Walking Equipment and Accessories

Teko Discovery Merino Socks | Review

Be kind to your feet with what are probably the greenest socks on the planet

Why We Chose Teko’s Discovery Merino Socks: Comfortable, wicking, eco-friendly

Price: £32 (pack of two pairs)
Weight: NA
More info: tekoforlife.co.uk

Look after your feet and your feet will look after you. Sounds simple, but it’s so easy to pull on your boots before heading into the hills without a thought for the socks you’re wearing. So if you’re the sort that just pulls any old pair out of the top drawer, maybe it’s time to invest in some decent hiking socks. They could save you from miles of sore feet or, worse, crippling blisters.

Teko’s Discovery Merino socks are one of our top picks if you’re looking for a comfortable pair of socks that can be worn through spring, summer or autumn. They’re a mid-calf height and not too bulky, so they fit well with trail shoes or walking boots, making them a good choice whether you’re running, hiking or even mountain biking.

When it comes to environmentally-conscious gear, these socks also secure maximum points. In fact, they’re probably the greenest socks on the planet. That’s because Teko take sustainability very seriously. The Discovery Merino socks are made from a blend of 30% merino wool, 30% recycled polyester, 38% polyamide nylon and 2% elastic. The merino wool comes from the USA and Argentina and is sourced fairly and humanely, while the polyester fibres are made from plastic drinks bottles. The polyamide nylon is recycled from commercial fishing nets.

“Teko is a company that takes its socks seriously, and it shows.”

Teko’s production process is also Bluesign certified, meaning that harmful or toxic substances are eliminated right from the beginning of the manufacturing process. They don’t use nasty chemicals in their dyes, nor do they use chlorine to stop the wool from shrinking in your washing machine or tumble dryer. In addition, all their packaging materials are either recycled or recyclable, and all raw materials and finished products are transported by boat rather than air to minimise the company’s carbon footprint – impressive stuff.

Of course, true sustainability would be a sock that lasted forever, so you need never buy another pair again. While Teko socks don’t quite promise that, they are among the most durable socks on the market, and come with a lifetime guarantee.

On your feet, they’re very comfortable thanks to light cushioning under the heel and forefoot and zoned areas for maximum support, plus that merino fabric blend that feels really soft. The blend also takes advantage of the natural anti-microbial properties of merino, as well as its ability to offer warmth in cool conditions and excellent moisture management in warmer weather. The socks are constructed with a seamless toe to eliminate chafing, and are really well-finished. Teko is a company that takes its socks seriously, and it shows.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“Lovely socks. The kind that genuinely have been giving me that new sock feeling over and over again when I pull them on.

“I think Teko have got the blend right here, with elastic to give a close and supportive fit, merino for warmth, moisture wicking and odour control, and the polyester and nylon to give the weave some strength and longevity.

“I like these kind of three-season socks, ones that are generally quite thin overall, but with padding exactly where it’s needed and enough warmth to have your back through three seasons. Gone are the days where it was a prerequisite for a rambler to wear big fluffy things tucked into their socks that were complete overkill.

“I will say that the microbial stuff in the merino does work a bit, but don’t expect it to solve all your problems on the stink front. After a couple of uses, they will smell. Sorry. If you want a sock that will do that job, keep an eye out for socks with Polygiene – I’ve found that stuff to be really impressive.

“And the fishing net stuff. I like that.”