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These Wool Socks Survived a 24-hour Travel Day—Plus, 6 More Pairs We Love
These Wool Socks Survived a 24-hour Travel Day—Plus, 6 More Pairs We Love

Travel + Leisure

time5 days ago

  • Travel + Leisure

These Wool Socks Survived a 24-hour Travel Day—Plus, 6 More Pairs We Love

Whether for lounging, embarking on a cold-weather endeavor, or hiking in warm temperatures, wool socks are always my top choice. I personally love wool socks from Smartwool and Ibex for all types of trips and adventures. Wool is known to be far superior when it comes to a do-it-all material. With its moisture-wicking properties and ability to regulate temperatures, wool is an ideal material for socks. Since the fibers are particularly travel-friendly, we tested 15 pairs of wool-blend socks. We evaluated them for comfort, fit, quality, and breathability. From sightseeing to sitting on a plane, these are the wool socks that impressed us most with a high-quality feel and comfortable fit. Credit: L.L. Bean The Adults' Merino Wool Ragg Socks earned top points in our tests, landing them as our best overall pick. We wore these socks for more than 24 hours straight during a long-haul flight (and extra-long travel day) to Europe. After clocking more than 20,000 steps in one day while wearing these socks, we noticed that they maintained their shape well, with minimal shrinkage or stretching. Their stretch added to the comfort level, and we found them to be fantastic at temperature regulation. We appreciated that they stayed in place and didn't bunch up. Though they are on the thicker side, it's important to decide what kind of shoes you will use them with regularly. Even when our feet became warm, they did a great job of keeping moisture away, so our feet didn't feel sweaty. We also really like that they come in a two-pack. After a short time of wearing the socks, there were some loose threads, but nothing excessive. The Details: S-XL | Crew length | 77 percent Merino wool, 21 percent stretch nylon, 2 percent Lycra elastane blend Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Smartwool These running socks performed so well that our testers used them for everything from daily runs and hikes to a half-marathon. We found them to be very soft and extremely comfortable to wear, with no blisters, hot spots, or bunching, perfect for high-impact activities. Since they are crafted from about half Merino wool and half synthetic fabric, they are breathable yet stretchy, which is key for runners. Light cushioning maximizes comfort and support in the arch of your foot, while keeping its thin profile. The ankle height works well for running shoes or low hiking shoes. We appreciated that our feet didn't feel sweaty, even on longer runs, thanks to their moisture-wicking properties. They've also held up over time, staying true to their size after several washes, with no shrinking or stretching evident. The Details: S-2XL | Ankle length | 55 percent Merino wool, 43 percent nylon, 2 percent elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Falke We love the luxurious feel of the Falke Cosy Wool Socks, as well as the numerous color options they come in. The material is super soft and breathable, and it kept our feet dry and odor-free. Made from a blend of wool, cashmere, and synthetic fabrics, we found them to be exceptionally soft and breathable, making them ideal for a cozy day at home in pajamas. We did notice small signs of pilling and some stretching out after a couple of washes, making them more appropriate for casual lounge wear. We think these would be the perfect pair of socks to slip on during a long-haul flight when you want a touch of coziness and luxury. The Details: Sizes 5-7.5 to 8-10.5 | Crew length | 31 percent wool, 27 percent rayon, 24 percent polyamide, 18 percent cashmere Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: ONDO No-show socks have a reputation for not staying put, but we found that wasn't the case with the Ondo Merino Wool No Show Socks. The fit was superior, and we found them to have fantastic breathability with impressive odor control. While these socks are very thin, their standout feature is their ability to stay in place, so you don't have to keep pulling them up. This is thanks to the sticky grip on the back of the sock that worked effectively during our real-world testing. We appreciated the reinforced toe, which should help with their longevity. Combined with their moisture-wicking capability as well, these proved to be the perfect pair of discreet socks to wear with comfy flats to slip-on sneakers. During our tests, we noted that they run large, so you may want to size down. The Details: XS-XL | No-show length | 67 percent Merino wool, 27 percent nylon, 6 percent spandex Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Icebreaker $21 $15 at Amazon View on The Icebreaker Merino Lifestyle Crew Casual Wool Socks earned high praise for being very comfortable when worn for long days in a variety of settings. We wore them for everything from commuting to hiking or biking, and they performed well. During our tests, we found that they were durable with high-quality construction that maintained their shape even after several washes. We liked the fit and appreciated that they stayed up. While they are more suitable for colder temperatures, we found them to be breathable, and they didn't leave our feet sweaty. They offer some support in the ankle and arch, and the wool fabric didn't pill or shed. The Details: S-XL | Crew length | 64 percent wool, 34 percent nylon, 2 percent elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: REI What's better than one good pair of socks? Four pairs of good socks, of course. We found the Bombas Merino Wool Blend Quarter Sock 4-pack to be comfortable and true to size, with a snug enough fit to stay up and prevent bunching. They are great for lounging or as an everyday sock, and have great moisture-wicking capabilities. During our tests, we found them to be breathable despite being on the slightly thicker and warmer side. They feel high quality despite showing signs of wear after washing them multiple times, though it didn't affect their functionality. The Details: S-L | Quarter length | 81 percent Merino wool, 17 percent polyester, 2 percent elastane Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Darn Tough View on REI $25 at Zappos $25 at Travel + Leisure editor Taylor Fox wore these socks while hiking the Camino de Santiago, and was impressed by how comfortable these were. During our tests, Fox found these hiking socks to be an ideal height, coming over the top of her hiking boots without being too tall. She appreciated how soft the fabric felt, with ample cushioning and insulation. On her hikes, Fox noticed that they stayed in place and didn't experience any hotspots or uncomfortable seams. Though she didn't find them to be as breathable as other models, Fox still didn't end up with sweaty feet or odor after use. Even after hiking in them for a year, they remain durable and high quality with no holes or fraying. The Details: S-L | Crew length | 54 percent nylon, 43 percent Merino wool, 3 percent Lycra spandex Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure

Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot

The Irish Sun

time7 days ago

  • Sport
  • The Irish Sun

Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. Advertisement 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. Advertisement Read More on Arsenal But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' Advertisement Most read in Football San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Advertisement Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Advertisement But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Advertisement 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Advertisement Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Advertisement Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' Advertisement ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit: 6

Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot

Scottish Sun

time7 days ago

  • Sport
  • Scottish Sun

Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot

Martin Zubimendi will have a lot of help in his bid to anchor Arsenal's midfield ON THE MEND Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest rumours from the Emirates And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta stretching back 12 months. Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then Zubimendi to join him the following season. It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about Arsenal's unique negotiation tactic, Merino admitted: 'I didn't know [Zubimendi] was coming. We were really focused on the present. 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Viktor Gyokeres on the verge of joining for £63.5m. But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit:

George giggles with Charlotte and Louis in behind-the-scenes 12th birthday video
George giggles with Charlotte and Louis in behind-the-scenes 12th birthday video

South Wales Guardian

time7 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • South Wales Guardian

George giggles with Charlotte and Louis in behind-the-scenes 12th birthday video

George is shown laughing as he and Charlotte both lift a giggling Louis up in their arms during an outdoor photoshoot, with George holding his younger brother around his chest and Charlotte holding his legs. The upbeat video montage, filmed by Kensington Palace's in-house social media team, shows the trio smiling as they stride along holding hands in the sunshine, with Louis in the middle of his brother and sister. 12 today! 🎉 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2025 The royal siblings also pose for a family portrait with Charlotte and Louis sitting on a rustic wooden gate as George leans next to them. The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new solo colour photograph of their eldest child George, taken when the video was shot, to mark him turning 12 on Tuesday. The future king – one year away from being a teenager – is pictured smiling and relaxed as he leans on the gate in the Norfolk countryside. George is wearing a white checked shirt with rolled up sleeves and a dark green fleece gilet, and a blue and white friendship bracelet can be seen on his left wrist as he rests his folded arms on the gate. The image, posted on Kensington Palace's social media, was taken by photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year. It was accompanied by the message: 'Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!' followed by a cake emoji. The royal family also sent its congratulation to George, wishing him a 'very happy birthday'. Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George! 🎂 — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 22, 2025 George, whose birthday falls during his summer break from school, has one year left at his prep school Lambrook before he moves on to his senior school – with either Eton or Marlborough College thought to be the frontrunners. The prince joined his parents and sister Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon men's final earlier this month, where he used a fan to keep cool in the royal box in the blazing afternoon sun. In June, George was seen nudging his boisterous younger brother Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony to wave more calmly at the crowd following the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Prince George Alexander Louis was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, at 4.24pm on July 22 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz. He made his debut in front of the world's media on the hospital steps one day later, wrapped in a white Merino wool shawl, cradled in his mother's arms.

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