Hanes Men’s FreshIQ X-Temp Comfort Cool Crew Socks Review

The Hanes Men’s FreshIQ X-Temp Comfort Cool Crew Socks are durable and provide exceptional value.  However, they are not without some drawbacks.

This review will focus on all the critical aspects of the socks, including the design, performance, durability, ventilation, and more.

Construction & Design

Here we’ll explore the height, cushioning, and branding of the Hanes Crew socks.

Height

For a size 10 foot, we found that the Hanes Men’s Crew Socks extend approximately 11.5” up the calf.  This allows the top of the sock to rest right at the middle of the calf.

Cushion

The Hanes Men’s Crew Socks feature very little additional cushioning along the footbed.  You can expect these socks to wear similar to a standard pair; therefore, don’t expect any extra comfort.

Fabric

The material that the Hanes Men’s Crew Socks rely on is standard.  You’ll find that they are made of the following materials:

• Cotton – 47% 
• Polyester – 45%
• Rayon – 6%
• Nylon – 1%
• Spandex – 1% 

The high concentration of artificial fabrics will increase durability, greatly extending the sock’s life.

Branding

If you like minimalist branding, then you should like these socks.  

No logos or branding are visible above the shoe line.  However, Hanes does have some branding on the bottom of the sock with just a “Hanes X-Temp” logo:

Performance & Comfort

Here we’ll explore the performance and comfort of these socks.

Durability

When walking extensively in these crew socks, we found that the bottom of the footbed held up exceptionally well.  Even after a few months of testing, the socks didn’t show any signs of significant wear.  

Ventilation

Like the Pair of Thieves Men’s Ankle Socks we recently reviewed, the Hanes Men’s Crew Socks feature a mesh lining along the top of the sock:

This mesh lining helps to increase airflow between the toes.  By allowing an increase in airflow, sweat and odor-causing bacteria are less likely to occur.

We found that the ventilation was exceptional, with the feet staying dry even when walking for an extended period. 

Comfort

From the ankle down, the Hanes Men’s Crew Socks are comfortable.  The tightly sewn fabric ensures that the socks never slip off, whether worn with a casual sneaker or a more formal Chukka boot.

However, the ribbing around the calf is very firm.  After a few hours of wearing, the socks can cause discomfort.  For reference, my calf circumference is 21”.  

If you have larger calves, you can fold down the sock to alleviate any discomfort, as seen in the picture below:

Odor Control

These socks feature Hanes’ proprietary FreshIQ technology.  According to a 2016 press release, Hanes stated the following about FreshIQ:

FreshIQ is an antimicrobial finish that physically inhibits bacteria growth.

https://newsroom.hanesbrands.com/newsreleases/news-details/2016/Hanes-Introduces-FreshIQ-Technology-Innovation-across-Mens-Apparel-Basics-to-Drive-Organic-Growth-End-the-Smellfie/default.aspx

While hard to objectively measure, we never experienced foul odors when wearing or taking off the crew socks.

Seams

The seam along the toes is nearly flat and hardly noticeable.  The modest seam will reduce any discomfort or rubbing, especially if you plan on wearing these socks for heavy walking activities.

Demonstration

Here’s a quick look at how high the crew socks rise when worn with a pair of Chukka boots:

Additionally, here’s how they look from the front, side, and back:

Washing Requirements

No special treatment is required for these socks.  Machine wash and tumble dry.

Color Variety

The color and pattern options for these socks are limited.  We only found the Hanes Men’s Crew Socks in two colors: black and white.

Value

The Hanes Men’s Crew Socks provide exceptional value at $12.99 for a six-pack ($2.16 per pair).  If you have a restricted budget or simply shop by value, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option available.

Rating

Overall, the Hanes Men’s FreshIQ X-Temp Comfort Cool Crew Socks are a good choice for value shoppers.  These socks score high for durability and value. However, men with larger calves may find that the ribbing is tight and require adjustment.  Lastly, the discrete branding on the bottom of the footbed is a nice touch.

Overall Rating: 3/5