Stance Performance Wool Hiking Socks Review

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Since 2009, Stance has strived to re-invent socks to be durable, supportive, and comfortable. After looking over their vast selection, I ordered two pair of Stance Performance Wool Hiking Socks. What a treat wearing these socks has been! I ordered these socks because I was spending the season in Colorado and the nights there can be cold! The size chart had me right on the line, so I ordered one size medium and one size large. I found the size medium was best for my women’s size 10, narrow feet. The socks are soft and supportive, but never moved around on my foot or in my shoe.

There’s Nothing Better Than Wool

Stance Performance Wool Hiking Socks are made with a Merino Wool Blend (42% Nylon, 32% Merino Wool, 24% Polyester, 2% Elastane). Stance has incorporated an anti-microbial finish (FreshTek) into these socks to prevent odors. In addition, the finish has a wicking property. It really works. After a 3 day hiking trip, my socks felt (and smelled) great. As an added bonus, they held their shape and didn’t get stretched out or hardened like wool socks I have worn in the past. The wool really regulated the temperature and kept my feet warm when I needed it but didn’t feel too sweaty during the long days of backpacking.

How Do They Fit?

I love that Stance was able to create a snug fitting, stretch wool sock without making the tops too tight. The ribbed top of the sock gently stretched so that the socks didn’t fall down but it wasn’t so tight that I had imprints in my calf at the end of the day, either. On the top of the sock, they have them marked “L” and “R” to identify left and right. Each sock has a tapered shape to allow more room for your big toe and eliminate excess at the pinky. This was SO awesome because in the past, I have had hot spots from my hiking socks wadding up by my pinky toe. This did not happen with the Stance Wool Hiking Socks and I never found myself having to adjust the socks while hiking. Additionally, the arch of the sock is a little tighter than the heal and ball of the foot which prevented any folding of the sock in that area.

Stance Wool  Hiking Socks Were Designed for Comfort

I already mentioned the nicely fitted arch in these socks, but Stance had more in mind than a great fit. The Performance Wool Hiking Socks also provide great support. The stretch quality hugs your legs and feet with out feeling tight like a compression sock. The balls and heels are nicely padded and the arch provides support for all the miles you will put on these socks. Despite being a medium cushion sock, I felt like they were nice and thick and warm. These are socks you are going to wear for miles during your backpacking trips, but also with your feet propped up on a cold winter night. They are lush and comfortable, even after several washes.

My Final Thoughts on the Stance Performance Wool Hiking Socks

Stance has really thought of everything with their hiking socks! For that reason, I can’t think of one thing I would want changed. I never developed hot spots in these socks. These plush wool socks were supportive and kept their shape nicely, even after repeated washes. They are thick and even though I have only been wearing them for a month, I can tell that this is a long lasting pair of socks. They are well worth the price. If you keep an eye on their website, you may also catch a sale. If you would like to order Stance socks for yourself, visit their website at www.stance.com or www.rei.com.