You’ve probably seen Smartwool socks pop up here and there in my videos. They’re reliable, dependable, and DURABLE! I’ve had this pair for not 2, not 3, not 4 years.. Honestly it’s been so long I can’t even remember where or when I got them.
But Smartwool does have a range of apparel - being merino-wool based, the first thing that comes to mind is base layers.. but turns out they have some pretty nice t-shirts too.
Active Mesh
The Active Mesh Short Sleeve features a slightly heavier fabric with strategic breathable mesh areas on the shoulders, sleeves, and back areas. The heavier weight makes it feel more plush and gives it a nice satisfying feel both on the run and during every day use.
There’s a bit of a curvature to the hem - it’s cut slightly higher at the sides, and again - this gives it a pleasing look and feel both when you’re standing still and also on the run.
I’m 5’10” with a 36” chest and I wear a size Medium. The fit was a bit looser initially, and it shrunk a tiny bit with the first few washes. If you’re in between sizes, I’d recommend going with the larger size.
Active Ultralite
The Active Ultralite Short Sleeve brings similar Smartwool tech - 53% Merino Wool, 47% TENCEL Lyocell - in a lighter weight package. The material is thinner, and there are no mesh panels here.
This is the performance option if you’re looking for a lighter feel on those hotter days. It floats around the body and the thin merino feels soft and smooth.
The great thing about the Merino Wool / TENCEL combination is that they don’t retain odor like synthetic fabrics. It was a hot day out as you can see from the pic above.. but I just hung this one up to dry, and it will be ready to go again tomorrow (or later in the day).
Socks too.. of course
This one is called “Neature Print” - it’s a Trail Run model with targeted cushion in the toe and heel area. I believe it’s essentially the same model as that years old pair shown at the top of the article.
Btw, their Trail Run model is a staple in my testing - I love the colors of the Reflections Print model. I break that one out whenever I find a good match with shoes I’m testing or whenever I want to add some pop to my kit.
Another model I’ve been trying out is their Zero Cushion Run model. I’ve had these before in quarter length (race giveaways), but I’m a crew length guy, and this is my first pair of these in the higher cut.
Sometimes you need to vary your sock thickness depending on the volume of the shoe you’re running in. It’s a good idea to have a few options from a brand that works well for you.
Check out the Smartwool apparel and socks that I’ve been rocking recently - affiliate links are below. These are pieces of kit that you can be confident you’ll be rocking for years to come. Who knows? You might see these same items in another article a few years (or more) down the road!
Smartwool Product Links
Active Mesh Short Sleeve ($85)
Active Ultralite Short Sleeve ($72)
Run Mid Crew Socks - Zero Cushion ($22)
Run Mid Crew Socks - Targeted Cushion ($23)
Trail Run Neature Print Crew Socks ($28)
Products provided at no cost for test and review by Smartwool. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.