Silver and Wool: The Anti-Smell Sock Formula

On the trail, comfy, clean-smelling feet correlate into a comfy, happy hiker — Wigwam knows that. As such, the Sheboygan, Wis., sock manufacturer developed a new model, the Wool Runner, to keep feet from smelling like moldy cheese. The secret, er, sauce? An antimicrobial treatment called SmartSilver and merino wool.

Indeed, the Wool Runner employs a proprietary nanotechnology (SmartSilver) found in a range of products, including health care, apparel and footwear. The antimicrobial agent prevents your hiking buddies from passing out when you take off your trail shoes at the end of the day. The wool sock has a heel tab to help reduce slippage, and there is a seamless toe closure to prevent rubbing in the wrong way.

The Terrain Trax Pro, another model, helps maintain a pain-free, moisture-free foot, the company says. It combines the treatment Dri-release with a Merino wool. The result is a soft sock that stays dry even when you sweat, the company says. It has a breathable mesh fabric on top and the same seamless toe design found with the Wool Runner.

Both will be available in November for around $14 a pair. www.wigwam.com

—Ryan Dionne