SmartWool's new PhD Benchmark socks

Outdoors brand SmartWool is making some impressive claims for its new range of socks.

The PhD Performance Sock Collection has been subjected to four years of lab testing and proving on the feet of athletes.

The result, the company said, is a new patent-pending high durability construction that is unprecedented in the outdoor industry.

A spokesperson for SmartWool, the innovators of the use of merino wool, said: “Reliawool Technology has been placed in the high impact areas of the sock, such as the heel and the toe, to prevent wear and offer longer lasting wool benefits.
“The proof of their durability was evident in a cross-country marathon a day every day for four months. The new socks incredibly showed no signs of wear and tear.

“The new Benchmark PhD socks have proved unsurpassed durability and in one test were used for over one thousand miles in total without showing any signs of wear and tear.

“The socks also don’t bunch or bind and comfortably wrap around the foot rather than constricting it providing the ultimate comfort for the user.”

SmartWool says the new enhanced 4 Degree Elite Fit System offers wearers unsurpassed comfort using four elastic bands that gently wrap and support the foot, allowing for greater stretch and recovery while the foot flexes.

“This innovative system includes bands at the ankle, upper instep, lower instep and arch,” it said. “The Mesh Vent Zones at the top of the feet help with essential moisture and temperature control. This exceptional fit keeps the socks in place so they don’t slide around in the shoe causing blisters.

“The new PhD Performance Sock Collection delivers extraordinary comfort so athletes can do what they love to do for longer without being hindered by any friction or discomfort during their chosen activities.”

The range is due to be introduced into the UK this autumn, with models aimed at those walking, mountaineering, running, cycling and taking part in snowsports.