More questions about socks.

I've worn both and like both. The problem for me with Thorlos is that they are bulky, especially in the toe area. I wear smart wool socks almost exclusively now. They are expensive but they do last. Longer than Thorlos. At least that is my experience. I think smart wool socks breathe better too. I try to buy them on sale and generally pay $15 or less.

I have used both. Both good brands. I prefer Smartwool, as they do wear well, don't smell, and generally conform to foot. I have boot length Thorlos that seem to stretch out more. I would suggest going to a store and trying the smartwools to get the right size. Some of them look really thick and heavy, but compress a lot.

Yes they are expensive. I have only bought them from retailer like Sierra Trading Post or REI when they are on clearance or deep discount.

Smartwool is a brand and really nothing beyond a good, wool sock. For years I have able to buy a merino wool sock at Sams for a third of the price and nearly identical performance. In fairness, I have not seen them this year at Sams. Since I have about a dozen pair I am good for a couple of years.

I used to like Thorlos for hiking but got bad blisters on one particularly tough hike. Now it is only merino sox, by Smartwool or Icebreaker. I find them at a discount at Sierra Trading Post or REI Outlet. Never paid full price.

I like Smartwool socks but tend to get the dressier styles and they have worn out quickly. I have better luck with pairs holding up that have some wool but other fabrics as well. The bulkier smartwool socks that I have held up better but I can't wear them with all shoes.

Lots of people recommend the wool socks at Costco, but I have not tried those yet as they are a more athletic style.

I have a number of pair of Smartwool no show socks for summer and love them for travel. I agree with Frank that what you want to look for is the Merino wool. Last year I got about 2 3-packs of merino wool socks from Costco (Kirkland brand) for around $12.99 per pack. It may have been 4 pr in the pack, I can't remember, but I have seen them at Costco again this year. Sorry I don't remember the specifics, just know they are comfortable, wear and wash very well and are an inexpensive way to try the merino wool out. I will say that after a year there is some pilling of the fabric but I believe that is from sleeping in them, lol. I also have Thorlo walking and hiking socks from before I found the merino wool and they also pill from sleeping in them. So far the crew part of the costco socks has held up better than the Thorlos which after a while lose the stretch at the top and won't stay up. They are fine if you wear them in ankle-high hiking boots as the slump is not noticeable. Not so much in athletic shoes.

I also feel the merino fit better and are not as bulky as the Thorlos but feel as cushy as the thicker socks. BTW, I am slightly allergic to wool and normally find it itchy to wear. I do NOT have any itching with the merino!

So, tell Santa to get his sleigh to Costco (I know he has a membership card, lol) and pick up a pack of those socks for a trial.

Does anyone have advice on non-wool socks that wick as well as Smartwool? Or at least better than cotton?

I cannot wear wool next to my skin. No, not even Smartwool or merino. :-) I get hives.

I tried some Nike Dri-Fit socks and they seemed OK but not miraculous the way some people talk about SmartWool.

Any recommendations?

Smartwool are my favourite socks--great colors and designs, well-made and top quality make them worth the cost. I have both medium and thick ones, depends on the shoes/boots I'm going to wear and the season; the very short ones are great in warmer weather but generally I like mid-calf the best. I also like Wrightsocks, the double-layer is great insurance against blisters.

Go to a sporting goods or outdoor store and check out their selection. Sometimes there's also a box of socks available for use when trying on shoes. Then shop for price or wait for those after-Christmas sales.

I seem to recall a posting by someone who was disappointed with the latest Costco socks but I haven't been able to find it.

Does anyone remember such a posting or has old age crept in again?

I have and really like Smartwool socks. Wear them all the time as my feet are always cold even in Hawaii. I too look for Merlino wool. I have both lightweight and heavier weight Smartwool socks and only buy them when they are on sale.

I usually buy the REI house brand of merino wool socks, which are usually a few dollars cheaper than Smartwool. They are pretty much identical to the Smartwool. I mostly go for the light hiking socks, although I keep a few pairs of the lighter and heavier weights.

And, yes, I think they are worth every penny. I wear them year round ... or at least as long as the temperature is below 90 degrees.

I'm another non-wool person. I can't tolerate it in any form, or anything like it touching me anywhere next to my skin except...

Much to my surprise I've found that I can wear Sockwell Circulator knee high compression socks. I had a few pairs before I checked the fiber content and learned that they were 32% merino along with the 32% stretch nylon, 31% bamboo rayon and 5% spandex. Mine are medium compression and along with my boots, they sure help to keep me on my feet for hours of walking and standing.

They're pricey but they wear like iron and I've never had a blister. I hang them to dry after washing, but they can handle an occasional whirl in the dryer on trips.

Wow! I'm always impressed with the responses I get here. So the consensus seems to be that merino wool is best, and that prices can be flexible. Okay, my plan then is to tell Santa I want one pair of Smartwool (or another brand) of merino wool socks, and then wait for our local Costco to open in the spring. We don't have an REI either, yet; it's being negotiated. (I know all this is available online, as well. But Santa gets frustrated with online shopping.) Thanks for your advice. My Thorlos are holding up well; I've only had them since September, but I wear them every time I go walking or hiking.

Thanks again.

I don't tolerate wool in any form. What has worked well for me is the Wrightsock coolmesh brand. They have two layers, and I have never gotten a blister in years of using this brand. You can find them online or at stores like REI. They wear well, and they don't stretch out.

Thanks for the suggestions of Sockwell Circulator and Wrightsock coolmesh brands. I think I will try the Wrightsock first since I haven't ventured into compression sock territory yet. I will keep them in mind though in case I want to try out a compression sock.

Thank you!

Jane, the Costco socks will be a seasonal item and will most likely be gone by spring when yours opens but look for them starting in August or September!

Thanks, Pam. And all the rest of you, as well.

Speaking of Smartwool, the NY Times has offered a ringing endorsement so sales should skyrocket

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/13/magazine/letter-of-recommendation-smartwool-socks.html?_r=0