The Darn Tough socks is well known for being … DARN TOUGH. It is made from thick Merino Wool which is said to be able to withstand years of wear and tear. Darn Tough’s ‘Guarantee for Life’ boasts of replacing worn out socks with no conditions. Are Darn Tough Military Boot socks as good as it boasts? Or, is it just another marketing pitch which doesn’t meet up to most people’s expectations?
Let’s find out.
If you are interested to know how Darn Tough socks compare to other socks in the market, do read my article about the best military boot socks. I have compared the best socks in the market, and I weighed the pros and cons for each of them.
Company Background
Darn Tough socks are manufactured by Cobot Hosiery Mills, a garment manufacturer that was established since year 1978. The Founder, Marc Cabot started by rebuilding a vacant mill in Northfield. To-date, his son, Ric Cabot is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
The “Darn Tough” brand was established in year 2004. Darn Tough socks was initially only sold to locals. However, due to its increasing demands, the company has decided to sell the socks with national retailers.
Characteristics of the Darn Tough Socks
Composition – Darn Tough Socks are made from the magical composition of 62% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex. I say that it’s magical because this sock is strategically composed to be durable and withstand various kinds of temperature.
The company even pledged that every material used are carefully chosen and tested to meet its durability requirements.
Versatile – Darn Tough socks are highly versatile. Basically, these socks are suitable to be worn whether you’re grinding in hot weather or running when it’s cold.
There aren’t many socks that can keep you comfortable in both hot and cold weather. Of course, for weather that is either extremely hot or extremely cold, I’d recommend that you purchase specific socks for such situations.
How are they this versatile? It’s because the socks are made using the terry loop process, where the threads are pulled by terry jacks during knitting to form a loop for every single stitch. This creates air pockets which create insulation. The insulation helps keep your feet warm during cold weather.
The socks also helps keep your feet cool during warm weather because of several features including fast-wicking.
How are they this versatile? It’s because the socks are made using the terry loop process, where the threads are pulled by terry jacks during knitting to form a loop for every single stitch. This creates air pockets which create insulation. The insulation helps keep your feet warm during cold weather.
The socks also helps keep your feet cool during warm weather because of several features including fast-wicking.
Durability – The socks are BUILT TO LAST. The socks rarely have any wear and tears despite after going through much abuse and getting so filthy.
Boot Socks Height – The socks are designed to sit sturdily mid-calf. This means your leg can get added protection and extra warmth too
Features of the Darn Tough Socks
Designed for Comfort – The Darn Tough socks are equipped with multiple features to help keep your feet comfortable.
First, the socks is equipped with Midweight Cushion. The socks are equipped with mid-level cushion that helps to keep your feet sturdy and provides comfort.
Second, Darn Tough socks are equipped with True Seamless technology which has a very smooth and invisible feel. This means that you won’t trouble your feet with such discomforts.
Third, the fine gauge knitting makes it very comfortable to wear. After you put on the socks, you’ll forget you have put on those socks after few
Performance – Darn Tough socks are really versatile and has its own strength
The Darn Tough Boot Socks are made with performance fit. This means that the socks will have no slipping, no bunching and no blisters.
Fast Wicking – This boot socks is designed for fast-action wicking. The material is designed to pull moisture away from your skin. Plus, the material dries fast so the moisture absorbed are immediately dried up.
Antimicrobial – The socks has antimicrobial qualities, basically qualities which helps repel bacteria and prevent odor.
Difficult to Clean – Despite being able to withstand constant abuse, darn tough socks are difficult to clean.
Mud and soil usually gets stuck deep inside the wool which are hard to come off. If you use a washing machine to wash them, you need to use multiple washing cycles. If you hand wash them, you will have to scrub hard.
How it Looks
The Darn Tough Socks looks like a high-end work socks.
There are 4 kinds of colors to choose from: Black, Cayote Brown, Desert Tan and Foliage Green.
These are all colors that are suitable for military training. Also, it looks like a decent work socks too.
Products
Darn Tough offers a wide variety of products. Each type of socks is designed to meet certain situations or requirements.
One of the MOST popular products sold by Darn Tough is the Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiking Boot Sock Medium Cushion. Many hikers or outdoorsy people love wearing Darn Tough socks because they are so durable and comfortable. This pair of socks is one of the classic and most popular socks sold in the market today. This sock is unique it is made with merino wool.
The second most popular product sold by Darn Tough is the Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks. This pair of socks is made with 67% of custom shrink treated merino wool. It is equipped with high density cushioning at the bottom.
Furthermore, Darn Tough sells other types of socks because people have different preferences. For example, people who prefer wearing shorter socks can purchase the Darn Tough 1/4 Cushion Merino Wool Hiking Socks or the Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show Lightweight Hiking Sock.
Warranty
Darn Tough’s popular warranty unconditionally guarantees all socks manufactured for life.
Any person can return the Darn Tough socks for another pair, no questions asked. You just have to follow a few simple steps including filling an online form and shipping the socks.
The unconditional guarantee not only gives confidence to consumers, this warranty keep the company accountable towards the standard they set.
Thoughts
Durable – Even after hours of constant abuse for days, these socks doesn’t seem like it will wear and tear anytime soon.
Even after grinding in them for hours, the darn tough socks will heal 10 times faster than most socks in the market.
Great Bargain – Unlike most socks where you’ll buy without much ease of mind, you can stock up on Darn Tough Socks without worries.
The lifetime warranty and their commitment to quality can ease most of your worries.
You can survive with a dozen pairs of Darn Tough Socks and never buy socks again.
Perfect for Rucking – The Darn Tough socks are perfect for rucking. Usually, I would have 2 blisteers after rucking for six miles. If I wore the Darn Tough socks, I will not get any.
Perfect for Long Trips – Even after wearing these socks for days, they don’t stink. Plus, your feet will feel snug and comfortable throughout.
Conclusion
Socks is something that people often don’t think about until it’s too late. People underplay the importance of getting a good pair of socks.
Don’t make the same mistake.
It’s time to invest some time and resources in getting one of the best socks in the market.
I am Jeremy, the outdoor enthusiast behind Survive the Outdoor. I love all things about backpacking, travel, hiking and just spending my time in nature. After years of experience testing out various gears, I’ve decided to write this blog to help out as many people as possible.
