Paka Alpaca Wool Socks Review

Paka Alpaca Wool Socks (shop now) deliver materials innovation to a stagnating marketplace. For the past two decades, it’s been merino, merino, merino. But now friends, you can enjoy the superior performance traits of Alpaca in a semi-technical and extremely comfortable sock. Alpaca wool is softer and more anti-bacterial (AKA less smelly after use) than any other fabric. As these socks were new to us, we put them on with a healthy dose of skepticism. We tested this them thoroughly against many other pairs. And to our surprise, the Paka socks were simply comfier than the competition, despite mediocre technical chops, every single time. This might be the most comfortable socks in our quiver.

Technically speaking, the Paka socks run a bit loose, and we think it would behoove them to create a more secure fit. But construction-wise, they do have a bit of arch compression, mesh paneling uppers, and reinforced toe and heel. At time of posting, they are only offered in low ankle and full crew, the worst two height configurations. Give us quarter height and mid-crew and we’d love them so much more. Alpaca wool has huge potential that is only just beginning to be realized, and we can’t wait to see where Paka takes it.

• 1.1 oz per sock
• $20

Compare to more great pairs in our guide to the best hiking socks.