Socks
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The Phd Run Light Elite sock won our test of the best running socks. “It wicked better and dried faster than most of the 58 other socks we tested, seemingly regardless of weather or trail conditions,” wrote tester Cory Smith.
Merino wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is comfortable against the skin. These are my favorite pieces to sweat in.
Thanks to these boots, hiking went from painful to pure bliss
Now’s a great time to save a few bucks on hiking gear
With the right preparation you can sneak out the door for a 30-minute workout at any time
A pair of high-quality merino wool socks are a worthy investment in our book, considering that unpleasantries on the trail––blisters and chafing––start with wet feet. These socks wick and breathe exceptionally well, and are built to provide warmth and comfort for all-day endeavors.
And here’s how you can do it yourself at home, step-by-step
It feels like you're wearing a pile of sleeping puppies, and the puppies are all dreaming about lambs
Top picks from the person who's tried everything
In a year gone wrong, do this part of Christmas right
Don't let the cold keep you inside
Not only do we use this stuff for 130 days every summer—we're not exactly nice to it in the process
Get to work in style, no matter the weather
Icebreaker socks, T-shirts, and base layers are on sale today
We're always looking for that magic outfit that can be worn for days on the road before you need to clean it. Here are some tried-and-true picks.
These high tech sock options will keep you cool, dry, blister-free, supported, and comfy, while staying completely out of the way.
Breathable, light, durable, and weather-resistant: here's everything you need to be comfortable outdoors this season
Five kicks that transition seamlessly from trail to town
Some proceeds of gear purchases go toward organizations that keep the planet clean
The gear and knowledge you need to stay comfortable overnight in the snow
Nothing says "I love you" like getting someone a gift they'll use again and again
Running with a stroller is all well and good in the milder months, but it takes a little extra planning to pull off in winter
Play hard, but go easy on your wallet
I traveled through three climates in three weeks and didn't check a bag. Here's how I packed.
Hiking, running, and just living—here's one pair to rule them all
The mountain vista wrapped around your ankle is captivating, but it’s the soft merino wool that will make you want to wear these socks on the reg, whether or not you’re on the trail. They’re soft, warm and just a little bit stretchy, and the ridges on the top of…
Style for when you descend from the mountains
They're all we want for Christmas (and Hanukkah, and our birthdays... you get the idea)
Say goodbye to your fitness tracker. Now your workout gear can deliver your stats.
What you need to treat blisters—and prevent them from happening in the first place
Stance’s Hike Sock is one of our favorite budget-friendly essentials. The wool blend keeps feet dry and warm, while the seamless toe closures and reinforced heels and toes offer extra cushioning. Plus, we dig the Ridge Line’s eye-catching design.
You can’t spend every day chasing powder stashes
We found Smartwool’s PhD Ski Light socks essential for resort skiing. “It’s tough to beat this blend of merino and synthetic fibers for the best mix of warmth, plushness, and sturdiness,” our tester wrote.
Keep your gear compact and safe with these handy haulers
After several months and thousands of miles, Outside's Taylor Gee knows what works and what doesn't
Stay comfortable on the trail, whether you're out for two days or ten
In a search for the best fall hiking socks, our tester Graham Averill wrote: “If you’re running from the chilly fall temps and hiking in the desert, this is our favorite warmer weather hiking sock.”…
Gear hacks for a good backpacking trip when the weather goes bad
Stuff to keep you comfortable for a day (or a month) on the trail
Blair Braverman answers your countless questions (How did she choose her parka? What are her favorite insulating materials? How does she pee?) about her Iditarod wardrobe, which is both lifesaving and affordable.
No matter where or how you ski, you need a pair that fits just right, minimizes sweat, and keeps you warm
CEP is known for its compression layers, and this sock has graduated compression features that help enhance circulation through the calf and foot. But you’ll really appreciate the blend of silk, merino wool, and synthetic fibers that maximize the warmth and comfort of these socks. The seamless toe closure doesn’t…
Ben shows off our top gear picks under $50
I’ve turned into a gym rat, and I’m proud of it
If you appreciate buying American-made, you’re going to like this sock, which is made in the states with domestically sourced materials. Knit with a blend of wool, bison down, nylon, and polyester, this sock has reinforced heels and toes plus ribbed arch support for a comfy fit.
This list has been checked twice for your convenience
A few essentials can make even the most reluctant want to venture out
Sometimes the best gear comes in small packages—and at low prices
They really do matter just as much as your boots, so choose wisely
Stylish, do-it-all shirts, jackets, packs, and shoes that go from the backcountry to the bar
The perfect blanket, socks, mug, and more for snuggling around the fireplace
Embracing fringe season means preparing for everything
Socks are probably the cheapest part of your kit—but they’re still absolutely vital
Testing 59 pairs of running socks, we ran everywhere from the French Alps to the sunny beach paths of California. Here’s what we found.
