Happy feet are here again...
So I have been a big proponent of high content Merino wool cushioned socks. Having worked years in the construction field, in boiler rooms, hiking throughout Arizona and Texas & riding motorcycles all my life. I have tried everything from the super cheap wool, to the ultra expensive SmartWool full cushioned heavy, which run $25 to $40 per pair.
So far, after 5 months of near daily use of the first few packages, those looked nearly like they did out of the box new. Today I received another couple packs.
I almost hate leaving this review, I do not want to see the price increase or stock depleted, that is how much I like these socks.
The knit is way tighter than any sock in the price range, the elasticity is great and the durability and longevity approach that of the expensive SmartWool socks.
There are a couple of simple things I do to care for them, extend the longevity, first is to turn inside out & wash on permanent press, warm/cold setting (though they occasionally do go through on normal cycle), I use pre-wash cycle & extra rinse options (soap and oils left behind can degrade any elastic & many synthetics), I then dry on normal or permanent press, depending on what I am washing with them, with wrinkle guard on, more for the other items, jeans/slacks. I also never use fabric softener. Fabric softener is full of oils, which not only degrade the elastic over time, but also negatively affects the moisture wicking properties, making the socks less comfortable and decreasing their life expectancy.
I still have some heavy duty SmartWool, but they are reserved exclusively for use in cold weather, snow mobiling, snow shoeing, skiing, etc. These are probably just as good there, we'll see next year, but for everything else, including use in motorcycle and cowboy boots year around, they cannot be beat in my experience.
