I need cushiony running smart wool running socks. Some for winter and some for summer. I live in the NE.

The PhD Smartwool sock IS the quintessential trail running sock for super long runs in relatively cool to cold climates. I own a few pair with over 600 miles logged and their still holdin' up. Other brands would look like swiss cheese under the same degree of punishment.

I agree you should go with the smartwool trail socks for the winter. They have more cushioning and thicker than the regular running ones and will keep your feet warm in cold weather.

I'm going to give a dbl-thumbs-up to the Darn Tough socks. They really are darn tough! The best (not most, "best") cushion I've gotten from socks is from the Balega line. Wow! For my feet, they are awesome! I've got little peddies to walk around with the kids and more substantial trail models: all of them are nice and thick and cushy.

PhD & Adrenaline have about the same cushion if you compare light to light, med to med. PhD's use more wool in the toe & heel and less synthetics (nylon) - more durable and more sustainable!!! The Trail Running model has the most cushion of the running series.

The smartwool adrenaline line offers a bit more cushion than the PhD's. I also like the Darn Tough brand that they also have here on BC (coincidentally Darn tough's are made in Vermont). They last forever good for cold or hot conditions and have cushion comparable to the adrenalines.