Perform with the power and comfort of responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool in the Hike Light Cushion Crew socks by SMARTWOOL. Formerly known as PhD Outdoor and newly updated, these socks include more sustainable materials with the addition of recycled nylon, improved durability, updated mesh zones, and an even more perfect fit. SMARTWOOL continues to offer fan-favourite sock technologies that give you the comfort and performance you expect. The crew height adds extra coverage on the trails and light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot helps keep you comfortable when the ground isn't. The socks feature Indestructawool technology with extended durability zones, a 4 Degree elite fit system, additional body-mapped mesh zones for added breathability, and a virtually seamless toe for enhanced comfort. They are knit in the USA of imported yarn, with 56% of the yarn being from the USA.
Perform with the power and comfort of responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool in the Hike Light Cushion Crew socks by SMARTWOOL. Formerly known as PhD Outdoor and newly updated, these socks include more sustainable materials with the addition of recycled nylon, improved durability, updated mesh zones, and an even more perfect fit. SMARTWOOL continues to offer fan-favourite sock technologies that give you the comfort and performance you expect. The crew height adds extra coverage on the trails and light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot helps keep you comfortable when the ground isn't. The socks feature Indestructawool technology with extended durability zones, a 4 Degree elite fit system, additional body-mapped mesh zones for added breathability, and a virtually seamless toe for enhanced comfort. They are knit in the USA of imported yarn, with 56% of the yarn being from the USA.
in 8 offers
last seen 27 Apr 2026
The lowest price we last saw for Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Walking Socks - Black was $37.78 at socksforliving.com, compared across 8 retailers (last seen 27 Apr 2026). Prices may have changed since.
The all-time low we recorded was $20.91 on 14 July 2025.
Prices last updated 27 Apr 2026.
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Walking Socks - Black
Perform with the power and comfort of responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool in the Hike Light Cushion Crew socks by SMARTWOOL. Formerly known as PhD Outdoor and newly updated, these socks include more sustainable materials with the addition of recycled nylon, improved durability, updated mesh zones, and an even more perfect fit. SMARTWOOL continues to offer fan-favourite sock technologies that give you the comfort and performance you expect. The crew height adds extra coverage on the trails and light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot helps keep you comfortable when the ground isn't. The socks feature Indestructawool technology with extended durability zones, a 4 Degree elite fit system, additional body-mapped mesh zones for added breathability, and a virtually seamless toe for enhanced comfort. They are knit in the USA of imported yarn, with 56% of the yarn being from the USA.
Perform with the power and comfort of responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool in the Hike Light Cushion Crew socks by SMARTWOOL. Formerly known as PhD Outdoor and newly updated, these socks include more sustainable materials with the addition of recycled nylon, improved durability, updated mesh zones, and an even more perfect fit. SMARTWOOL continues to offer fan-favourite sock technologies that give you the comfort and performance you expect. The crew height adds extra coverage on the trails and light cushioning on the entire bottom of the foot helps keep you comfortable when the ground isn't. The socks feature Indestructawool technology with extended durability zones, a 4 Degree elite fit system, additional body-mapped mesh zones for added breathability, and a virtually seamless toe for enhanced comfort. They are knit in the USA of imported yarn, with 56% of the yarn being from the USA.
Last updated at 27/04/2026 21:14:41
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks - Black XL
Delivery between 4–12 May $9.95
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Free delivery between 30 Apr – 6 May
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks Black / Extra Large - Valhalla Tactical & Outdoor
Delivery $15
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Free delivery
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Delivery between 30 Apr – 12 May $10
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Free delivery
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Free delivery
Hike Light Cushion Crew XLG / Black
Delivery $15
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Just saw that Moosejaw was doing 25% off, and I absolutely took advantage of that deal to get another pair of these socks. I am going to be wearing them for adventuring 3/4's of the year, depending on winter temps maybe even longer into the winter season. For the previous bunch of years I have gone with Darn Tough (which I am not knocking at all in this review), however from now I will be going with this choice from now on, and over the last half year have used them many times, for hikes up to and over 20miles in the ADK and Catskills. These socks rock. Perfect thickness for me: light enough for summer, stout enough probably for everything except thicker socks in the coldest winter. Great cushioning right where you want and need it. I always pack at least one extra ... MoreJust saw that Moosejaw was doing 25% off, and I absolutely took advantage of that deal to get another pair of these socks. I am going to be wearing them for adventuring 3/4's of the year, depending on winter temps maybe even longer into the winter season. For the previous bunch of years I have gone with Darn Tough (which I am not knocking at all in this review), however from now I will be going with this choice from now on, and over the last half year have used them many times, for hikes up to and over 20miles in the ADK and Catskills. These socks rock. Perfect thickness for me: light enough for summer, stout enough probably for everything except thicker socks in the coldest winter. Great cushioning right where you want and need it. I always pack at least one extra pair of socks and usually change them out at least once during the day, but on my last big hike for a few reasons I never took off my runners and did not change my socks during the 20miler, and my GoreTex runners definitely let some water in, and kept some in. But by the end of the long day I had no hotspots or blisters with just the one pair of socks. I think I am really getting more pairs so that I will be able to also wear them as my everyday socks, with how comfortable they are.
originally posted on smartwool.com
While I use them for hiking, I like to wear them as everyday wear as they are comfortable and durable. I have worn dozens of these over many years. One nit: When Smartwool change their product naming, they did nothing to let recurring buyers know what PhD's were now called.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
This is the only brand of socks I wear. After trying other brands countless times. I finally decided on this brand. I'm not limited to which series, just randomly buy 2~3 pairs every year. Because the weaving methods of different socks are slightly different, occasionally a pair of socks feel slightly loose. But on the whole, I am very satisfied and worthy of recommendation.
| Variant | |
| size | XLG |
| color | Black |
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks - Black XL
Delivery between 4–12 May $9.95
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Free delivery between 30 Apr – 6 May
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks Black / Extra Large - Valhalla Tactical & Outdoor
Delivery $15
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Free delivery
Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks in Black - XL
Delivery between 30 Apr – 12 May $10
Just saw that Moosejaw was doing 25% off, and I absolutely took advantage of that deal to get another pair of these socks. I am going to be wearing them for adventuring 3/4's of the year, depending on winter temps maybe even longer into the winter season. For the previous bunch of years I have gone with Darn Tough (which I am not knocking at all in this review), however from now I will be going with this choice from now on, and over the last half year have used them many times, for hikes up to and over 20miles in the ADK and Catskills. These socks rock. Perfect thickness for me: light enough for summer, stout enough probably for everything except thicker socks in the coldest winter. Great cushioning right where you want and need it. I always pack at least one extra ... MoreJust saw that Moosejaw was doing 25% off, and I absolutely took advantage of that deal to get another pair of these socks. I am going to be wearing them for adventuring 3/4's of the year, depending on winter temps maybe even longer into the winter season. For the previous bunch of years I have gone with Darn Tough (which I am not knocking at all in this review), however from now I will be going with this choice from now on, and over the last half year have used them many times, for hikes up to and over 20miles in the ADK and Catskills. These socks rock. Perfect thickness for me: light enough for summer, stout enough probably for everything except thicker socks in the coldest winter. Great cushioning right where you want and need it. I always pack at least one extra pair of socks and usually change them out at least once during the day, but on my last big hike for a few reasons I never took off my runners and did not change my socks during the 20miler, and my GoreTex runners definitely let some water in, and kept some in. But by the end of the long day I had no hotspots or blisters with just the one pair of socks. I think I am really getting more pairs so that I will be able to also wear them as my everyday socks, with how comfortable they are.
While I use them for hiking, I like to wear them as everyday wear as they are comfortable and durable. I have worn dozens of these over many years. One nit: When Smartwool change their product naming, they did nothing to let recurring buyers know what PhD's were now called.
This is the only brand of socks I wear. After trying other brands countless times. I finally decided on this brand. I'm not limited to which series, just randomly buy 2~3 pairs every year. Because the weaving methods of different socks are slightly different, occasionally a pair of socks feel slightly loose. But on the whole, I am very satisfied and worthy of recommendation.
Great sock all around. The Smartwool sock have come a long way over the last few years.I have been buying various Smartwool socks for years now and they seem to be just what you would expect, good but nothing remarkable and fairly durable. However in the last few years they have really advance the quality and performance of product. I have always leaned towards thick sock that were just that, thick. Often this lead to issues where comfort was secondary as they tended to be hot or so thick the comfort of my foot wear would beimpacted. The new lines have significant variation that allow a real custom fit which is pretty cool to me. The Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks might be my favorite pair right now, they are thick but not too thick, offer great ... MoreGreat sock all around. The Smartwool sock have come a long way over the last few years.I have been buying various Smartwool socks for years now and they seem to be just what you would expect, good but nothing remarkable and fairly durable. However in the last few years they have really advance the quality and performance of product. I have always leaned towards thick sock that were just that, thick. Often this lead to issues where comfort was secondary as they tended to be hot or so thick the comfort of my foot wear would beimpacted. The new lines have significant variation that allow a real custom fit which is pretty cool to me. The Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks might be my favorite pair right now, they are thick but not too thick, offer great cushion and ventilation and are easy to pull on and off, with no toe seam; an issue I find critical for long days in boots while loaded up that often leads to hot spots and then blisters. I love the unique patterns that allow easy matching after washing. Long term durability is yet to be determined but I have many OLD Smartwool sock that are still going strong with no loss of elasticity or comfort.Price is kind of more than I would normally "desire" to pay but understand the importance of the value a good quality product brings. I would highly recommend sampling any of the new Smartwool lines!
I am slowly transitioning more and more of my socks to Smartwool. It is clearly an investment, but the black and gray socks here can double as business casual on dark colored pants. I wish there were more solid colors. I am a female, jogging shoe size 7.5, and the Medium worked great. The women's versions of these are also great (I don't really understand the difference).
Who would have guessed a simple pair of socks could make such a difference. I am a big fan of Smartwool for underlayers so was familiar with the brand and thought I would give their socks a try - glad I did. I have historically chosen the thick wool socks that I am sure everyone is familiar with when going on a day hike or backpacking trip. These socks are light years ahead in comfort and support. While you still get all the benefits of a wool sock, you are not dealing with the thick / sweaty feeling that I usually get after being on the trail for 3+ hours. I know...I know...a pair of socks right? Give them a try and you will not be disappointed. Great investment.
First off, I love the pattern on them! I have not tested them in the cold, but they have worked way better than I expected for warm weather activities. After wearing them hiking and mountain biking, they wick away the excess moisture better than any of my other socks (I usually get really sweaty feet). They are a comfortable texture, very easy on the feet. These socks are thin at the top of the foot and provide some extra padding on the bottom which was great for longer hikes. My favorite thing about these socks is that they don't slip down and crowd around my ankles. All my other crew socks slip down causing me to have to pull them back up continuously but these socks stay up!TLDR: these are awesome socks, cool design, great support, moisture wicking, and they ... MoreFirst off, I love the pattern on them! I have not tested them in the cold, but they have worked way better than I expected for warm weather activities. After wearing them hiking and mountain biking, they wick away the excess moisture better than any of my other socks (I usually get really sweaty feet). They are a comfortable texture, very easy on the feet. These socks are thin at the top of the foot and provide some extra padding on the bottom which was great for longer hikes. My favorite thing about these socks is that they don't slip down and crowd around my ankles. All my other crew socks slip down causing me to have to pull them back up continuously but these socks stay up!TLDR: these are awesome socks, cool design, great support, moisture wicking, and they don't slip down to my ankle. If you can shell out the cash for these then do it! you won't be disappointed.
I bought my wife and two daughters new hiking boots for Christmas, and I got them these awesome smart wool socks to go with them. They absolutely love them, and they only want smart wool items from now on lol. Makes me happy knowing they are happy and very comfortable! Thanks Moosejaw! You all are the best! Rewards helped too so that’s a no brainer! Enjoy the outdoors and stay safe
Bought as a gift for our adult son as the replacement for the former SmartWool PHD Crew Socks, which were his favorite. The Store associate said the Performance line were the replacement for the PhD Line. I haven't heard any feedback from our son , so I'll assume that he is likewise satisfied with these purchased Smartwool socks.
Big fan of the Hike Light Cushion. I run very hot, so I typically wear a lot of the light elite cushion low cut and micro cut. However, they have really made these socks not too thick while also having a nice amount of cushion for me, making them a great fit for a vast array of activities. I have been loving wearing these. I am 6'4" 180 pounds, wear a size 11.5-12 shoe. I used to purchase Large Smartwool socks and have realized that XL fits me much better! These are the perfect fit from trying them on to wearing for 2 days non-stop!The crew is great for cooler temperatures, whether you wear for work or play. These are great in running shoes or boots. Very breathable and were not too stuffy on my warm feet! I will keep these in mind when I buy my next pairs.
| Variant | |
| size | XLG |
| color | Black |
