Wool gets thin with new Smartwool PhD cycling socks

Shortly after we published a comparison of wool cycling socks a couple of months ago, we were contacted by Smartwool. They wanted to make us aware of some new socks that were coming for 2010. The PhD Ultralight will debut in the spring and will be available in 3/4, mini and micro lengths.

Smartwool was nice enough to send us a couple pair for review and they went into the sock drawer to compete against the rest.

The socks have a nice smooth feel and you would scarcely know that these are made of wool from their thinness and non-itchiness. The feel is definitely more light like that of a synthetic sock, but I can happily report that they have all of wool’s delightful wicking and odor fighting qualities.

Wear of a sock while on the bike is certainly important, but at this price point, durability and value are equally critical. The Smartwool PhD socks have held up very well through a number of wash and wear cycles and show little to no signs of wear. The same cannot be said for several other wool socks that we’ve had the chance to review lately.

I’m also happy to report that there was no shrinkage with these socks. Other Smartwool socks that I have purchased went down a number of sizes in the wash and had to be given to my wife. That was definitely not the case with these.

All in all, I’d would heartily recommend these socks. The price DOES give me pause, but they have proven themselves to be durable, so I am sure that they will last and give good value.

The Lowdown:

Smartwool PhD Ultra Light cycling socks:

• 200 point needle count
• 3/4, mini and micro lengths
• men’s and women’s sizes
• silver/orange, brown/silver, graphite/black, black/fire
• MSRP: $16.95

Pros:

• All of the great qualities of wool: keep your feet dry, cool in summer and warm in winter
• Much more durable than other wool socks we’ve tested
• Didn’t shrink

Cons:

• $16.95?
• Colors are a bit conservative for my tastes

Disclosure: Smartwool sent these socks to me for review. They were compared against other socks that I have reviewed in the past, both those paid for and those received for review.

Tags: cycling, smartwool, smartwool phd sock, smartwool phd ultralight cycling sock, women, wool