Peter Macfarlane recommends the Stance Mid Wool Crew Socks. Find out why.

The Stance Mid Wool Crew is well named for its medium weight terry-loop padding throughout the sock, but there is additional performance detail hiding in plain sight too.

Peter Macfarlane recommends

A merino and nylon mix creates excellent comfort across a range of footwear from trail shoes to medium weight boots.
Pros
  • excellent fit
  • good fabric performance
  • quick drying
Cons
  • nothing
Quick specs
Price: £22.99 (available from Runners Need)
Weight: 90g (pair, size L)
Materials: 57% Nylon, 39% Merino Wool, 4% Elastane
Features: asymmetric left/right fit, zoned areas for cushioning or support, anti odour treatment
Sizes: M – Men 5.5-8 / Women 6-8.5, L – Men 8.5-11.5 / Women 9-10
Unisex
uk.stance.com

A merino and nylon mix creates excellent comfort across a range of footwear from trail shoes to medium weight boots. There’s enough padding for longer days and I found the Wool Crews a good choice for extended wear in both miles and time, with decent odour resistance over a few days from the merino content and the Freshtek anti-bacterial treatment.

They are a warmer sock than expected for their weight, likely down to the high synthetic content and padding density, welcome in the winter hills. This fabric mix also means they dry quickly when wet, both when washing at home and drying out at camp. The construction is asymmetric with a very pronounced left and right foot toe shape which is pleasingly hard to miss (the small L and R knitted into socks are often hard to read). The other notable asymmetrical feature is a band that runs round the arch of each foot. This centres the sock on your foot and feels snug. I’ve had no issues with slippage or wrinkling over extended use.

Other details are flat seams construction around the toes and heel with a light elastic cuff that has enough grip to stay up, but not irritate. It’s always nice to see colourful designs but they can add several otherwise unnecessary internal stitching lines and loose thread ends to catch and wear. However, the high nylon content seems to be giving the Wool Crews good durability with almost no bobbling at the usual higher abrasion points.

How we tested

Peter has a size 9UK foot with low-ish volume, a wide forefoot and a narrow heel and ankle. He tested throughout the year from hot summer days in trail shoes to the winter Munros wearing boots and crampons. Weights are from his own scales.

This review was first published in the March 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare this to others in our guide to the best hiking socks.