​The Smartwool Women's Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks are engineered for exceptional comfort and durability on the trail. Featuring a tailored, women's-specific fit, these ankle-height socks utilize responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified merino wool for superior temperature regulation, moisture management, and natural odor resistance. With targeted light cushioning along the base of the foot and breathable mesh zones across the instep, they offer the perfect balance of impact protection and ventilation for day hikes, walking, and versatile outdoor wear.

Specs & Features

​Technical Specs

• ​Model Number: SW001571
• ​Height: Ankle (Sits just above standard low-cut shoes to protect against collar friction)
• ​Cushioning: Light Cushion (Targeted padding on the heel and toe)
• ​Material Composition: ~56% ZQ-certified Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 31% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane

​Key Features

• ​Women's Specific Fit: Anatomically engineered with a narrower heel and overall slimmer profile tailored specifically to women's feet.
• ​4 Degree™ Elite Fit System: A performance-oriented, multi-zone elastic construction that wraps the arch and ankle to completely eliminate slipping, bunching, and blisters.
• ​Indestructawool™ Technology: A proprietary, patent-pending construction method in high-wear zones that dramatically increases the sock's durability and lifespan.
• ​Virtually Seamless™ Toe: Eliminates bulky seams at the front of the foot for enhanced comfort and reduced chafing inside the shoe.
• ​Targeted Mesh Zones: Body-mapped mesh ventilation areas over the top of the foot maximize breathability and moisture vapor transmission

Care Instructions

​To preserve the elasticity, durability, and natural properties of your Smartwool socks:

• ​Wash: Machine wash warm or cold on a gentle cycle. Always wash inside out to flush out dead skin cells and restore the terry loop cushioning. Wash with similar colors.
• ​Detergent: Use a mild or wool-specific detergent. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach, as they coat and degrade the natural merino fibers, destroying their ability to manage moisture.
• ​Drying: Tumble dry on low heat, or line dry in the shade to maximize longevity.
• ​Ironing/Dry Cleaning: Do not iron. Do not dry clean.

​X-Boundaries Professional Tips

• ​The Perfect Trail Runner Companion: The ankle height of this sock is perfectly calibrated for low-cut hiking shoes and trail runners. It provides just enough coverage to prevent the padded collar of your shoe from rubbing your Achilles, while keeping dirt and trail debris out.
• ​Refresh on the Go: Because of the high merino wool content, these socks naturally resist odor-causing bacteria. If you are on a multi-day backpacking trip, you can easily get 2 to 3 days of wear out of a single pair—just hang them outside your pack at camp to air out overnight.
• ​Activate the Fit: When you first take these out of the package, the 4 Degree™ Elite fit might look a bit large. Washing them once before your first hike allows the merino and elastane fibers to contract into their true, dialed-in shape, providing the ultimate supportive hug around your arches.