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Need a Wool Sock Recommendation

Old 11-14-22, 06:54 AM
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gif4445
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Need a Wool Sock Recommendation

I am looking to replace my wool ankle high Pearl Izumi socks. It appears they don't make them anymore, except in woman's sizes. (The largest is too small for me, I've tried it). I'm looking for a sock that is 1) wool, 2) ankle high, 3)thin and 4)has no big seam across toe area. I wear wool year round for its anti-bacterial properties and feel. I've looked at crew length, since Pearl Izumi still makes them, but they seem to be thicker, which I don't prefer for warmer riding. Thanks in advance!
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Old 11-14-22, 07:17 AM
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Have you looked at Smartwool, and DeFeet? I have woolies from all three and like them, winter models, but they make thin ones, too. I had thin Capo woolies, but it appears they don’t make them anymore; old stock may be around, though.
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Old 11-14-22, 09:01 AM
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Second smartwool
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Old 11-14-22, 09:13 AM
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My go to sock company is Fox River. They make a quarter crew in wool.
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Old 11-14-22, 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by chaadster
Have you looked at Smartwool, and DeFeet? I have woolies from all three and like them, winter models, but they make thin ones, too. I had thin Capo woolies, but it appears they don’t make them anymore; old stock may be around, though.
Originally Posted by dedhed
Second smartwool
I'll have to check out Smartwool. I have a few pairs of DeFeet, but the seam around the toe area is too large. My right foot/leg has been injured many times through the years and seems to swell more than the left and I can feel the seam.
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Old 11-14-22, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by gif4445
I'll have to check out Smartwool. I have a few pairs of DeFeet, but the seam around the toe area is too large. My right foot/leg has been injured many times through the years and seems to swell more than the left and I can feel the seam.
Sorry, I had assumed the DeFeet did not have a seam since I don’t feel it, but yeah, I looked and they do! I can barely notice it feeling for it with my fingers, and they call it “no-feel,” but it’s there!

I checked my Danish Endurance woolies, too, and they also have a toe seam, but like the DeFeet, it is imperceptible to me. I didn’t mention them before because they don’t have a cycling specific light wool sock, but I use their wool hikers in my Northwave winter cycling shoes without problem, so their light hikers might be quite thin— they have a wool liner model as well— and interesting…except for the seam.

In fact, I just checked all my favorite cycling socks, and they all have toe seams! Hincapie, Capo, Mavic, and Supacaz. Are there no-toe-seam socks??!
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Old 11-14-22, 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by gif4445
I'll have to check out Smartwool.
These are on sale at REI, very nice for summer riding. There are Smartwool options on sale now too.
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Old 11-14-22, 10:16 AM
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I don't know if this one is too high for you, but Rapha are the best cycling socks I've tried.
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Old 11-14-22, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by gif4445
I'll have to check out Smartwool. I have a few pairs of DeFeet, but the seam around the toe area is too large. My right foot/leg has been injured many times through the years and seems to swell more than the left and I can feel the seam.
I third Smartwool. REI generally has a good selection of wool socks for women. They have Smartwool and others.
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Old 11-14-22, 11:50 AM
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My mom always buys my clothes for me.
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Old 11-14-22, 12:20 PM
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I've been using these for 5-ish years. They are an exceptional bargain.

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Old 11-14-22, 12:24 PM
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Swiftwick... https://swiftwick.com/collections/mens-pursuit-socks
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Old 11-14-22, 12:58 PM
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These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.

https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
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Old 11-14-22, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by base2
These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.

https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
I tried them, but unfortunately when I tried to put them on, they rolled over and played dead .
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Old 11-14-22, 07:31 PM
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https://darntough.com/
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Old 11-14-22, 07:57 PM
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Originally Posted by base2
These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.

https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
1 pair... that is expensive for how fast they can wear out.
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Old 11-14-22, 08:43 PM
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Toss my recommendation in for Cloudline socks. I wear the medium cushion hikers for work, and 1/4 top light cushion for cycling in warm seasons. They make an ultralight version, but have not tried them.
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Old 11-14-22, 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Troul
1 pair... that is expensive for how fast they can wear out.
Yeah, but for that price you get 2!
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Old 11-14-22, 09:28 PM
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Pearl Izumi has quite a few offerings in merino wool including a thermal merino wool model. I’ve used Smartwool socks and these compare favorably to them.
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Old 11-14-22, 09:44 PM
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Kirkland from Costco. About 60%Merino and cheap. I have worn them for years. They also had some crappy socks that were 15% Merino. Didn't buy those.
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Old 11-14-22, 09:49 PM
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Originally Posted by sean.hwy
Darn Tough socks also have a lifetime warranty. I don't have Darn Tough bike socks, but do have two pairs of their Expelit (SP?) cold-weather socks. Warmest socks I have ever worn. I think they're at least five years old, and virtually no sign of wear.
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Old 11-14-22, 10:18 PM
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Originally Posted by base2
Yeah, but for that price you get 2!
that's a bogo deal, for sure!
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Old 11-15-22, 07:25 AM
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Originally Posted by base2
These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.

https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
I think I'll get a pair just to say I'm wearing possum! Seriously, I'm going to try them. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Old 11-15-22, 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by chaadster
Sorry, I had assumed the DeFeet did not have a seam since I don’t feel it, but yeah, I looked and they do! I can barely notice it feeling for it with my fingers, and they call it “no-feel,” but it’s there!

I checked my Danish Endurance woolies, too, and they also have a toe seam, but like the DeFeet, it is imperceptible to me. I didn’t mention them before because they don’t have a cycling specific light wool sock, but I use their wool hikers in my Northwave winter cycling shoes without problem, so their light hikers might be quite thin— they have a wool liner model as well— and interesting…except for the seam.

In fact, I just checked all my favorite cycling socks, and they all have toe seams! Hincapie, Capo, Mavic, and Supacaz. Are there no-toe-seam socks??!
The seam on DeFeet doesn't bother my good foot at all, but the bad foot feels anything that isn't perfect and half of what its. I about lost my lower leg in a farm accident when I was 7. 58 years later, it's still mad at me.
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Old 11-15-22, 07:45 AM
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Thanks for the recommendations folks! Keep em coming. I'm thinking I'll get a pair of each that fit the bill and do a review with my finicky feet.
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