• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Loadout Room

The Loadout Room

Professional Gear Reviews

Hardcore Gear and Adventure

Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • Pistol in HolsterCraft Panther Holster: A No‑Drama Solution for Everyday Carry
        • CMP9-pistolCaracal CMP9 & CMP9K: Modern 9mm Platforms With Global Momentum
        • AR-15 Red DotAR-15 vs AR-10: Choosing the Right Rifle and the Right Glass
        • SIG RattlerSIG Sauer MCX Rattler CO2 BB Air Gun: Big Fun 3 Rounds at a Time
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • Viking-Bags Logo 2Viking 28L Century Large Leather Motorcycle Trunk Bag: Real Capacity, Real Travel
        • RyobiBattery Power Stations: So Good, You Can Toss Your Gas Generator
        • Viking-Bags Logo 2Pic of the Day, Viking Motorcycle Bags 45L Tactical XL Bag
        • Hunting in TexasThese 5 ATV Dealers Will Get You Ready For Hunting Season in Texas
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • Grittier Sigurd shirt 25.11 V.XI Sigurd Shirt — A Year of Real‑World Use, and Why It Works for More Than Just Operators
        • Feature Photo5.11 V.XI XTU MC Pants — Versatility You Can Work, Play, and Live In
        • Pistol in HolsterCraft Panther Holster: A No‑Drama Solution for Everyday Carry
        • CMP9-pistolCaracal CMP9 & CMP9K: Modern 9mm Platforms With Global Momentum
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Buying Guides
  • Shop
  • Advertise
Footwear

SmartWool PhD Ultra Light Crew Socks: Review

March 19, 2015 by Scott Witner 1 Comment

SmartWool PhD Ultra Light Micro Socks: Review

You just spent a decent amount of money on fancy running shoes, so why would you run in a pair of cheapo socks? The Smartwool PhD Running Ultra Light 3/4 crew sock has an advanced degree in comfort and support to work with your new running shoes and provide increased performance and comfort. It’s a great sock for those who desire Smartwool’s comfortable performance in a crew height. These socks pair well with the Merrell Moab Ventilator hiking shoes.

Built on Smartwool’s new 4-Degree Elite Fit System, these socks use two elastics for greater stretch and recovery to keep them snug and secure for an all-day performance fit. ReliaWool Technology in high-impact areas provides longer-lasting protection to keep your feet comfortable. Strategic mesh zones provide maximum ventilation.

SmartWool PhD Running socks and Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes
SmartWool PhD Ultra Light crew socks and Merrell Moab hiking shoes

Why SmartWool PhD socks?

  • Elasticized arch brace for added support
  • Flat-knit toe seam eliminates chafing and irritation caused by the toe seam
  • Wool-on-wool system adds an extra layer of wool to the heel and toe areas for shock-absorption and durability.
  • Made with odor-reducing New Zealand Zque Merino wool.

Specifications:

  • Material: 66 percent Merino wool, 31-percent nylon, and three-percent elastane
  • Height: 3/4 crew
  • Recommended use: running, hiking, and streetwear
  • MSRP: $17.95 direct from SmartWool
  • Made is the USA

I’d like to point out that, although wool is excellent at wicking moisture away from the skin, it also tends to retain moisture longer than synthetic fabrics—nylon, for example. In other words, wool dries slower than synthetic materials. Personally, I haven’t had an issue with SmartWool socks being damp or wet from sweat; I know this because I wore a pair while running a Tough Mudder event.

I suppose this is due to the fact that SmartWool socks are made of 31-percent nylon to help in this department. The SmartWool PhD Ultra Light Crew Socks from SmartWool work as advertised. They keep my feet warm and dry, without the irritation commonly associated with wool. On warmer days, these socks also ventilate well to reduce overheating. They are ideal for running or other outdoor activities in moderately cool conditions, too.

Get out and enjoy the outdoors in comfort with a pair of Smartwool socks.

(Featured image courtesy of competitivecyclist.com)


Share This

About the Author

Scott Witner is the Editor of The Loadout Room and handles product sourcing for both Crate Club and Cuna Dog. He is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines and was attached to the 24th MEU(SOC) for a 6 month deployment to the Mediterranean. He has completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, mountain warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center and attended the South Korean Mountain Warfare school in Pohang.

See All Scott Witner Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

Primary Sidebar

Most Read

  • Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8, A Fast Shooting Wheelgun
    Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8, A Fast Shooting Wheelgun
  • You Can Get These Flashbang Grenades (100% Legally!)
    You Can Get These Flashbang Grenades (100% Legally!)
  • Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
    Mossberg 930: the affordable 12 gauge auto-loader
  • Mossberg Shockwave Versus Remington Tac 14
    Mossberg Shockwave Versus Remington Tac 14
  • Viking 28L Century Large Leather Motorcycle Trunk Bag: Real Capacity, Real Travel
    Viking 28L Century Large Leather Motorcycle Trunk Bag: Real Capacity, Real Travel

Find Us on Facebook

The Loadout Room

Recent Comments

  • Zarejestruj sie na Binance on The Gerber Sedulo – The Perfect Value in an EDC Knife?
  • Broderick Ruiz on Spec Ops History: SEAL Team Six’s Attempted Capture of Abdikadar
  • binance anm"alningsbonus on Aerorozvidka: The Elite Ukrainian Drone Unit Who Stopped the 40-Mile Russian Convoy

Latest From SOFREP

Military Content Group

© Copyright 2026 Military Content Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...