Must Haves: For a Minnesota winter

6. SmartWool socks - These aren't just any wool socks. The wool is from Merino sheep raised in New Zealand, a country that will always have a soft spot in my heart. I got three pair of SmartWool socks this winter and they've improved my comfort level threefold. Other than keeping my feet noticably wamer than other socks, what I like most about SmartWool socks is that they don't lose their shape through the day. When I take my shoes off, the socks aren't flopping about and turning around on my feet - I have zero patience for socks that do this. SmartWool is an expensive product line (as high-quality, high-performance products tend to be) but I have found socks on sale or clearance at REI and Sierra Trading Post.