The Best Smartwool Socks for Any Adventure

Whether I’m getting ready to run, hike, snowboard, or just lounge around the house, I’m always digging through my sock drawer to unearth a pair of Smartwool socks. I’m not sponsored by the company in any way, I just love these socks.

I love my cushy Smartwool over-the-calf snowboarding socks, my thin and breathable Nordic skiing socks, and I especially love my cute, crew-length trail running socks that have never, ever, given me a blister. But I think the best thing about Smartwool socks is their versatile ability to go from Clark Kent to Superman and back. Any sporty pair meant for high-octane activity can add style to an outfit for dinner out. And any pair meant for everyday wear can step in and perform comfortably for any sweaty sport.

The magic lies in Smartwool’s genius blend of sustainably sourced, odor-fighting merino wool that feels soft and supple and wicks sweat away from skin, combined with nylon and elastane for durability and shape retention.

Smartwool socks perform like the pros, but they arguably look even better. The prints and patterns on longer-cut models strike a balance between classic and fun. Simpler styles, like low-ankle socks I wear for road running, both feel and look good when worn with sneaks approved by my cooler-than-me teenagers.

If you’re new to Smartwool or haven’t yet fully matched my level of obsession, come on in—the water’s warm (and so are the socks). Here are some of my favorite Smartwool styles to pad your sock drawer:

Trail Run Print Crew Socks

I’ve been pulling on various beautiful versions of the Trail Run Print Crew Socks for years. Smartwool periodically launches a new design—sometimes after partnering with an artist or an ultrarunner for inspiration—and I love every one. The prints add fun, subtle color to what can be an otherwise boring or muted trail running outfit.

Not only does the crew-length keep trail debris (like dirt and pebbles) from sneaking inside the socks, but the wool fibers and just-right thickness have kept me blister-free and perfectly temperature-regulated in a wide range of conditions and seasons for years. I also wear these with dress boots and feel like I have a secret weapon, keeping my feet perfectly comfortable.

Run Low Ankle Socks

I wear these Smartwool socks on road runs or in other situations where I don’t want my socks making me look like a dork. I’ll pair them with everyday sneakers, for example, when I want a sock with only a subtle tab showing. They breathe well, feel comfortable, and manage sweat, both when I’m running or wearing them casually.

The Run Low Ankle socks with targeted cushioning under the ball and heel of the foot feel good to old feet while pounding pavement, without being bulky. They fit tighter around the arch of the foot, which feels slightly supportive, and the thinner, mesh-like fabrication at the arch seems to help with breathability. I also appreciate the zero-cushioning version when I want only a thin, airy layer between my foot and the shoe, such as when racing or doing speedwork.

Over-the-Calf Snowboarding Socks

I love the design of my beautiful Smartwool Snowboarding Socks, but I love how they keep my feet warm and comfortable down to single-digit days on the chairlift even more. When I’m riding, the full cushion of these over-the-calf tall boys still allows power transfer from my feet to my boots, while the targeted cushioning, especially at the front of my shin, keeps me comfortable for long days out. Sometimes, I admit, I wear these socks riding multiple days back-to-back (don’t judge me). They dry overnight, and they don’t hold stink (not that my feet stink after a day of hard riding…).

I’ve recently tried the new Intraknit Ski Sock and Snowboard Sock for uphill and backcountry riding and skiing. Their unique cuff shape effectively delivers a breathable, performance fit, and the butterfly wrap around the navicular bone and ankle provides targeted support while skinning. I will 100 percent be wearing the Intraknit Ski Socks with my knee-length dress boots (and the thicker Snowboarding Socks for outings like walking the dog in sub-freezing temps).

Everyday No Show Socks

Smartwool’s Everyday socks bridge the gap between technical performance and low-key style. This versatility offers both understated style and exceptional comfort in daily wear but these socks can be worn for all sorts of sporting activities in a pinch. I’ve worn them while hiking, running, Nordic skiing, and even snowboarding, when I forgot to pack a pair of snowboarding-specific socks or my sport-specific socks were just too dirty. The hard-working mix of merino wool with nylon and elastane has kept me warm and blister-free during all these activities. It’s also kept me cozy doing nothing but putting together a puzzle by a fire.