I bought my first pair of Smartwool socks about 10 years ago. It was springtime, and I was preparing for a summer trip to the Rockies with a group of friends. I had new boots, and needed some thick socks to help break them in so that my blisters would be minimized on the trail. Since that first pair of Smartwools performed on the trail and were comfortable to wear around the house, I bought another pair…and another…and another. It wasn’t long before Smartwools were on my wish-list for every gift-giving holiday - which is yet another reason why I still believe in Santa Claus. But that’s another conversation for another day.

How much can be said about a pair of socks? I’ll answer my question with another question: How many steps do you take in a day?

Smartwools are made from high-quality, New Zealand merino wool, which has a temperature-regulating quality to it: it keeps your feet warm on cold days, without roasting you out in the heat. In terms of performance, this means you won’t have to worry about getting damp, swampy feet. In terms of comfort, it means you will have the sensation of a thousand tiny sock-fairies tickling your toes each moment, whether in the Rockies or on the couch.

Smartwool offers socks for loads of different purposes - skiing, running, hiking, cycling, lounging, daydreaming, etc. My favorite two pairs are my Hiking Medium Crew, winner of Backpacker Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award, and my Adrenaline Light Micro’s which I wear when I run and when I mountain bike. Smartwool has also begun to offer some snazzy dress socks, including some diamond and argyle patterns that will make you smarter. Ok, that is not true. But they will make you look smart.

Smartwool socks are not the cheapest socks out there, but they are fantastically durable. In 10 years of being a Smartwool junkie, I have only worn out one pair - all my other pairs get lost, perma-borrowed by friends or family, or eaten by the washing machine sock monster (you know the one!).

You can find Smartwools at your local outdoors store, or online at Smartwool.com.