The Smartwool Experiment

…or “Watch out science fair, here comes the internet!“

Thanks to sciencebuddies.org for the use of this image.

Here is the method I will use to conduct my Smartwool sock experiment.  Special thanks to Science Buddies for jogging my seventh grade memory.

1. Ask a Question

Why do my Smartwool socks, which cost more than my other socks, go threadbare and get holes when my cheaper socks don’t?

2. Do Background Research

My background research has consisted of seven years of wearing Sockwool socks and realizing overtime that they show wear in similar patterns.  I have also conducted anecdotal research in the form of surveys at parties and with friends and co-workers who wear Smartwool socks.

3. Construct a Hypothesis

If I monitor the condition of my brand new Smartwool socks, then I will see significant wear and tear within the first six months.

4. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment

I will chart the washing and wearing of four pairs of brand new Smartwool socks on this website. Each pair of sock will be washed/dried in a different way:

• How do washing & drying methods effect sock wear & tear?
• The process I’ll use for handwashing Smartwool socks.

I will also chart when each sock is worn and with what pair of shoes, though there will be no attempt to select socks or shoes equally (this is intentional).  I will also use a pedometer to determine how many steps I take in an average day.

5. Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion

I will update this section with results and data visualizations as they’re developed.

• Smartwool Sock/Shoe Data
  Charts which pair of socks I wear on what day and with what shoe. Updated daily.
  –
• November Sock/Shoe Data Analysis

6. Communicate Your Results

This is where the internet part comes in because I’m communicating my results all along, but… I will link to the post with my conclusion when the experiment is complete.

Last updated: December 3, 2008

Oh and in case there was any question about it, this site is is no way affliated with Smartwool or any other sock manufacturer.