approach socks?? Wait... what?

Oh thank god... we now have Approach Socks. What was I doing before these saved my life? (hint at sarchasm??)
I don't mean to disrespect Conrad, he is THE man, but Approach Socks? Whats next... Approach Gloves, Hats? I could use an approach belt.
https://www.smartwool.com/phd-outdoor-approach-sock.html  

Those socks will go well with approach shoes and a 16L pack I see everyone wearing at the coffee shop.

so.... it's a sock.  great marketing ploy.  

I mean I'm not buying any of these and it seriously chaffs my ass to spend more than $6 on any pair of socks....BUT!  Smartwool socks are  next level.  I have a couple pairs for downhill skiing, where nothing else compares, and a couple for biking that I got on sale.  You can't be a real crusty old man until you've got deeply held opinions about socks. 

OMFG, this is what I have been waiting 53 years for!  A sock that I can wear with shoes!  I must have been insane to try and wear a regular athletic sock to get to the Bastille Crack....

Matthew Bertolatus wrote: I mean I'm not buying any of these and it seriously chaffs my ass to spend more than $6 on any pair of socks....BUT!  Smartwool socks are  next level.  I have a couple pairs for downhill skiing, where nothing else compares, and a couple for biking that I got on sale.  You can't be a real crusty old man until you've got deeply held opinions about socks. 

Matt - you are not old...but practice makes perfect.

My sock drawer(s) beg to differ

I think you're taking the name too literally.  Smartwool has a whole collection called "Approach" and this sock is part of that line.  

Bill Kirby wrote: Those socks will go well with approach shoes and a 16L pack I see everyone wearing at the coffee shop.

I feel attacked

Smartwool is okay...but go check out Darn Tough. Their socks feel so great it's like I'm not even hiking, more just floating to the crag. I have different pairs for snowboarding, hiking, & running. Yes they are expensive...but they also have a lifetime guarantee and mine have lasted years without signs of wear

Putting 3 kids thru college is expensive

Nick Sweeney wrote: I think you're taking the name too literally.  Smartwool has a whole collection called "Approach" and this sock is part of that line.  

Interesting... when I put that into the search functionality on the site only socks come up. 

I could use some approach finger sleeves for small crack climbs??? Something that could protect my knuckles and perhaps the back of my hands???
: - ) How about phalang-sleeves??  

Sam, the video host... is trying soooo hard not to laugh as he says the name of these... socks. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58NS8h8SMb4

Nick Sweeney wrote: I think you're taking the name too literally.  Smartwool has a whole collection called "Approach" and this sock is part of that line.  

I don't think so. From the Smartwool site:

"The next evolution in our partnership with iconic alpinist Conrad Anker, the PhD Outdoor Approach takes new sock technology to new heights.  The PhD Outdoor Approach sock is designed to handle demanding approaches, day hikes and everyday wear. Featuring Indestructawool™ and our 4 Degree™ elite fit, our Approach socks are made to scramble over rocks while wicking moisture away, thanks to Merino wool.  Designed to fit seamlessly in approach or hike footwear, these socks offer the fit, comfort and durability to handle demanding approach, day hikes and everyday wear."

socks are aid.
yer gonna die

I want a pair of rappel socks. For when the route requires a very short walk between top out, rap stations and getting back to the base where you left your approach shoes, and you're not wearing your comfy all day shoes. And the rock/sun is too much to go barefoot. 

Socks + plasti-dip  ;)  

After way too many chigger bites I confess I was quite excited to get some Ex Officio Bugs away socks. They work like a charm.

New approach underwear for men, keep those bad boys contained (see thread on MM testicle crusher harness)

Matt N wrote: I want a pair of rappel socks. For when the route requires a very short walk between top out, rap stations and getting back to the base where you left your approach shoes, and you're not wearing your comfy all day shoes. And the rock/sun is too much to go barefoot.

Tis a great idea, but sad to say Rappel Socks have already been made. Heir Dülfersitz developed them back in the first half of the last century. Back then it was a wool & tar/sand combo, but you get the idea. Sadly his design was lost after his tragic death in a mountaineering slip-up on the Eiger.