Stance Socks

The summer season will see many hardened trail runners and hikers hitting the hills. As any seasoned pedestrian will tell you, the knife-edge between excruciating and enjoyable comes with socks.

A good pair of socks is more than a luxury: they’re second only to shoes as the most valuable piece of gear you can own. It should come as no surprise that your feet are the focal point of any long-distance treks.

Aware of these basic facts, Californian apparel company Stance, established in 2009, has become a leading hosier in the USA and has recently expanded operations to the UK.

I had the opportunity to test two of their sock models, one of which is a new release, on sale via the links below.

Stance Divided Lines (RRP £22.99), new this summer, features a Merino wool blend—the choice material for outdoor underlayers. Available for Men’s shoe sizes 5.5 to 11.5 and Women’s 6 to 10, these socks are as comfortable as they are durable. Stance highlights their socks’ patented FreshTek™, “an antimicrobial and moisture-wicking wash designed to keep you feeling fresh”.

From wearing Divided Lines for running and everyday work, I can confirm the benefits. Breathability is a big factor in keeping your feet dry and stopping the worst of bromodosis. These were a pleasure to wear up my local Corbett, as well as for my daily dog walks and gardening. The stitchwork perfectly cushioned the arch of my feet while keeping my ankles warm. A gorgeous, retro mountain design means Divided Lines are not only practical but visually stunning too.

Balancing comfort with performance, Stance’s flagship Stance Run Ultra Light Tab (RRP £12.99) running sock is about as good as it gets. Its nylon-polyester blend and seamless stitchwork is unbelievably ultralight, miraculously cushioning your feet while giving the impression you’re not wearing socks at all.

Stance Run Ultra Light carry the same FreshTek™ wash as Divided Lines and Stance’s other new releases. They also carry the company’s Infiknit™ lifetime guarantee, meaning if they rip or tear (which Stance says they won’t), the company has you covered.

Unlike Divided Lines, the Stance Run UL comes in four colours with the same minimalist design. For maximum outfit combos, I chose the black—they look as good flying down forest trails as they do catching the bus into town. Furthermore, there’s a greater size range on offer for Women than Divided Lines—from 3.5 to 10.