10 Best Darn Tough Socks Reviewed and Compared

Comfort

These are among the best of the best when it comes to Darn Tough socks in this category. It is made in part of merino wool, which is super soft and provides just enough insulation without being too warm and sweaty. This makes it ideal for most weather when hiking, biking, running or traveling. They only slightly lack when it comes to warmth, with the Hiker Boot Full Cushion being a better option in the winter.

It also is made in part of lycra spandex gives it some stretch. It has compression paneling to keep the sock in place. It is similar in comfort to the Hiker Micro Crew, only slightly better. However, this can be based on preference, so those who aren’t convinced by this sock should check our third place winner (specifically women who might find it excel when it comes to fit but matches in comfort).

It has a light amount of cushion, which many might assume won’t be enough for long hikes, but trust us, it does a great job in this category when it comes to its padding. The light cushion seems to be just right for being on the feet without being too soft and mushy. It’s the amount of padding although makes it versatile to be worn for many different activities and still perform well.

Breathability

These socks perform well when it comes to breathability because it is lightweight and its merino wool naturally allows for ample ventilation. This also means it has anti-odor and bacteria properties. It does a really great job at wicking away moisture and keeping things dry, so go ahead and put these on even in milder temperatures. Just expect the bottom of the foot to be a little toasty on warm days.

Style and Fit

This sock has a tighter fit than some of Darn Tough’s other socks, making it a great combination for fit and comfort. It has a micro crew height that is lower than other hiking socks, but higher than low cut options. This makes it perfect for pairing with a hiking boot or sneakers. It has a performance fit, with ribbed support which means no slipping or bunching, and enough cushion to prevent blisters. It’s stylish and available in two-toned color options that are neutral.

Comfort

These are some seriously comfortable socks, and they perform very well for runners. That’s because of its super lightweight, with a barely-there feel that has the company’s “out in on, forget it’s on” feeling. Its ultra-light design is a major reason why these are so comfortable for runners. However, it still has a thin layer of cushioning that feels great in a running shoe. It has a seamless design that won’t irritate, bunch up or cause blisters.

Breathability

It also is ideal for running or the gym because of how cool the feet stay when working up a sweat and going long distance. It has Coolmax fabric that pulls moisture away from the skin to the surface of the material and then dries fast. This is a superior moisture management system that really works well at keeping the feet dry. It also has breathable mesh paneling in the forefront that adds to keeping things cool.

Style and Fit

These socks have a performance fit that includes sculpted heel pockets and arch support. This sock won’t be sliding around in the shoe. It is super thin and lightweight and has a heel tab for added comfort. It has a no-show height that goes unseen in sneakers. It’s also available in multiple color options that look great.

Comfort

Make no mistakes that this sock is comfortable. It outshines some of the other Darn Tough socks because of its mid-level cushion density that is under the foot. This results in a feeling almost like walking on clouds, which will feel like heaven when climbing for hours. This might come as a surprise with it is a lightweight option. It’s the perfect balance of padding on the bottom and thin areas everywhere else. Expect no blisters either, as well as other features that enhance comfort such as a ring-toe construction with seamless design and compression arches and heels.

Breathability

This is a great option for all seasons, excelling in the warmer weather. It is warm for the fall, but not the best option for the winter because it slightly lacks in warmth. However, it is nice and breathable, its lightweight merino wool fabric provides enough ventilation and moisture-wicking properties that works very well in the mild weather. It’s quick to dry and provides ample insulation when wet, just not once the temps drop.

Style and Fit

As stated, these are lightweight socks that are a great mix of comfort and durability. It has a performance fit with no bunching in hiking boots. It has a micro crew height that is shorter than higher cuts, but still protects the ankle and looks great in hiking boots. This also makes it a good option for running and cycling.

Comfort

This sock is all about shock absorption, loaded with cushion throughout the sock. This makes it among the most darn comfortable options. Compared to the Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks it does more padding. This high-density padding enhanced comfort to help performance when on the trails for long periods of time. It has the company’s fine gauge knitting that goes unnoticed in boots, is warm and cozy and durable.

Breathability

Made of mostly merino wool, the Hiker Boot Full Cushion socks are still breathable despite all that cushion. It is designed to be worn in all weather, cool in the summer and warm in the winter, although these shine in cooler temps. It does pull moisture away from the foot but isn’t as fast to dry as some of Darn Tough’s other options.

Style and Fit

This is a mid-weight sock that reaches the calf in length. This makes it a great option for hiking boots. It has compression arch support and is seamless. It is great for activities from hiking to skiing.

Comfort

Comfort is key when going the distance, and this sock doesn’t disappoint. It is made for endurance activities, providing the perfect storm of features to aid in performance. This includes ribbed ankle support and a reinforced heel and toe. It has a light amount of cushioning, but it’s across the footbed, making it comfortable without being too thick. This makes it a very versatile option. It is made of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra spandex, which is comfortable and provides ample stretch.

Breathability

The merino wool makes it breathable, but these socks also have a mesh upper that adds ventilation throughout the sock. It is naturally antimicrobial, odors from sweat are repelled. But it does a great job wicking away moisture.

Style and Fit

First and foremost, these socks look stylish and sporty. But they fit just as nicely. It is foot hugging, yet flexible, offering support and protection. It has no-show height so it goes unnoticed in sneakers.

Comfort

These socks are made in part of merino wool, which ups its comfort factor. But make no mistakes that this is an ultra-light sock. It’s the perfect mix of softness without being thick or has too much padding. It is durable, so consumers don’t have to worry about these socks getting holes. They go virtually unnoticed, yet offering the protection needed when wearing bike shoes.

Breathability

These socks are extremely breathable, scoring two thumbs up in this category. Because of its lightweight nature, these are much more breathable than the Darn Tough hiking options but are similar to the running socks. Again, these are made in part of merino wool which aids to its breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

Style and Fit

These socks are seamless and smooth, with a performance fit that means no slipping even though it has a no-show design. Its heel and toe are reinforced and it has arch support. However, it does have a mini tab that helps to keep the sock in space and enhance comfort in bike shoes. It has a nice stretch and a foot-hugging fit.

Comfort

These are some seriously comfortable socks—and for various reasons. First up is how lightweight these are. Soft on the skin, yet with a barely there feel, these socks are great for race day, working up a sweat, or outdoor activities in warm weather. In fact, it’s the company’s lightest sock, giving an airy feel. It’s made of nylon, polyester and lycra spandex, along with Coolmax material, keeping things cool and dry which adds to its comfort. It has undetectable seams, which means no hot spots or discomfort.

Breathability

These are among the most breathable Darn Tough socks. Its fabric is ultra-light and has mesh panels on the front and sides to allow for more airflow. It has Coolmax material that moves moisture away from the skin and has fast drying time. It also is naturally anti-microbial so it stinky socks isn’t a concern.

Style and Fit

These socks have a 1/4 height that sits right above the ankle without being too high. This makes them ideal for low cut hiking boots, as well as running sneakers. This helps to keep the socks at the ankles without sliding or falling down into the shoe. It hugs the arches well to further prevent bunching. They come in various color options with color accents, especially attractive in the women’s version.

Comfort

These socks aren’t bulky but have the right amount of cushion needed when on the feet for extended periods of time. Soft thanks to the merino wool, these socks are described to have a “mid-level” of cushion on the bottom of the feet, which feels pillowy at the start of the adventure and provides ample comfort hours later. These socks have a seamless design that further adds to its comfort factor.

Breathability

The Hiker 1/4 socks are thicker than running, training and more everyday options, but only slightly falls behind them in the breathability department compared to the more lightweight options. Its merino wool makes it breathable with moisture-wicking capabilities while preening bacteria and odor.

Style and Fit

These socks are extremely durable, defiantly made to last longer compared to the running and training socks. This is important when it comes to hiking because it needs to have the longevity needed for many miles and more than just one adventure. It fit snug around the arches to prevent bunching. It also has a 1/4 sock height that sits right above the ankle, which makes it great for both hiding boots and sneakers.

Comfort

Compared to other Darn Tough socks, these are comfortable but in a different way. Whereas options like Hiker Boot Full Cushion Sock and Micro Crew Cushion Hiking are for comfortable when it comes to its cushion, these are compression socks, so expect them to function a bit differently. This means hugging the feet and legs to aid in recovery and increase circulation. But this doesn’t mean it isn’t comfortable. In fact, this is a great compression sock option because it is soft, and has the right balance of support and cushion. Plus, it is nice and light which makes it great for running or racing.

Breathability

Because this sock is lightweight and made in part of merino wool, it performs well when it comes to breathability. And this is important when it comes to compression socks because it can feel tight and suffocating, and there needs to be enough ventilation. It has fast action wicking properties to keep sweat away, plus wards off odor and bacteria.

Style and Fit

Compression socks are made to have a tighter fit than everyday socks. These compression sock shave graduated light compression from 11-16 mmHg, which doesn’t make them super tight but still gives them a secure and legging hugging fit. The length is over the calf, great for pairing with shorts when running.

Comfort

These socks simply look comfortable and feel just as good on. It is made of merino wool, which makes it soft to the touch, and nice and cozy. It is also made of nylon and lycra spandex to give it the stretch needed, and has fine gauge knitting and is seamless, making it feel smooth, comfortable, and makes the consumer forget they even have a sock on. The Lars Nordic has a light amount of cushioning, less thick than the hiking socks, but just enough for wearing in boots.

Breathability

The merino wool makes these socks very breathable. it is lightweight and pulls moisture away from the skin. This makes it great for wearing in ski boots. It also is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, adding to its versatility.

Style and Fit

This is a sock option for snow boots, with its calf height that makes it versatile. It has a performance fit, which means it hugs nicely around the calf and won’t slip or bunch in the boot. These socks are durable, made to last when exploring the backcountry on skis.