Men's Hiker Encounter 2-Pack

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* Women's conversion is shown for reference — see the notes under the Women's Size Chart.

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* Men’s-sized styles tend to reach a bit higher on the leg than women’s sock heights.

* XL is available in select women’s styles for a limited time.

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Your shoe size is a good indicator of sock size. The charts above show the sock-to-shoe conversion for men's, women's, unisex and kids' sizes. If you are between sizes, size up.

Measured from the heel to the cuff of the sock. A ruler or tape measure helps, but where a sock lands also depends on your individual leg length.

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Cushion is padding knitted into the sock with terry loops. It adds protection in high-impact areas, absorbs shock, and adds warmth and comfort.

• No Cushion: a thin knit with no lift from terry loops. Regardless of yarn weight, this is a thin sock.
• Cushion: terry loops underfoot and in other areas, but they do not wrap the foot. The most versatile cushion style.
• Full Cushion: terry loops run the entire length of the sock, or at least up to the cuff, for a full wrap of cushion around the foot and leg.

Some ski and snowboard styles use targeted cushioning in the shin, separate from the foot. Some work styles add extended cushioning in the toe for steel-toe footwear.

Yarn comes in weights, and while it is measured in microns it makes a real difference. What you might call outdoor socks are midweight and higher; for running, skiing and casual styles, ultra-lightweight and lightweight are standard.

• Ultra-lightweight: the lowest profile, nearly a second skin. Even with cushion, these are sleek and smooth.
• Lightweight: the most versatile weight, found in practically every sock category. With cushion, many consider it the best combination.
• Midweight: built for the outdoors, this is where hiking and ski socks made their name. More natural insulation, and durable enough to be a thru-hiker staple.
• Heavyweight: the warmest socks. Always with cushion, and usually the highest Merino wool content of any style.

How do you determine sock size?

First determine what shoe size you wear. Your shoe size tells you which sock size you need: each sock size fits two to three shoe sizes. If you fall between two size categories, size up.

Are socks one size fits all?

No. Each sock size fits a few shoe sizes, and socks stretch to fit different feet, but you get the best result from a sock that fits properly.

Are sock size and shoe size the same?

No, but your shoe size determines your sock size. For example, a men's size 11 shoe takes a men's large sock, which fits shoe sizes 10-12.

What size socks do I need?

Check your shoe size against the charts above, then pick the sock size it correlates with. If you are between sizes, size up to the next sock size.

What size socks do I wear?

If you are new to our socks, compare your shoe size to the sock sizes above and size up if you are in between. If you already own a pair, the size is knit inside the sock cuff (for example, M for medium).