Socks are very important to me. After three months on the trail, I consider myself a bit of an expert.
Ladies synthetic dress socks: Yogi recommended wearing two of these as they are cheap and I am not sue why else. I hated them. They don't wick sweat away, they become saturated in dirt very quickly, wear put pretty fast, and gave me big old blisters. Bottom line: don't do it!
Wright socks: I had worn these in the past and a fellow hiker recommends them. These are thin double layered cotton socks. They felt good on my feet but they wore out pretty quickly (rotating two pair, they wore out in about 100 miles). Bottom line: At $6-10 a pair, they are not for a thru hike
Smart wool PhD light mini: these socks were recommended by a woman in the REI near Agua Dulce. At first I thought they were too think on the sole, but I've grown used to them and really enjoy them. After over 1000 miles (I have had them that long and probably worn them 300 miles or so), they finally sprouted small holes on both heels. Bottom line: at $14 a pair (they were on sale) they are really fantastic socks.
Girls Wigwam lightweight: I bought these because they were on sale for $6 instead of $10. I had them for about 400 miles before I regrettably lost one :( I loved them, they had shown very little wear. The only downside was that they Are very low and let dirt into my shows. Bottom line: if you have smallish feet (I wear a 7 when I am not hiking) kids socks may be the way to go!
Keen Olympus lightweight: I am testing Keen's new line of super durable socks this summer. Unfortunately the lightweight version is not durable at all. The socks sprouted holes after less than 75 miles of wear. Bottom line: nope. Not worth it.
Keen's Olympus mid weight: these are much better than the lightweight version. I have worn then for over 300 miles with no problems. Bottom line: I don't know what they would cost retail but I like this weight sock.
Darn Tough midweight: I picked these up in Tahoe at WeeBee's recommendation. These are guaranteed for life (as are the Keen's). So far I love them and while they show a little wear, they show no signs of holes! Bottom line: at $17 a pair, they are pricey but guaranteed for life! Do it!
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