Review: Smartwool Footless Tights

[Blueberry]

Title 9 is a reputable dealer. I wouldn't worry about them (not sure if they are on the list or not - the list wasn't working for me). However, you do bring up a good point about some of the less well known retailers.

I've had issues with smartwool purchased at REI - they definitely are on the list, and the quality was definitely not good.

[OakLeaf]

I'm not sure this latest M&A will affect SW quality anyway. It seems to me if anything would've affected quality, it would've been the 2005 buyout by Timberland - and that was before I really started on my wool kick, so whether their QC was better before then (and/or whether they were 100% USA-made) I really have no idea.

It does seem like my SW running socks are not long for this world - not wearing out, the way you expect socks to do, but the elastic and/or Lycra fibers aren't well integrated, or something. I'm always finding threads pulling out of them. I haven't yet had a sock come apart on me, but I have to think that's next. (Most of them came from TE, though I might've gotten a pair or two from big box stores like Gander Mountain or REI.)

And, my SW T's aren't cut straight, so the seams are always snaking around my body in weird ways. Pretty much an expected error in mass production, but unfortunate.

[zoom-zoom]

I was actually talking about another company brought up in the thread. Sierra Trading Post. Never a good experience with that place!

I agree the list if not very user-friendly.

I wish I could blame the lower quality of the ones I've bought recently on them being knock-offs, but they're all PhD line socks of varying thicknesses and from authorized dealers.

[Becky]

I've always had good experiences with Sierra Trading Post, returns, and their customer service in general. I've played the size game with some items, but I accept that as a possibility when shopping clearance items, some of which may be being liquidated due to known sizing issues.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/lp2...ion-guarantee/

[Trek420]

Another very happy STP shopper.

I've always had very good experiences with TE too So far I have not had to return anything but then there are always Knott's reviews to read first. So I know what's good.

[jessmarimba]

I have pretty generally good luck with STP - when things don't fit right, its usually because I'm a difficult person to fit. But now I pretty much go to their outlet where I can try stuff on...worth the trip up to Wyoming!