SmartWool’s new Spring 2015 PhD Run sock construction is billed as the first to address the needs of men’s and women’s feet independently — ‘helping runners run more efficiently and more comfortably than ever before.’
Engineered from the inside out to amplify the benefits of Merino wool and maximize performance with the foot in motion, the new gender-specific PhD Run sock constructions provide a number of claimed benefits, allowing wearers to connect more directly with the shoe and respond more quickly over technical terrain.
The Spring 2015 PhD Run socks aim to improve performance through enhanced breathability and a frictionless fit. To this end, ‘thousands of hours were spent abrasion testing the new 200-needle fabric composition in addition to months of wear testing by SmartWool Fan Field Testers and globally ranked trail runners Jason Schlarb and Darcy Piceau-Africa.’
The company notes that ‘by designing products for true elite athletes, SmartWool’s testing efforts have produced the toughest socks SmartWool has ever made and all SmartWool products are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.’
While women’s run socks have traditionally been smaller versions of male or unisex constructions (‘shrink and pink’), all of the new 2015 SmartWool Women’s PhD Run socks feature the first-ever women’s specific fit with a smaller heel pocket and toe box that enhance a tapered construction.
‘Female-friendly ventilation — as determined by thermal body mapping technology — mitigates heat and moisture through strategic mesh and elasticity placement.’
Research by SmartWool also heavily influenced cushion placement on the socks, which not only helps regulate the internal climate of the shoe, but also minimizes friction and impact over long distances, climbs and descents. ‘The result is an entirely female-centric sock line with variable sock cushion positioning tailored to a woman’s foot — amplifying performance through a decidedly feminine fit.’
No stranger to pioneering new technology in Merino socks and apparel, SmartWool’s Spring 2015 sock lines will also be ‘the first to scale true white wool innovation.’ Available across the brand’s PhD, Performance and Lifestyle collections, this ‘brilliant white Merino fibre’, developed in partnership with Austrian textile brand Schoeller, blends the natural performance attributes of Merino with a classic white aesthetic. White wool will also be featured in SmartWool’s performance and compression accessories.
Based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, SmartWool is a 20-year-old apparel brand whose products are inspired by living and playing in the mountains. The company offers year-round apparel for an active life lived in unpredictable mountain climates. All SmartWool products come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and are created to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool. SmartWool is a division of VF Outdoor Inc.
By delivering… ‘extraordinary comfort through intelligent and thoughtful products, SmartWool products allow mountain athletes to do more of what they love, longer.’
