Fall '08 PhD
More Durable ... More Sustainable
This season's new PhD ski, snowboard and hiking-specific socks join in the spring '08 launch of our high—performance PhD running and cycling styles—extending the same incredible performance into new sports—which means new ways for your to be comfortable when you're doing your thing. We went back to the proving ground to make this season's PhD even more durable. It worked. Spectacularly (if we do say so ourselves).
No bike ride, no trail run, not time spent at your redline can be much fun if your feet let you down. Our new PhD performance sock line incorporates a range of design-driven features including our new Wool-on-Wool (WOW) Technology, 4 Degree Fit System and innovation in Temperature Regulation, Moisture Management and Odor Control.
Introducing New
WOW (Wool on Wool) Technology
How do we make SmartWool smarter? Try adding more SmartWool! WOW technology adds an additional layer of 100% SmartWool Duroyarn in the High Impact Zones to give the new PhD sock line up to 30% more durability. More wool is better in a bunch of ways. It increases durability, performance and comfort. And since WOW reduces nylon content, your long-lasting socks move moisture better and control temperature and odor more effectively as well. Last but not least, more wool means a more sustainable sock. Because wool is a renewable resource after all, and nylon isn't.
4-Degree Fit System
Ultimate Fit, Comfort & Performance
Our 4-Degree Banded Fit System leverages technology used in today's athletic footwear to raise fit, feel and performance to unheralded levels. It's almost Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon-type stuff—beyond the realms of physics and clothing science.
We tested, calculated, calibrated, experimented and obsessed. The backbone of our PhD performance socks, 4-Degree Fit offers support where it's needed, mesh zones for breathability, improved fit and extraordinary comfort.
Temperature Regulation
With SmartWool's Four-Season Functionality
SmartWool's superior comfort comes, in part, from the fiber's natural thermoregulatory properties; conserving, releasing or absorbing heat as necessary
Conserving Heat—Maintaining SmartWool has a natural crimp in the fiber that is one of nature's greatest insulators. This crimp traps more air per surface area than any other fiber.
Releasing Heat—Warming SmartWool buffers the body's microclimate in changing environmental conditions, maintaining comfort through natural "air conditioning" by absorbing moisture from the environment while releasing a small amount of heat. This keeps you warmer in cool/wet conditions.
Absorbing Heat—Cooling The body cools itself naturally by sweating. It is imperative the sweat evaporates easily. SmartWool transports sweat and water vapor from the skin directly through the fiber to ensure efficient evaporation of sweat from the body.
Moisture Management
Stay Drier, Longer with SmartWool
You work hard, you sweat—it's a given. Synthetic fibers take moisture off the skin as a liquid; you're already getting sweaty and clammy when a synthetic starts working. SmartWool absorbs sweat in it's vapor state, moving it to the outside of the garment so it evaporates. You stay drier, longer—the difference between a clammy chill in a synthetic and a happily dry workout in wool.
Odor Control
The Funk-Free Factor
Less moisture guarantees an unfriendly environment for bacteria—without giving them a damp breeding ground, any sock or garment resists the build-up of odor-causing bacteria. So, travel all day or ski longer knowing your socks and long underwear will remain stink-free!
If you're still not convinced, take the test. The next time you go big, wear a synthetic sock on one foot and a SmartWool sock on the other. Once you've returned home, remove your socks and ask your feet—How'd it go today? Give each sock a sniff. Now you're a believer!