Chris Townsend likes the Moggans Midweight Merino Crew, a cosy merino wool sock, and recommends them for wet and below-average summer temperatures.
Merino wool socks have been my favourites for many years. I find them comfortable over a wide range of temperatures, soft and cosy even after a week’s wear without washing, breathable, and warm when damp. Pure merino does wear quite quickly at pressure points however so a mix with tougher synthetics is needed for durability. These Moggans Midweight Merino Crew socks are an excellent mix of 60% mulesing-free merino, 39% recycled polyamide and 1% elastane.
The socks have a complex construction that gives good cushioning underfoot and breathability on top. The sole, toe and lower heel are made from quite thick dense loops that are soft and warm. The upper foot has rib knit, plain and thin loop panels designed for good breathability. The leg section is rib-knit with a double layer at the cuff. The seams are flat-sewn.
Moggans describes the socks as “perfect for cycling, running, walking or mountaineering in cold, wet or winter conditions”. Just right for July in the Cairngorms then! In fact this July they were as the month was mostly wet with temperatures below average. I wore the socks with trail shoes and lightweight boots and found them excellent. They are easily warm enough without ever being too hot and breathability is excellent. They got soaked a few times and held their shape and were still warm and comfortable.
For merino socks the cost is reasonable. I’ll be wearing them much more to see how well they last. I think they’ll prove durable but that’ll take time to confirm. In the meantime I’m certainly happy to recommend them.
The Moggans Midweight Merino Crew socks are designed in the UK and made in the EU. Some Moggans socks, like the Stravaiger Midweight, which I’ll be testing when the weather gets colder, are designed and made in Scotland. Moggan is in fact a Scots word meaning a woollen stocking.
RECOMMENDED: This product has been awarded our ‘Recommended’ endorsement, meaning our reviewer believes it is a strong product which works well for its intended purpose.
To compare these socks with other tested by The Great Outdoors’ experts, read about the best hiking socks of 2023.
