SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Crew

Rated: 5 by 23 reviews. Also available for: Women

Mountain Gear

With enough textile technology and design for an entire doctoral program, the PhD Outdoor Light Crew sock from SmartWool keeps your feet comfy, ventilated, and odor-free for a long day on the trail. Specially designed for mid- to low-top trail boots, these impact-absorbing socks let your feet breath and move.

Features:

  • If you're prone to swollen, hot feet, don't worry, strategic mesh zones provide plenty of ventilation
  • Never end up with scrunched socks thanks to 4-degree banded fit that keeps your socks in place all day long
  • Protect your lower legs and feet from rough terrain with WOW technology in high-impact zones that reduced shock and abrasion
  • Treat your feet to the wicking comfort of wool blended with nylon and elastic for just the right amount of stretch
  • Wear and tear isn't a problem with this sock - sturdy Durayarn reinforcements see this sock through season after season
  • You don't end up with stinky, sweaty feet at the end of the day thanks to the SmartWool interior that provides natural moisture wicking along with temperature and odor control

ProLite Gear

The Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew is an everyday all-star sock with tons of tech benefits. The 4-Degree Fit System utilizes athletic-shoe technology, creating a four zone support system in the ankle, arch, upper and lower instep. Stretch mesh along the top of the foot maximizes breathability, and WOW (Wool-On-Wool) double-layer impact padding in the toe and heel cushions your stride.

Specifications
  • 77% merino wool/22% nylon/1% elastic

Features:

  • Merino wool provides excellent temperature control and moisture management; reinforced with stretch nylon to maintain fitT-degree banded fit system features elastic arches and ankle braces, along with contour flex zones to eliminate bunching, slipping and sagging
  • Side panels and toe seams are flat knit to reduce compression and maximize ventilation; rib-knit cuffs hold socks up
  • SmartWool process ensures excellent moisture wicking, breathability and insulation with no-itch softness; plus, they're shrink free!
  • WOW (wool on wool) technology in the shins and soles adds cushioning in these potentially sensitive areas

SummitHut.com

The PhD Outdoor Light Crew is SmartWool's most versatile outdoor sock to date. The lightweight, half-cushion sole is highly durable and shock absorbant. Featuring the 4-Degree Fit System and new WOW (Wool on Wool) technology, this sock is perfect for cool light hikes and winter biking and trail running.

Features:

  • 77% Wool, 22% Nylon. 1% ElasticT-Degree Fit System offers 4 compression bands and flex zones at the ankle, arch, lower and upper instep for a high performance all day fit
  • Flat-knit toe seam for increased comfort and durability
  • High density impact zones with WOW (Wool on Wool) technology in the heel and metatarsal areas for added protection and durability
  • Light half-cushioning for comfort and shock absorption
  • Mesh MVT Zones offer open mesh knitting for maximum ventilation

REI

Treat your feet to top-notch technology! SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light socks keep away the blisters with their comfortable design.

  • WOW (wool on wool) technology in the shins and soles adds cushioning in these potentially sensitive areas
  • SmartWool process ensures excellent moisture wicking, breathability and insulation with no-itch softness; plus, they're shrink free!
  • Merino wool provides excellent temperature control and moisture management; reinforced with stretch nylon to maintain fit
  • 4-degree banded fit system features elastic arches and ankle braces, along with contour flex zones to eliminate bunching, slipping and sagging
  • Side panels and toe seams are flat knit to reduce compression and maximize ventilation; rib-knit cuffs hold socks up
  • *Discount will be applied when you check out. Offer not valid for sale-price items ending in $._3 or $._9

Rock/Creek Outfitters

The PhD Outdoor Light Crew Sock by Smartwool is a highly versatile sock to be worn cool weather trail running, biking and anything else you decide you might want to do. Either way you get total support and comfort with the half cushion sole that provides shock absorbancy when hitting your boogie stride. Smartwool developed a new 4-Degree Fit system that creates a glove for your foot keeping you warm, comfy and supported.

Features:

  • Cushioning throughout the sole for extra comfort and support
  • Highly durable and shock absorbant
  • Science and Smartwool PhD
  • Wool on wool technologyT-Degree fit system

Altrec

No matter what adventure takes you outside, the SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Crew for Men has got you covered. The most versatile active SmartWool Sock, the Outdoor Light is ideal for hiking, biking, or everyday wear.

Features:

  • 77% wool, 22% nylon, 1% elasticT-Degree Fit System for all day performance fit
  • Cushioing: Light Half-Cushioned
  • Duroyarn reinforcement for added comfort and durability
  • Height: Crew
  • SmartWool inside for moisture, temperature, and odor control
  • Strategic mesh zones for maximum ventilation
  • WOW Technology™ in High Density Impact Zones to reduce shock & abrasion

Backcountry.com

From the trail to the office, the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Light Crew is an everyday all-star sock with tons of tech benefits. The 4-Degree Fit System utilizes athletic-shoe technology, creating a four zone support system in the ankle, arch, upper and lower instep. Stretch mesh along the top of the foot maximizes breathability, and WOW (Wool-On-Wool) double-layer impact padding in the toe and heel cushions your stride.


Ramsey Outdoor

SmartWool's most versatile outdoor sock. It's ideal for light hiking, trail running and biking or daily wear.

Features:

  • 4-Degree Banded Fit System for all day performance fit.
  • Duroyarn™ reinforcement for added comfort & durability.
  • SmartWool inside for moisture, temperature, and odor control.
  • Strategic Mesh Zones for maximum ventilation.W7% wool, 22% nylon, 1% elastic.
  • WOW Technology in High Density Impact Zones to reduce shock & abrasion.

Moosejaw (Spring 2010)

No description provided.

Features:

  • 4-Degree Fit System for all day performance fit
  • Duroyarn reinforcement for added comfort & durability
  • Smartwool inside for moisture, temperature and odor control
  • Strategic mesh zones for maximum ventilationW7% Wool, 22% Nylon, 1% Elastic
  • WOW Technology in High Density Impact Zones to reduce shock & abrasion

USOutdoor.com

SmartWool's most versatile outdoor sock. The lightweight half-cushion SmartWool sole is highly durable and shock absorbant; add the new 4-Degree Fit System and this sock is ideal for light hiking, cool weather trail running and biking, or as your everyday outdoor sock.

Features:

  • 77% wool, 22% nylon, 1% elastic

Appalachain Outdoors

This light half-cushioned PhD Outdoor Light Crew is Smartwool's most versatile outdoor sock.

Country of Origin:China
Cushioning:Light Half-Cushioned
Fabric:77% merino wool/22% nylon/1% elastic
Gender:Unisex
Height:Crew
Material:77% wool, 22% nylon, 1% elastic
Materials:77% Wool/22% Nylon/1% Elastic
Recommended Use:Hiking, everyday wear
Sock height:Crew
Weight / Thickness:Lightweight

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

SmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium CrewSmartWool PhD Outdoor Medium Crew
Men's Clothing > Socks
$19.95 - $21.95
SmartWool PhD Ultra Light MicroSmartWool PhD Ultra Light Micro
Men's Clothing > Socks
$12.95 - $15.95

SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Crew Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
522
40
31
20
10

Positive Reviews:

I love this sock!

Rating:*****

Terrific sock. Well actually both of them. I purchased a couple types of the SmartWool socks. This type and also the SmartWool Hiking Light Crew sock which I bought for my wife, but also fit me. Anyway either are great, but what I particularly like about PHD Outdoor is the slight additional padding on the toes and heal. I primarily wear these with hiking boots, but I also wear them with a low cut pair of hiking shoes which I also wear when riding my mountain bike. Bottom line is that my feet seem to stay the perfect temperature and even though smelly feet have never been my problem, I can often wear these socks for more than a day as as long as three when i need to. Camping, etc. I have also found them easy to hand wash. I put them out to air dry and they are dry a several hours later when I return. I wore them extensively from like Christmas until now, Jan. 17th 2010. During this time I tried wearing a pair of my older cotton athletic socks while wearing hiking boots. By the end of the day they were wearing a blister on my little toe, I could not wait to get them off. I haven't wore my cotton socks since. If you need to travel light you could probably get by with two pair of these SmartWool Crew socks and just keep a them hand washed.

pet3547057 at Backcountry.com on 01/17/2010

Best socks ever, ever, ever

Rating:*****

I have socks from just about every company out there and after I went for a good 14 mile walk I fell in love with these socks. Typically I change my socks every 7 miles to prevent blisters, however there is no need to do that with the PhD socks because the socks wick away any moisture. No better sock than these. So far I have put about 200 miles on one pair of these socks and they are still holding up. Most other socks after 200 miles would be crusty and have less cushion, but not the PhD socks. Please have a sale on these socks!

Tij2959491 at Backcountry.com on 04/08/2009

They Shine on Long Descents

Rating:*****

I love everything about these socks. Where they particularly excel is on long descents. If you've trudged down a rocky 5 mile staircase with 30+ lbs on your back, you know that after a while, your toes start to take a beating. Even on gradual descents, blisters can show up and ruin your day (week, month, trek). That's not the case with these beauties. I've worn mine multiple days without washing, doing 10-20 mile days, and they still hold up.

Also highly breathable, ultra comfy, SUPER durable. Only downside...my girlfriend keeps stealing them from me.

Truly worth every penny!

Gardner Foss at Backcountry.com on 11/04/2009

Breaths/wicks and cushions ...

Rating:*****

I've yet to find an issue with these, I have a size 13 ... the XL remain tight ... not maxed even after a few days of constant wear ... I got the 3 pack and swap sock while hiking to keep them dry ... they dry fast, have nice cushion for a lightweight and the mesh materials breath well .... you can feel the wind cut right thro um ... I'll be looking to buy more pairs when i wear these out ... Excellent sock.

Jason McElroy at Backcountry.com on 03/20/2009

very comfortable, worth the $

Rating:*****
These socks are contoured to fit your feet very snugly, and won't slide down or bunch up at all. They are very odor resistant and wick sweat well. I've found them to be excellent for hiking and also warm and cozy for just walking around town. I like these enough that I've ordered several pairs. They do start to "pill" on the outer surface fairly rapidly, but as long as that doesn't bother you, no big deal.
Charles at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 12/05/2009

Sock it to me...

Rating:*****
I never thought I would be in love with a pair of socks, but these really are awesome. [...] they are absolutely the best socks I've ever worn. I have worn them hundreds of times(and washed them of course) and they still look and feel brand new. They stay dry (wicking) and fit perfect. They are costly, but well worth the price. These are the only socks you'll want to wear after you try them.
Squatter at REI on 03/03/2009

top notch socks

Rating:*****

My favorite socks for summer, fall, and spring (for winter excursions I prefer the heavier aka warmer Smartwool Trekking or Mountaineering socks). Out of all the socks I own they are holding up the best...I've had them for over a year and they still look brand new. They wick well, have great cushion, never bunch up, and are hella comfy. Pick up a pair today!

Fernando M. at Backcountry.com on 01/10/2010

Smartwool PhD

Rating:*****

I am a sock nut. I have bridgedales, smartwools, icebreakers, REI brand, ect. Of all my socks these are the best. The way the 4 degree rit works is amazing. They are super comfy, wick sweat like crazy and never bunch or move at all. They may be pricy but these are the bomb.

Matthew Cox at Backcountry.com on 04/02/2009

Really good

Rating:*****

These are my favorite pair(s) of socks for everything in the spring through fall. They are comfortable in a pair of work boots as well as hiking boots and running shoes. I have 13's and the XL's fit good - not maxed out, but don't bunch up or stretch out to cause blisters.

Murphout at Backcountry.com on 12/03/2008

Omfg

Rating:*****

When I go backpacking with friends, I actually brag about how f-ing awesome these socks are. Seriously, everytime I put em on I am blown away by how perfectly they fit. They're also light, warm, durable, and beautiful. Yes, beautiful.

Ross Solomon at Backcountry.com on 08/22/2009
Show all positive reviews...

Neutral Reviews:

Do their Job...

Rating:***
Bought these socks to prevent excessive sweating in my boot. They succeeded fairly well, but no better then my $10 pair of socks. They did smell better then the other cheaper pair by the end! I love you Smartwool...So yeah, I'd say it was worth the extra $10 bucks for the "Smartwool" name...
Ryan at Moosejaw (Spring 2010) on 04/29/2009