How to Choose Hiking Socks

Tested on the Vermont Long Trail, these Darn Tough socks provide a high level of cushioned performance. Made with merino wool, they're comfortable and durable.
Made in USA.
View the Darn Tough Hiker Product LineView all Darn Tough Women's Hiking SocksBest Use | Hiking |
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Fabric | 59% merino wool/39% nylon/2% Lycra spandex |
Sock Height | Crew |
Sock Cushioning | Medium Cushioning |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
S | M | L | |
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U.S. Women's | 4.5-7 | 7.5-9.5 | 10-11.5 |
EU | 35-38 | 38-41 | 41-43 |
For socks, please use shoe size.
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Best socks ever! I wear these walking/jogging/hiking and just with boots and such. Hikes 28.3 Trail Blaze Challenge and 114 miles on the TMB without a blister in these! Winter and summer they keep your feet warm and wick away moisture. Great going back on after soaking feet in the river! Love them! Will be hard pressed to ever hike in another brand!
So comfy and a great height to pair with boots. I love using these for hiking at temperatures over 20°F and for running at temps below 20°F. They are also excellent for keeping your feet dry regardless of sweat or a misstep off the trail.
I love these socks. I took two pair with me on the JMT, I had no blisters. The only time there was a hotspot, I had been lazy and inattentive, didn't get my left sock heel all the way onto my heel. Once I stopped and adjusted all was well. One alert -- don't dry these socks in a dryer, even on "delicate" (at least not at Red's Meadow) -- they may shrink a bit. That was why it was a bit of a hassle to put on my socks that one morning.
Discovered on a trip to the Canadian coast I had left both hiking boots and socks behind. Local outdoor store had my favorite brand of boots and these socks. Instantly loved them. I usually can’t wear wool and get itchy reaction even with a layer of silk, synthetic or cotton next to my skin. I can wear these socks all day. No irritation. Have purchased a pair of Darn Toughs every year since that first pair. That trip was six years ago. All the “smart wool” socks I owned have developed holes in the heels. In the meantime I can’t tell which pair of Darn Toughs are the first I bought. My Darn Toughs are by far my favorites. Slowly replacing all my socks with Darn Tough. I don’t even need liner socks anymore.
I use these socks when I hike and backpack, and they have come to be the best socks I have ever worn. I have worn Smartwool hiking, REI brand, and Wigwam but the Darn Tough's hold up the best. Absolutely no movement or stretching when I am wearing the sock, which has prevented blisters. The other socks are good, but there's a reason these are called Darn Tough. They really are the best. I am going to buy the full cushioned ones next because I think they will be better for stiff hiking boots.
These are the best socks! After wearing these, you will never want to wear SmartWool (or any other brand) ever again. They provide the perfect amount of cushion for hiking/biking/walking/running and the best part is that they don't bunch up or slide down into my shoe. They stay put so I don't have to keep pulling them up. Truly, these are the best socks out there! The only problem is that they aren't as readily available in a ton of stores so you can't touch/see them in person. However, take my word--they are worth the money & you won't be disappointed.
I've worn Smartwool, Keen L/R toe socks and find these are really more comfortable. Both the Smartwool and Keen have tops that stay up...but are too tight, they leave indents in my legs after wearing all day. These Micro Crew are a perfect height, they stay up but don't leave the indentation marks. They machine wash AND DRY just fine, which is nice in the winter, because I air dry the other socks and it takes a day to dry. These did not shrink any and could wear immediately. They are warm and I don't find them bulky, especially in the toe area of my Merrell Moab Waterproofs which have a tight toe box. I truly LOVE the great colors available, I love socks like some love shoes and so I will be back to order more in a little while. I like the fact they are made in the USA and have an unconditional lifetime guarantee....you can't get much better than that!
I did far more research on socks than i ever have and was not disappointed! wore these bad boys with waterproof train runners that hit below the ankle and ended up traipsing through some a foot or two of snow yesterday. my socks got wet, of course, but stayed totally warm for the next couple of hours. haven't noticed bunching thus far and actually like the thicker weight of these compared to the micro crews, especially for my roomier trail runners. i like the micro crews as well for some more snug shoes i have, but it's worth having both! also looove the colorful purple i chose. i'm 8.5 W and bought size medium.
I cried a little bit at the price when I purchased my first pair but oh boy is it one of the best purchases I have ever made. I love these socks so much that I have purchased enough pairs for a week. I use these not just for hiking, but also for work where I am standing long hours of the day. these socks are extremely comfortable and make such a difference!
I just tested these on a 7-day backpacking trip. They fit really well. I have larger calves and decided on these after reading reviews of other more constricting socks. These fit perfectly and were really comfy in my mid-cut hiking boots. I like that they are a good medium between quarter socks and higher crew socks. I love the lifetime guarantee and look forward to wearing these socks many more times.