Teko Merino Wool Hiking Socks : Low Emission, High Performance

I've been testing a few pair of Teko Merino wool hiking socks and I must say I'm impressed. They're super soft, warm, comfortable, and breathable. Best of all, they don't stink! What a huge relief!

The two models I've been using, the light- and medium-weight merino wool hikers, have been all over Colorado and its mountains. They've been on short climbing approaches and long all-day photo safari hikes. They seem to be holding up pretty well despite the mileage I've put on them.

One thing that tends to happen with cheap socks is that the heel cushion starts to wear out. It doesn't sound like much, but my hiking boots aren't particularly forgiving -- nor are my approach shoes. They're built for a lot of off-trail support, so my choice of socks really has a big impact on my comfort level. The thick terry heel and forefoot cushion Teko employs is much appreciated. I never really thought of it before, but Teko's decision to slim down the amount of fabric around middle of the foot makes good sense, too. I noticed that the thinner fabric is less prone to getting bunched up and causing blisters.

Snow is starting to fall and melt here, and a lot of the trails have big mud puddles in them. I'm not using particularly breathable shoes in order to stay drier and warmer, so I really like the breathability of the Teko socks. They seem to keep my feet less sweaty than normal cotton socks. That's a function of both the material -- merino wool is soft, breathable, and wicks a lot of moisture away from the skin -- but it's also a result of the construction. The socks have thinner material on the top to facilitate breathability.

One last thing on the design front: the toe seems are basically nonexistent. So I'm lovin' them as I'm cruising down a trail. No hot spots or rubbing or blisters!  

I'm a huge fan of Teko's business practices. The company has put a lot of effort into being truly green. Its office and factory are 100 percent wind powered, and the carbon emissions from shipping and air travel are offset via carbon offsets. Even though it's just about impossible for me to buy local when I shop for socks, at least Teko's buying local by sourcing most of its wool from ranches within 200 miles of its factory. Huge kudos, Teko.

Bottom Line: Comfy, long-lasting, warm, non-stinky, eco-friendly wool sock.--(NW, Nov. '08)  

Price: $14-16, click on logo below to shop/purchase

, click to purchase

Manufacturer's Site: www.tekosocks.com

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