Hiking & Backpacking

The approach is sometimes the hardest part of the climb, but the PhD® Pro Approach Crew makes it easier with features that make every step more comfortable. With insights from Conrad Anker, it's designed for a perfect fit with added breathability. We even added an Achilles strap to provide extra warmth and protection. When Mother Nature demands the most out of you, these socks are the gear that will help get you through it.

Our Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew socks focus on comfort and durability, so you can go farther on every hike. Responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool keeps things soft, while recycled nylon keeps it all sustainable. And full cushioning on the entire sock adds the warmth and protection you need and love. Stay cozy out there with our updated Classic Hike socks.

Over 25 years ago, we invented the original Merino wool performance sock—the Classic Hike. The Classic Hike remains mostly unchanged and certainly unmatched in comfort. But today, it’s getting upgraded. And that upgrade starts with recycled nylon—creating a more sustainable (but just as comfortable) sock. They’re also made with responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified wool that was grown with a focus on ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability while also taking the best care of our Merino sheep. This is a cozy, capable classic that is never going out of style.

Over 25 years ago, we invented the original Merino wool performance sock—the Classic Hike. The Classic Hike remains mostly unchanged and certainly unmatched in comfort. But today, it’s getting upgraded. And that upgrade starts with recycled nylon—creating a more sustainable (but just as comfortable) sock. They’re also made with responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified wool that was grown with a focus on ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability while also taking the best care of our Merino sheep. This is a cozy, capable classic that is never going out of style.

With classic styling, ample cushioning, and a supportive fit, our Jitterbug Crew has impressive range. Whether you’re at the office, walking a riverbank, or out on the dance floor, give your feet the youthful, nostalgic glow they deserve.

This ultra-light, non-cushioned sock provides a close, lightweight fit that acts as your second skin to minimize friction and blisters. The flat knit toe seam guarantees comfort.

Our Hike Full Cushion Crew socks, formerly PhD® Outdoor, use cushioning on the entire sock to help maximize warmth and protection. These responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool hike socks are built with our top sock tech, including Indestructawool™ technology for enhanced durability, our 4 Degree™ Elite Fit System for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit, and our Virtually Seamless™ toe for maximum in-shoe/boot comfort. We've updated our hike line by improving mesh zones for additional breathability, as well as creating a new ply structure that reduces pilling while enhancing hand-feel and comfort. Not to mention, our best-feeling, best-fitting hiking socks are now made with recycled nylon—making these socks more sustainable than ever. Now that's something you can feel good in and about.

Perfect fit. Powerful durability. That's what you get when you put on our Hike Light socks—formerly known as PhD® Outdoor. Featuring our top sock technologies, dialed-in fit systems, updated mesh zones, and extended durability zones, we've upgraded these hiking socks to help you push any summit or enjoy any trail in absolute comfort. Light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot to bring more comfort to your favorite low-cut hiking shoes. And the addition of recycled nylon makes for a more sustainable sock construction. Go farther in ZQ-certified Merino wool hike socks.

Perform with the power and comfort of responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool in our Hike Light Cushion Crew socks. Formerly known as PhD® Outdoor, we've updated our best hike socks to include more sustainable materials with the addition of recycled nylon, improved durability, updated mesh zones, and an even more perfect fit. But, don't worry. Our fan-favorite sock technologies aren't going anywhere—offering you the comfort and performance you expect from Smartwool. The crew height also adds extra coverage on the trails and light cushioning on the entire bottom of foot helps keep you comfortable when the ground isn't—helping you to hike on (and on.. and on..)

Perform with the power and comfort of responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool in our Hike Light Cushion Crew socks. Formerly known as PhD® Outdoor, we've updated our best hike socks to include more sustainable materials with the addition of recycled nylon, improved durability, updated mesh zones, and an even more perfect fit. But, don't worry. Our fan-favorite sock technologies aren't going anywhere—offering you the comfort and performance you expect from Smartwool. The crew height also adds extra coverage on the trails and light cushioning on the entire bottom of foot helps keep you comfortable when the ground isn't—helping you to hike on (and on.. and on..)

Hit that new trail in the Performance Hike Light Cushion Low Ankle sock, and you’ll be smiling from start to finish. This responsibly sourced Merino wool sock is enhanced with the 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit. Plus, the Virtually Seamless™ toe offers a smoothed-out experience for even greater comfort. And, because these socks offer body-mapped mesh zones, your feet will enjoy breathability in all the right places. Get ready for comfort-filled hiking, mile after mile.

With a mid crew height and a comfort welt with “stay put” fit, the Performance Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew shows just enough of its personality above the shoe while protecting all of your comfort inside of it. This sock features Indestructawool™ technology for increased durability, updated mesh zones for less pressure, and a 4 Degree™ elite fit system to match your foot just right. Plus, with the comfort of responsibly sourced Merino wool, these men's wool socks will elevate any hiking experience.

Experience durability at its peak with the PhD® Outdoor Light Crew. Featuring Indestructawool™ technology, a patent-pending wool-based durability construction, these socks are ready for any adventure on your list. Plus, with redesigned mesh zones, a Virtually Seamless® toe, and the 4 Degree™ elite fit system, these responsibly sourced Merino wool socks have comfort covered.

Searching for a versatile wool sock that has it all? Look no further: the PhD® Outdoor Medium Crew offers fit, comfort and durability wrapped together in one smart sock. It features Indestructawool™ technology for ultimate durability in high wear areas, our 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a dialed fit, and our signature Virtually Seamless™ toe for extraordinary comfort in any trail shoe. Plus, the medium cushioning provides impact protection and ultimate comfort on the trail—making our PhD® Outdoor socks some of our best-fitting and most comfortable. l.

When you 've got lots of miles to cover but only want the minimum between your foot and boot, the PhD® Outdoor Ultra Light Crew is the perfect trail companion. With the new Shred Shield™ technology for reduced wear from toes, 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a more dialed-in fit, and activity-specific mesh zones for additional breathability, this sock was built for mile after mile of trail.

When you 've got lots of miles to cover but only want the minimum between your foot and boot, the PhD® Outdoor Ultra Light Crew is the perfect trail companion. With the new Shred Shield™ technology for reduced wear from toes, 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a more dialed-in fit, and activity-specific mesh zones for additional breathability, this sock was built for mile after mile of trail.

For those who wish to maximize your time outdoors and minimize the amount of sock on your feet, the PhD® Outdoor Ultra Light Mini is made for you. It's light in weight, but heavy in tech, making it the ideal (out)side-kick.

When you're out there, the last thing you want to think about is your feet. That's why we made the PhD® Pro Light Crew with Indestructawool™ technology, a 4 Degree™ elite fit system, and body mapped mesh vents for breathability. So you can escape without distractions and feel supported wherever your feet take you. Get out there and explore.

For the day hiker looking for a little more coverage, this hiking sock adds a small amount of cushion. An open, mesh fabric and two types of rib offer enhanced breathability and a perfect fit. Inspired by today's ultra-light hiking shoes, this responsibly sourced Merino wool sock will help change your hikes for the better.