perform equally to SW imho.

 

[Gus]

Hiking wearing medium weight Smartwool socks and low cut trail shoes this morning with temps in the teens and wind chill 9 degrees. My feet were warm.

I toss my Smartwool socks in the dryer, no problemo.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

For what it's worth, possum merino socks probably are superior to any pure wool socks for winter outdoor activities.

 

[dieworkwear]

I'm currently wearing American Trench's alpaca socks. They're pretty thick and warm. I'd compare them well to Smartwool socks, but I only have one pair of those and can't speak to the whole range.

 

[dddrees]

As Gus mentioned Smartwool makes socks in a variety of weights. You can also check out Darn Tough, Scott Nichols (though their socks may be better for a cold walk to the office), and Corgi. Of the bunch my favorite for warmth and comfort would be Smartwool, Corgi for design.

One word of caution: do NOT put wool socks in the dryer, nothing will kill them faster.

If you buy Darn Tough which is warrantied for the life of the sock you needn’t worry about it. All you have cover is the cost of shipping the socks back to the factory. They will issue you a coupon for the amount you paid at the time of purchase so you can order a replacement. I typically wait until I have two to three pairs I need to replace before sending them back. They really do last a good long time so it’s well worth it in my opinion.

 

[whipcord]

The Smartwool mountaineer full cushion socks are super thick and warm, so thick that I cannot wear them under any of my shoes or boots so they are pretty much house socks. I'd have to size up on footwear to fit them.

 

[dddrees]

The Smartwool mountaineer full cushion socks are super thick and warm, so thick that I cannot wear them under any of my shoes or boots so they are pretty much house socks. I'd have to size up on footwear to fit them.

To be honest I have yet to test any of my Darn Tough Socks in extreme cold for an extended period of time because the need isn’t there but they have performed for the hour or so that I need. But after 4 years of rotating 5 crew socks over the course of a 5 day work week I started developing holes in my Darn Tough socks. Of course this had to do with not only wearing but washing them every week as well and for 4 years in my experience with socks this is real good. I sent them to Darn Tough and they gave me full credit for time of purchase towards new socks. Smartwool maybe great socks as well but according to their website they only warranty their socks for two years. Personally at $30.00 for a pair of socks if not more for either unless there’s a substantial difference between them in warmth I’m choosing the socks that comes with the warranty for life and not just two years.

 

[nick682]

Darn Tough mountaineering are the thickest and warmest socks I've ever came across.