Gary_Yngve Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I bought a couple pair of Smartwool full-bootlength socks a year ago from Sierra Trading Post. I wear size 9-10 shoes, so I bought size 9-11.5 socks. Especially when I'm skiing or frontpointing, the ankles tend to slip down, leaving about 3-4 inches of sock bunched at the toes by the end of the day. I'm also noticing some thinning and tearing on the lateral ankle part of the sock that seems abnormal to me. I can't return them to Sierra Trading Post where I bought them because it's been a full year. I called Smartwool and the customer service lady jerked me around before finally giving me a shipping address to send the socks (but no guarantees on if I'll get replacements (in a better size?). Anyone had any luck with Smartwool's customer service? Or noticed any similar issues with their socks and sizing? Quote
eternalX Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I've noticed the same thing with smartwool. While trying on boots at rei last week i got hooked on the rei brand wool socks and bought a pair. Used them this weekend and really liked them. Quote
TimL Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I've had no problems with all my pairs. How long do you expect a pair of socks to last? For regular use, a year is a fairly long time for a pair of socks to last. Quote
bunglehead Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 Yeah, no shit. My socks are shot after a year. Smartwool or not. Quote
marylou Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 Never a problem with Smartwool. If you like wool, you might also try Dahlgren socks. Quote
dryad Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I find that it helps to buy socks several sizes smaller than what's written on the package. The right size socks always end up too loose and sloppy and get bunched up in weird places over a day's hike. I wear a women's size 7 shoe, and the most comfy socks are the ones where the package says size 4-5 or something like that. Smartwool kids socks work great for me, and save a few bucks. This is one of the few instances where it's nice to be a midget. Quote
Gary_Yngve Posted August 16, 2004 Author Posted August 16, 2004 I've had no problems with all my pairs. How long do you expect a pair of socks to last? For regular use, a year is a fairly long time for a pair of socks to last. I have six pair that I've rotated through the year. Suppose I've been spending 6 days in the mountains per month. Then you're saying a pair of socks is shot after wearing them a dozen times? Quote
iain Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I find smartwool socks stay wet for longer than other socks. Quote
Fromage Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 Gary, I have had a couple pairs of SW socks and wasn't pleased with them. After two months of climbing they were threadbare in the toes and heel. As for the sizing goes, I'm not the one to ask since I am a few standard deviations above the mean. Since I wear out socks so quickly I have switched to the REI merino wool socks. For about $8-10/pair (and quantity discount) that saves me some money for duty free shopping. Quote
marylou Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I find smartwool socks stay wet for longer than other socks. I find Thorlo socks to stay wet a whole lot longer! Quote
cracked Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 My suckwool socks are baggy, never dry, and stink like hell. I switched to synthetic socks and am waaay happier. But YMMV. Quote
pc Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 Try Bridgedale socks. Way better fit and super durable. Come in a variety of styles. Look at the Summit Socks or the Trekker for the NW. Cheers Quote
bunglehead Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 Gary, I have had a couple pairs of SW socks and wasn't pleased with them. After two months of climbing they were threadbare in the toes and heel. As for the sizing goes, I'm not the one to ask since I am a few standard deviations above the mean. Since I wear out socks so quickly I have switched to the REI merino wool socks. For about $8-10/pair (and quantity discount) that saves me some money for duty free shopping. Sam thing happened to me. They were shot after a few months, especially in the toes and heel. I've tried them all, and had pretty much the same results with all of them. Quote
layton Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 wigwam ankle legnth merino wool socks (black and grey) kick ass for summer,fall, and spring. Quote
Dru Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I go sockless all the time now. After the first 6 months the callusses get so thick as to renderr socks superfluous anyhow. Just be prepared for 6 months of foot funk and blisters till your calluses thicken properly Quote
jaee Posted August 16, 2004 Posted August 16, 2004 I've had the same problems with smartwool socks. They're sized too big according to the package. They also seem to get longer when they're damp. I've had the entire sock get sucked into my boots. They also were pretty much shot after one season. I use Patagonia socks now. I'm still using the same 3 pairs I wore on Denali in '98 and they're hardly worn at all. Amazing. Quote
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