Darn Tough Hiking Socks
Socks are some of the most underrated essentials in a hiker’s arsenal. Trekkers are quick to blame boots for blisters when, oftentimes, what’s really lacking is a quality hiking sock. Banish those feeble cotton hootenannies to the garbage bin (or at least the bottom of your sock drawer) and prepare for your next hike with some truly next level sock technology from Darn Tough. Your toes will thank you.
Oh, and before we go on—Darn Tough has one of the best warranties we’ve ever heard of. Their “Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee,” which is proudly stamped on the back of each pairs’ packaging, reads as follows: “If you can wear these socks out, we’ll replace them. Free of charge. No questions asked. For life. When you’re really serious about something you make it yourself.”
Fighting words, if we’ve ever read ‘em. Not only are they challenging every other sock maker in the sock-making business, but they’re challenging you, the hiker, to step, scramble and sprint through a pair of their “darn tough” socks.
Challenge accepted. Here are a few of our favorite Darn Tough options that you’re likely to wear outside, but unlikely to wear out.
Darn Tough 1/4 Sock
The top half this sock is thin as a running sock, while the bottom consists of an extra thick “high-density” knit. This combo allows for a tight fit as you lace up your boots but also provides increased padding—which is appreciated on longer hikes. The 65% merino wool/31% nylon/4% lycra blend promises to last a long time. Wear them for a while and the natural wicking properties of the fibers used will ensure that they don’t stink up—at least not too bad.
Best For: Use with low-cut hiking boots or even trail runners, summer use.
Darn Tough Via Ferrata Boot Sock Cushion
Wear the Via Ferrata socks with shorts and boots in the summer to protect your calves from stray thorns (and to show off the stripes), or keep warm in the winter as you dance across snowpacked trails. Made from a wool blend (65% Merino Wool/33% Nylon/2% Lycra), these hikers are up for long days on the trail.
Best For: Thru-hiking, backpacking, long treks
Darn Tough Women’s Mountaineering Over-the-calf Extra Cushion
No need to double up socks here. This women’s mountaineering sock is thick as a sheep’s winter fleece and twice as warm. Ok, maybe that’s slightly hyperbolic, but these socks are stacked with what Darn Tough calls their “extra cushion”—meaning this is as thick as their hiking socks get. In wintery conditions, these high-content wool blend socks (73% merino/25% nylon/2% lycra) are make diamonds look like a lady’s fourth or fifth best friend. In all seriousness, when winter strikes and you’re looking to hike, these over-the-calf, comfortable beasts can’t be beat.
Best For: Mountaineering, snowshoeing, hiking in the cold.
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