SmartWool previews new PhD socks
SmartWool’s fall/winter 2012 PhD socks introduced ReliaWool reinforcement and the 4 Degree Elite Fit System.
SmartWool announced an entirely new PhD sock collection for fall/winter 2012, with new construction techniques for comfort and durability that were the subject of a patent application. We wore them for a couple of days and found the comfort excellent; their long-term durability remained to be seen.
The company spent four years developing the socks. ReliaWool was the new reinforcement technique, while the 4 Degree Elite Fit System used elastic bands knitted into the sock in several layers. The result in our initial use was a very comfortable sock with a close, secure fit.
The range included hiking, running, skiing and cycling styles, alongside toe socks and compression models. Availability was scheduled for August 2012. The pair we were testing appears on the right of the photograph.
Swedish distributor Granitbiten made the bold claim that these would be the most comfortable and durable wool-based socks customers had tried. The original article looked ahead to the fall launch as an opportunity to assess that promise.
