A few months ago I went looking for some new wool socks for the colder months. I wanted an over-the-ankle height that was thick, cozy, and hopefully cute, too. Surprisingly, I didn’t find much I liked. Most of the socks felt thin, scratchy, or flimsy, and I was about ready to give up and buy a pair I didn’t really like.
I ended up finding the perfect pair in an unexpected spot: the kids’ section at REI.
These socks are thick and cozy, and the merino keeps my toes toasty while also preventing my feet from getting clammy. The height is perfect for covering up my ankles and locking in warmth, but aren’t so high that they’re awkward. The center of the foot is knit to provide a little bit of arch support, too. Although wool usually bothers my skin when it comes to sweaters, scarves, and the like, I’ve found that merino socks are usually ok. These in particular are more comfortable than most of my other pairs.
I’ve worn these for numerous hikes and loved them. As an added bonus, the knit looks cute sticking out over top of my hiking shoes. Besides hiking and everyday wear, they’re also my new favorite for long days on airplanes. I always reach for these first when I need warm feet for chilly days and adventures.
I wear a women’s size 6.5 shoe and the kids size large sock fits me perfectly. Since I have somewhat small feet, I love that the heel actually fits at the heel instead of creeping up the back of my foot. They have a bit of stretch to them so they should still fit you if your feet are a little bigger.
And to top all that off, they’re only $8.50. That’s about half the price of their adult sock counterparts. Score!
Get the socks in cranberry here or in other colors here.
I wish I had small feet so that I could get these! I have about 5 pairs of the adult socks from REI though and I can confirm that they’re amazing. In fact, I’m wearing them today!
Oh good, I’m glad the adult version is a solid choice too! :) Thanks for chiming in!
Like Gretchen, I too am wearing the adult REI socks (that look identical to yours) right now. I wear them every day in the winter (and 2 pairs when I go hiking). They are amazing and last forever. Comparing my Smartwool socks to these is just embarrassing. The Smartwool socks get threadbare and gross and see through on the heels after less than a year… and it is not a fluke, I’ve tried tons of pairs and they are just sh** quality. These REI ones on the other hand, are perfect after years of use.
My husband really likes his Smartwool socks, but the one pair I have I don’t like all that much. Guess I’ll stick with what works!
I’m a HUGE fan of Darn Tough socks. Quite a bit more expensive, but made in VT and they have an awesome lifetime guarantee – if anything goes wrong you can get a new pair pretty much for the cost of shipping. My husband went to an Army mountaineering school, and Darn Tough was what they recommended for gear too!
Totally agree! Bought darn tough for my kids and they’re beautiful and functional! I want some too
Thanks for the rec! My husband has a pair of them, though I think they’re the thinner, crew variety. I’ll have to look online for more kinds.
Yes, they can get a bit confusing since there are so many versions. There’s a handy chart on the DT website that shows lengths and “thicknesses” that I always have to go to before I buy.
Oh perfect! That’ll definitely be helpful for me, especially if I have to get them online (not sure they have them at my local store).
OT: I received by Girlfriend Collective leggings just now! It wasn’t a scam!
Mini review: I like them. They are made of lovely, opaque, silky, super soft fabric and are very high waisted but comfy. Worth $20 if you need basic black leggings. Not super special or amazing (IMO), but nice. The fabric is very above average and the V-seam over the butt is cute, but I don’t love the side of the hip seam details. I’m curious to compare notes – did anyone else order them?
I already have two pairs! I’m a 4-6 in Lulu bottoms and read a bunch of comments that GC leggings were tiny, so went with M for my first pair. They ended up being quite a bit too big, unfortunately. I still wore them a lot to yoga though. And then I saw that somebody from the company had responded to a facebook comment saying it was okay to order a second pair with a different email address, so I placed an order for size S and they came today and fit great! Planning to wear them to the gym tomorrow.
The fabric is very, very nice – thick, fully opaque and almost brushed on the inside, so great for cooler weather. I personally don’t mind the hip seams since I wear them primarily to the gym/yoga studio. LOVE LOVE LOVE that pet hair does not stick to them! If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that I found the inside seams on my first pair a bit scratchy, but that could also be because they didn’t fit tight enough, so I’ll see how the S performs.
I got mine last month and I REALLY like them! I ordered my regular size and they fit like a glove. The only minor complaint I have is that I’m 5’7″ and I still find that they are a bit long, but other than that I’m a big fan. I just love the material, and for as often as I’ve been reaching for them they seem to be holding up really well. I’m planning on ordering an extra pair, and I am so curious to see what other items GC comes out with in the future.
okay… just worked out in them. i think mine are just too big. they are baggy around the hips although pretty fitted in the waist (so not sure if a size down would help?) i think i do not have the correct hip to waist ratio for these. bummer.
if anyone wants mine (sz.M… I’m a 4/6 in lulu) i am happy to pass them on. i have now worn them once (and will wash them…. obvi), but at least you won’t have to pay $20 and wait 2 months to get them.
I might like them if they are still available. I ordered them but I am worried I might have gone too big now. I followed the size guide and wear like and 8 in lululemon or medium in sweaty Betty. Second guessing now. Let me know.
Angie
Hey Angie,
Did you order a Large? My guess is they will be too big. Email me if you want my Sz.M carrie.masten@gmail.com
Thanks for the mini-review! I’m glad it’s legit and I’m really curious to see the rest of their collection when they come out with more styles.
I have size 7 feet and those kids socks are perfect for me. I’ve been wearing them for snowboarding and cross country skiing this winter. Love them
Oh good, I’m glad they’re working for you too!! :)
I will have to look into these. I wear a 6.5-7 shoes also. My other favorite is Fits socks for working out and farm to feet for around home which are found at REI.
I love these extra reviews! They are fun and informative! Thank you for writing them.
Ohh I haven’t heard of Fits socks before. I really like the concept so I’ll definitely have to check them out! I need some more regular socks for everyday/gym use so I’ll have to try theirs. :)
I adore them!! I have almost 20 pairs of the fits socks. I even got some for my husband and he loves them too! Best socks ever. They are pretty big around here due a couple local stores that have them on stock.