Darn Tough Socks

[Matt W.]

Come on Dave... that's a big harsh don't you think?

High nylon content in a wool sock may or may not make a difference in moisture management, but when wearing heavy boots I've found good sock fit that stays in place all day (doesn't stretch out and move) is more important for blister management than anything else. Darn Tough has that in spades. I've worn out a few pair now, and zero sock or moisture related blisters so far.

Yk

I think it all depends on your feet. I like DT socks, great warranty and all that, but... First Lite's socks are the first I have worn that are part of my system that keeps me blister free. DT makes a lot of socks and perhaps I haven't tried the right one yet. However, both the Mountain Athlete and the Mountain Athlete Cold Weather are great performers, for me. I order the MA's in the Dry Earth color and the Cold Weather in the Black. Helps me keep them straight.

I can't say DT makes bad socks, just that FL socks work better for me.

 

[DmrbigEshotT]

Wore DT mid hikers, with and without liners, this Saturday and hiked 10+ miles on relatively flat ground and wasn't too impressed. My foot seemed to slide around a lot in them although the cushion was nice. My feet sweat in any situation so maybe that was a major contributing factor.

 

[Vids]

I like DT socks better than any others I've owned. I had trouble with heel blisters in my Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400s, and since I switched to DT and no liners I haven't had any issues.

 

[DaveC]

Come on Dave... that's a big harsh don't you think?

I got a pair as a gift years ago, disliked them, and gave them away, then bought a few more (different) pairs to make sure it hadn't been a fluke. Same experience. As this thread demonstrates plenty of folks like them, which is fine, but I still find that hard to understand. Rarely have I had such a purely negative impression of a piece of gear. I gladly pay retail for and wear out a few pairs of Smartwools a year to fill my need for warmer socks. Important for folks to hear all sides I reckon.

 

[Yellowknife]

I gladly pay retail for and wear out a few pairs of Smartwools a year to fill my need for warmer socks. Important for folks to hear all sides I reckon.

Funny. I passed up a pro account with smartwool, because I was so underwhelmed by their socks. Pay retail for DT though. But doesn't smartwool have every bit as much nylon in the knit as DT?? At least the one's I last had did.

Besides Smartwool, what kind of wicking socks do you use?

 

[DenRuyter]

I put a lot of miles on mine last season and washed them after every use They still look and feel brand new and I'm slowly switching over to all DT. I do notice that they don't really wick the moisture away too well, and then it feels all squishy in my boots even though my boots are never wet inside. But, my feel still stay warm so It doesn't bother me so much.

 

[akrdkill]

got about 15 pairs of them...when they wear out I send them in, always gotten new ones back. I put smartwool on now & my feet freak out & get cold
if I can keep trading them in i'll keep them

 

[DaveC]

But doesn't smartwool have every bit as much nylon in the knit as DT?? At least the one's I last had did.

Besides Smartwool, what kind of wicking socks do you use?

Smartwool midweight hikers and the DT boot socks are very close in material composition, makes me wonder what the difference in construction is.

My favorite brand for the past 4 years has been Defeet, Aireators and Wooleators specifically. But those socks are quite thin and thus not really analogous. I don't like thick socks and avoid them unless I have to due to cold, and I also don't wear boots for anything except skiing. I assume folks who hike in mountain boots might well need more cushion than thin cycling socks would provide.

 

[cmc]

I have used them this year and really like them. I bought a lightweight pair I use as my liner sock and a slightly thicker pair. I have pretty sweaty feet and they like the DT socks over the Smartwool. Dryer, less stink, and don't show near the wear as my other socks.

I can't see folks balking at $24 for socks to put on before putting on a pair of $350 boots you didn't balk at buying.

I'm pretty sure I've got around $1000 invested in trying to find a decent sock over the past 10 years and wish I'd have found the Darn Tough socks much earlier in life.

cmc

 

[zman]

What's your opinion? Are they worth $24 a pair? I just ordered a couple pairs of the Hiker merino wool boot socks. Lifetime warranty. Have to be pretty good I'm guessing?

Thumbs up from me. Worn them the last two backcountry hunts. Miles and miles on them, no blisters and they look perfect.

 

[xcutter]

I appreciate everyone's comments. I got my socks today. Look nice and fit is excellent. Not loose at all. I need to try a few hikes with them.

 

[Cowboy611]

Its my favorite brand. Ive use lorpen, browning, and some knock offs nothing is as darn tough. Pun intended! The last twice as long so its worth the extra $