Smartwool Men's PhD Outdoor Light Crew Socks

excellent all-arounders
March 12, 2012

Somewhat "techy" for socks, but fit and finish is excellent (as are most Smartwool products). Comfort and support were similarly outstanding during my first day's wear which included a number of hours of both airline travel and substantial urban walking. Perhaps the only drawback (if it can be called that) is that the external graphics may preclude their use as a business or dress sock in some situations. Long term wear is an unknown at this point, but other Smartwool socks have been quite long lasting (short time I've had them is only reason for slight downgrade on durability, so speculation alone lowers the rating).

nice Socks
January 08, 2012

This was my first pair of hiking socks. Before, I just wore regular socks during hikes and noticed that my hiking shoes started becoming abrasive and my feet would start hurting after about 2 hours. I contemplated getting a new pair of hiking shoes but decided to see if hiking socks would remedy the situation. Recently, I went on a 3 day campout with my friends. We hiked down a mountain and back up again. It was very primitive, steep and rough terrain - very hard on the feet. I wore these socks the whole time with my hiking shoes and felt as if I were walking on a cloud! They are very breathable, comfortable and never smelled. Great product!

Best Socks - Ever
October 19, 2011

When a sock slides over your heel as you put it on and it just sort of embraces your foot, you know it is a good sock and a good fit. I have a large foot, size 15, but the XL sock fit perfectly, without being too tight. The material has a nice stretch, and does not roll or bag. Wearing it all day was a pleasure, my feet stayed cool and dry, even during a long walk. The design is ingenious, with cushioning where it is needed, and thinner material where padding is not appropriate. I plan to buy more, if they are still in stock.

great socks
October 16, 2011

I have been wearing smartwool PhD socks for the past 5 years throughout the year for commuting to work by bike. Has a great snug feel and good durability. I took advantage of a sale to add a couple more to my collection

Socks with a PHD
October 14, 2011

Socks with a name? Sounded funny, but now I understand. These are not your grandfathers socks! They are unbelievable. Thicker where you want it, thinner where you do not want it. Great fit, and super comfortable! I will be buying more, and will be using my current socks to polish my car!

Such a good quality pair of socks!
October 12, 2011

If you are into outdoor activities and looking for a pair of socks, this is definitely the one you should get! I wear shoes size 9~9.5 and Large fits perfectly well. It is very comfortable, has good heel support, and is really warm. I got one for myself and one for my girlfriend, and we both love it!

June 13, 2011

These socks are awesome. I am getting rid of all my plan cotton socks and switching over to the wool. So much more comfortable. I highly recommend them to anyone who is just not satisfied with what they currently have. I doesn't matter if you work in the office or are a triathlete, you want to be comfortable.

Don't delay - BUY THESE NOW!
May 15, 2011

I could not have imagined what I was missing, even after reading the other reviews, even though they were what pointed me towards these socks. Comparing these to cushioned cotton socks (from an unnamed warehouse store), was almost ludicrous - there is absolutely no comparison. The comparison was done using my new pair of Scarpa SL M3 Wide boots (still under review). The first day I wore the SmartWool PhD's. When I put them on, I noted the fit - the 4-Degree Fit claim is absolutely true - the support in each area seemed perfect. The Scarpas are a leather backpacking boot, and breathability is not exactly what you get from a top-of-the-line lighter hiking boot like the TrekSTA Evolution. Regardless, the socks did a superb job wicking, and moving moisture away from my feet. The next day, I wore the Scarpas with the Cotton socks.... and I wished I had not. My feet were NOT kept dry, and felt clammy and almost sticky. The odor at the end of the day was not pleasant. I am planning some serious backpacking trips (ergo the Scarpas) and wanted to test the multi-day abilities of the PhD's as well. I rinsed them in the sink (sorry, honey) and left them inside out to dry. The next morning they felt dry, so on my feet they went, for another day at the office with the Scarpas. They performed well, and felt the same as the first day, so that night I turned them inside out, but did not rinse them. They passed the sniff-test the next morning without problems (that alone makes them worth the price), and on my feet they went for another day walking the halls of the workplace. This third day was also passed in comfort, dryness, and lack of odor, but I went ahead and washed them anyway (I don't use the dryer for my wool clothing, letting them flat dry or line dry, as appropriate) I did not feel the need to compare the merits of the SmartWool PhD's vs. the cotton socks further. Now I just need to get more!

March 25, 2011

most comfortabe pair of socks I have ever purchased. My feet feel like they"re getting a massage when i put them on. Would highly recommend them, and Altrec.com was a great place to purchase.

December 16, 2010

Great socks. the fit is tight, which is good as they stay in place without the elastic sag common in some socks. very comfortable. quickly becoming an outdoor, travel, day-to-day staple in my life.

nice socks
December 05, 2010

I've been wearing these socks daily for work. They fit true to size, but are a little firmer around the top of the foot than the Smartwool Hiking Crew socks. They are comfortable and seem durable. I think I may have thrown them in the wash with something else that has velcro because they came out fluffy, like the fibres have been pulled away. Overall, they are great socks that I have recommended to friends and I will buy more.

Great sock
August 18, 2010

Good item. I keep buying them, as they are an every day standard for me.

The best
June 27, 2010

Excellent socks! Comfortable, don't get sweaty like cotton socks and are not itchy ( and I even have a wool allergy!) I have Smartwools that have lasted 10 years I hope these last as long!

Love my socks!
June 04, 2010

You might would think wool would be hot but not so. My feet are never damp in these socks. I love the fit as well.

Great sale deal for recommended product
June 03, 2010

I read about these socks in Army Times as being the favorite socks for the troops in a test unit in the mountains of Afghanistan. They are light weight and well padded. They breath better than any other pair of boot socks I own. Great on the hard marble floors at work.

Best socks ever for anything!
March 29, 2010

My entire family loves these socks. I even bought some thinner ones to wear on a day to day basis. The are perfect for keeping your feet dry.

kind of pricey but worth the expense
March 22, 2010

Great socks. After wearing them my feet stay nice and dry.

BEST general purpose outdoor sock
December 30, 2009

Sock is designed to fit tight enough so as to not need liner - and it succeeds very well... very comfortable. Use for hiking.

All-around perfect fit
December 08, 2009

Tight where it should be, without that "squeezed arch" feeling. Loose where it should be, so you can wiggle your toes. Taller than it appears in some photos here.

Comfort
December 07, 2009

Always superior comfort!