Darn Tough Socks Review
Reviewing the merino, USA built powerhouses for travel and everyday wear.
Darn Tough Socks Review Introduction
OK - considering how big of a part of my everyday and travel life these next products are, it’s kind of shocking I’ve not given them the full review treatment. Maybe that’s a bit of a testament to how well they perform and means I just don’t think about them much. Because really, this is the kind of product you don’t want to be thinking about much: Socks. That’s right - socks. Specifically, we’re talking about Vermont’s favorite merino children - Darn Tough socks.
While they aren’t specifically made for travel, their properties make them one of the most talked about brands to help you optimize your travel packing. For that reason, travel will be the primary focus here of my review, though I’ll of course discuss my EDC usage, too.
This is my full Darn Tough Socks review. For the old “Why should we listen to this rando” statement - I’ve been using and owning Darn Tough socks since around 2014, I’d say. Give or take. Many different styles.
As always for full transparency, all of the Darn Tough socks I’ve owned have been purchased with my own money and this is in no way a sponsored review. I do use affiliate links which help to support the site if you decide to use them to make a purchase, but you’re under no obligation to do so and there’s no additional cost to you. Thanks for stopping by!
-Need travel insurance? As an American, our health care system is complicated and your regular insurance might not cover you abroad. For international travel, I’ve been using World Nomads for years. They have adventure packages that cover most hiking and even ice hockey. Be sure to read all the coverage information (it’s laid out very well on the site) to make sure it’s right for you, but be sure to give them a look. I find their rates quite competitive and the quotes are free! -
Darn Tough Socks Overview
I won’t be looking at one specific model of Darn Tough socks but highlighting a few, and more so just reviewing the brand’s lineup overall. I do own quite a few though so I think I’m qualified to do so.
Darn Tough is a brand that started in Vermont, and they are still based there. The brand began in 2004, but the mill has been running for 40 years. They know weaving. These socks are still made in the USA.
Specializing in merino socks, Darn Tough has branched out from the standard 2-3 models of hiking related socks to now having hiking, running, no show, ankle, snowboarding, and lifestyle (read: everyday) socks. While most of these stay true to their merino heritage, they do vary by material makeup as we’ll get into. The model of the sock DOES matter and from a traveling perspective, I pay close attention to this.
Another thing to note is their unreal, unbelievable, and unbeatable - unconditional lifetime warranty. I’ve never seen one that beats it on virtually any clothing product and they mean it. Their warranty is lifetime.
Currently, their socks run from around $17.00 USD per pair up to around $31.00 USD per pair, and they do sell multi packs. Colors range all over the place which I like.
Darn Tough Socks Features
Lifestyle versions
From a features perspective, let’s not get too crazy or fluffy here. The biggest selling point is the high percentage of merino in their socks. Now, it’s not 100% merino or anything, but that doesn’t work with socks from a fit perspective or durability perspective. You put a lot of wear and tear on them in each session.
Depending on the model sock you get, the % of merino will vary. Lighter weight socks will have less merino and more nylon. Like their running socks. Heavier socks will have more merino, like their mountaineering and cold weather socks. The key will be to look at the Materials on the product page to make your decision based on what you’re comfortable with. General rule, the Lifestyle and Hiking socks have more merino. The running or anything with Coolmax has less.
But, this use of merino does in fact create a feature in practice - multi wear. I know, I know - “AW, do we really want to be multi wearing socks?” It’s a good question. And I’d say, mostly yes. Depends on the conditions. If you’re on the PCT and pushing 20 mile days then you’re going to want to alternate a pair of socks most likely. These aren’t miracle makers. But for regular travel and even a day hike thrown in, yes you can wear these socks multiple days in a row and just air them out overnight. Because they are socks, it’s also very easy to give them a quick hand wash to recharge as well. Further, because they aren’t 100% merino, they take better to more standard washing. I would still use a gentle soap, because why not. But you don’t have to baby them quite as much as t-shirts and 100% merino underwear or sweaters.
On a week trip, I’ll bring three pairs and generally only use 2. For EDC, I can often get 4 days straight to the office with one pair. Sounds wild, but I’m not joking. Your individual stink will affect how long or little you can wear these, but generally speaking they are phenomenal.
The Darn Tough Models I Like
I’ve tried and owned quite a few over the years, and right now have quite a stable in my drawer. So, I’ll highlight those for you here. I will say that I do not like socks with “full cushion”. I find them hotter and more constrictive outside of a hiking shoe. So, I do not use those but Darn Tough certainly has them.
Light Hiker Quarter - These are my go-to, do it all Darn Tough socks. My major daily wear and my major travel pairs. Not a lot of color variety but they’ve given me all they can for the 10 years I’ve been with the brand. The model I recommend most along with the 1715.
Lifestyle Crew - The standard lifestyle ones. I like the high concentration of merino and the fun patterns and prints that make them not look like hiking socks. Mind you some are over the top, but the stripes and animal prints are great.
Light Hiker No Show - I grabbed a pair of these as I wanted a more bold color. But, the merino drops in these ones to help make it more lightweight.
Run No Show Tab - Another pair I grabbed cause I wanted a loud color. (Not pictured)
1437 No Show - Slight lower cut without being a real no show. Good when you don't’ want a truly invisible sock but also don’t want to look like your Dad.
1715 Quarter Athletic Sock - Similar to the Light Hiker in looks and design, this one is a little bit lighter material meant to be more all around, I think? The other model I recommend most for people just starting and is my other main go-to when replacing a pair.
Solid No Show Hidden - These are the lowest no shows you can get and I like that barefoot look with certain sneakers in the summer - without actually ruining my shoes with summer sweaty feet.
Lastly I have a couple of their standard hiking socks from when I was on a big travel hiking kick in my 30’s, but they don’t see much work these days.
The Good
I actually did a comparison of a bunch of different socks for travel that I’ll link to here if you want to see how the Darn Tough’s stack up: Best Socks For Travel. Spoiler - the Darn Toughs took the crown for best overall. You can see the comparison for other ideas.
But why exactly? What’s the “good” they are working with?
Well for one we already mentioned the anti-stink properties. A lot of travel socks or outdoor socks just don’t use enough merino for them to match the performance of Darn Tough. Merino is nature’s wonder fabric and that makes it ideal for travel scenarios and packing light. In my research, I’ve not found better in this category. Once they began making lifestyle socks too (That is, socks you can wear with dress shoes or with more dressier pants) - it meant I’ll choose these over some other brands I used to like that were treated with Silver or woven with Coffee husks.
The sheer variety. While I tend to stick with the same models, I love that they do in fact make a whole different spectrum and it allows you to be a little more expressive if you want (You Brits reading this know what I mean, I know how much you all love a fun pair of socks). But it also means they can be your hiking sock, day to day sock, dress sock, and the no-show sock when you’re rocking your white tennis shoes in the summer.
Their WARRANTY. My god, I can’t sell this point enough. Their warranty is honestly kind of insane. But, maybe not since I keep buying their socks. Maybe they are just crazy like a fox. So Darn Tough socks are protected from a lifetime warranty. If something fails on them or goes bad, you file a claim, wash and return them (do NOT stink-foot the good Vermonters taking care of your warranty claim), and they provide you a credit for the site with no questions asked. It’s WILD. I once put in a claim on a six year old pair of socks that had a hole in the big toe. Kind of normal for a six year old pair of socks. No issues. I had a new code in a week and bought a replacement pair. Plus another pair. They got me.
But that isn’t the only example. I want to say I’ve done maybe 4-5 claims? All socks fail eventually but these give you a cheat code. If you’re the type of person to really work this kind of thing, you can buy 3-4 pairs of socks and never pay for another pair again. Seams can fail, high-friction places can wear out, etc. Doesn’t matter. They’ll cover them.
There’s nothing out there like it really. The other good thing is that because they give you a credit, you don’t need to buy the same pair. You can change it up if you feel like it!
I like the prints on the lifestyle. Outdoors focused socks can be too, well, outdoorsy. They do fun patterns like stripes or also things like pigs or pandas or roosters on them. Live a little, huh?
The Bad
They definitely aren’t cheap or budget socks. But like, why would you want that? Who wants to buy cheap socks over and over again their whole life? You’ll end up spending MORE doing it that way than just sticking with Darn Tough’s socks. Food for mathematical thought. I do want to point out that the initial investment is going to be higher than other socks for sure.
I wish they didn’t drop the % of merino when getting into their running socks. I am SURE there is a reason for this and it has to do with one fabric just being better in that high-heat scenario maybe, I’m not sure. But I’d love to see more consistency across the models.
Some people can’t wear wool. Unfortunate if that’s your case, but it’s a thing so that might be you.
They can be harder to find outside of the US. When I lived in the UK I used to get mine on Amazon UK. So, check Amazon.
The Improvement Requests for Darn Tough Socks
More consistency in merino % across various models.
Final Thoughts On My Darn Tough Socks Review
No beating around the bush here - Darn Tough knows where their bread is buttered and they lean in all the way. Their product just knocks it out of the park for me. I bought my first pair in 2014 and have been using them ever since. Actually using a pair nearly every day of the year. What’s a better endorsement than that? Do I have a couple other brands of socks in my drawer? Yes. Do I need or use them? Not really anymore except maybe with a suit if I need a specific color.
From the brands I’ve tried, nothing really beats Darn Tough in terms of multi wear performance, and absolutely nothing beats them in terms of warranty. It’s silly how good that is.
The only thing you’ll need to do is decide which pair is right for you. That can take some trial and error, but once you find your type you’re golden. In nearly 10 years of using them they’ve never discontinued my fav version, and instead have only grown their selection.
Darn Tough Socks are an Always Wander Favorite and I consider them a must buy for any traveler.
As always with the indie brands, I’d suggest buying directly through their website for best service.
Wander more and wander smarter, everyone.
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