Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Review

In this article, I'm going to share my HONEST Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2024. These were originally released in April 2024, they are a best seller and are getting raving reviews online.

For this review, I have put in several hours testing the Smartwool Classic with my hiking boots in the summer and winter of 2024. I mainly tested these hiking socks with my Keen Targhee IV and Hoka Kaha 2. I'm very familiar with how they feel and perform on the trails. I'll go over Comfort, Warmth, Breathability, and Durability. 

I'll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a trail guide and experienced hiker.

Should you buy the Smartool Classic? 

Buy if 

• You Prioritize comfort and durability over breathability 

• You want a robust pair of hiking socks that will last 

 DON'T Buy if 

• You mainly hike in the summer

• You prefer a very thin and slick hiking sock

Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent Cushioning

• Great Insulation

• No Issues with durability

Cons 

• Issues with breathability

• Not as versatile as some other hiking socks

Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Price

At the time of this writing, the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion are priced at $30 retail, but available on Amazon below for as low as $27 brand new.

 Order the for the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion  LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail): 

Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion (Amazon)

Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Comfort: 9.5/10

This hiking sock has one of the highest Merino wool compositions of any hiking sock made up of 74% Merino wool. Merino wool is always a go to for hiking socks as they are super warm and comfortable. The rest of the materials the SmartWool classic Mountaineer maximum cushion are made of recycled nylon, and elastane. What is great about these hiking socks is the amount of reinforced comfort and cushioning all around your foot.

 Wearing these hiking socks is like having an extra cushion around your hiking boots. For example, the Salomon quest 4  does not have a great amount of cushion for hiking boots combined with the SmartWool classic It makes up for where the Quest 4 lack in comfort. 

These are definitely heavyweight hiking socks, as you move up towards the mid calf area the elastane does not strangle your calf and form fits easily. We can easily say these are one of the most comfortable hiking socks on the market today. Comparable comfort levels to the Darn Tough Hiker Light Micro Crew and Darn Tough Full Cushion.

Warmth 10/10

I can easily attest that these are one of the top winter hiking boots in terms of warm. The Merino wool is such a robust blend that does not allow the freezing cold to enter and traps in heat. What's great is I found these hiking socks are obviously excellent for hiking, backpacking, and general use in the winter. In fact, we used them throughout the house since they are so warm throughout the winter. 

Another suggestion I would like to make it to use these at night while sleeping in a tent. These are easily the best winter hiking socks you can have in terms of warmth. 

Breathability 8/10

Obviously when you are dealing with heavy weight hiking socks they tend to not be the most breathable. While hiking in the summer I noticed that my feet began to get extra sweaty. I'm not saying that you cannot use these hiking socks in the summer; however, be cautious in extremely hot areas.

Now when you're talking about hiking in the winter these are easily the best pair of socks to choose. They will keep you super warm and try throughout your winter treks. We did hike in the snow with these and noted them to slough off the wet as well. At night time, you can rely on these hiking socks to keep your feet super warm and toasty without issue. For more breathable socks check out the Farm To Feet Damascus.

Durability 9/10

These pair of hiking socks are extremely durable. When speaking of durability something to worry about with hiking socks is the bottom of the foot and towards the top near the calf tend to wear down. Despite hiking in pretty rugged conditions we did not experience any holes and or breaks within the hiking socks. I did have concerns with the stitching towards the top of the hiking sock, I thought it would break easily however, it has not over the 6 months of testing them.

A strong point to add is, once you experience holes in your hiking socks you will never want to use them again and they get thrown out. Having a nice pair of durable hiking socks is definitely at top in terms of priority.

The Smartwool classic is easily one of the most durable hiking socks out on the market. You will not go wrong with choosing a pair of these to last a long time. 

Is theSmartwool Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion worth it?

If you are looking for top-of-the-line hiking socks you need to end your search here. The SmartWool classic is an excellent choice for winter and fall hiking socks. They have Superior comfort and warmth.

Although these may not be the best socks to use in the summer, you can still give them a shot depending on the weather you are hiking in. 

Being able to get the socks for under $30 as a steal in my opinion. 

Value: 4.5 / 5 

Scoring Breakdown 

Comfort: 9.5/10 

Warmth: 10/10

Breathability: 8/10

Durability: 9/10

Value: 4.5/5

Total: 41 / 45

 Our Rating: 9.1 / 10

At the time of this writing, the  Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Classic Max Cushion are priced at $30, but available on Amazon below for as low as $27 brand new. We update our link to constantly provide you with the lowest available price. 

Order the for the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer Max Cushion LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail): 

Smartwool Classic Mountineer Max Cushion

Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂

Adventure Awaits,

Tyler