ProView –  Darn Tough Run Socks Review

I put three different pairs of Darn Tough running socks to the test while training for my 100-mile race this summer, and let me tell you, they have seen some miles! From the snowy roads of the Sawtooth Wilderness to dry red dirt of Moab, and the humidity of the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii these socks can do it all. 

Quality

This spring and summer, I spent most of my waking hours outside of work training for the Pine to Palm 100-mile race in Ashland, Oregon. This will be my fifth time racing this distance and I’m always searching for the best new gear from shoes to packs to socks and everything in between.

This summer, I spent upwards of 60+ miles a week training on the trails during my peak training weeks so I’ve had a lot of time to put these socks to the test! I live at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains so most of my early running is done on the snow that hangs on well into the spring months.

I also did a decent amount of travel during the early season including Moab, Hawaii, and Canada. The telltale sign of good gear for me is when you save it for your long run. I found myself doing this almost immediately with my Darn Tough socks. I wanted to make sure they were clean and ready for my long run every weekend. 

Fit/Comfort

I received three different height running socks to test. The shortest and most minimal sock was the no show that hit just below the ankle. The next tallest is the quarter crew, which covers the ankle, and you can expect them to show about 3” above your running shoe. The tallest sock is the micro crew, which averages 7.5” from heel to cuff, and you can expect them to show about 6” above the running shoe. 

Unfortunately, only the tallest sock (micro crew) worked for me due to the shorter pairs (no show and quarter crew), allowing for dirt and debris to end up inside the sock. It is mostly a personal preference, as I could have probably used gaiters over top of the socks but that would have been a bit too hot. I also prefer to have crew length socks as when I get tired I will often kick the inside of my ankle with my opposite foot so having taller socks works to protect me from myself! 

While the fit of the quarter crew length and no show tab length socks didn’t work for me, the overall comfort of all socks was great! The intentionally knit arch support helped to alleviate foot fatigue and any bunching which in turn kept my feet comfortable for even the longest of my long runs. I also immediately noticed the seamless construction of the socks. Every toe seam in a Darn Tough running sock is closed using their True Seamless Toe technology. This alleviates any seam rubbing which can lead to a runner’s worst nightmare…blisters. 

There were also variations in cushioning. The micro crew socks featured soft terry loops under the foot for lasting rebound while trail running. I definitely prefer to have a bit of extra cushion during my long runs, so these were another reason they ended up being my go-to sock for training. 

Their no cushion running socks like the no-show tab and quarter-ultra have a next-to-skin fit that was ultralight and still comfortable, but I could definitely tell a difference in comfort over a long period of time.

Style/Look

I love how many patterns, prints, and colors there are to choose from! Darn Tough definitely nails the foot flair game in my opinion. I especially loved finding out that one of their patterns was created in collaboration with one of my favorite athletes, Mirna Valerio aka the Mirnivator! Sales from these socks go to Come Alive Outside, a non-profit that works closely with partners in healthcare, public health, outdoor recreation, and the landscape profession to connect individuals, families, and entire communities to the health and wellness benefits of outdoor spaces where they live, work, and play. Coincidentally, these happened to be my absolute favorite socks, both for the mountain print in fun colors and the giveback component. 

Performance

The Darn Tough running socks are made in the USA from high-quality ultralight Merino Wool. Merino has natural moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties that are ideal for keeping feet dry and the perfect temperature. It also means that no matter the weather you’re training in, these socks are always the right choice. They keep your feet from overheating in the summer, warm in winter temps and quick to dry during a downpour. I experienced all of these lovely weather events from my time training in the snowy shoulder season to my hot and rainy 22-mile run along the Nepali Coast in Hawaii. 

Throughout my entire training cycle the moisture-wicking Merino Wool helped prevent blisters by keeping my feet dry and comfortable. Blisters can be the end to many races for some people so finding a pair of socks that prevents blisters is key. 

Durability

I haven’t had a single hole or blister since using these socks which is the ultimate test of quality and durability! Most of my socks end up with a hole in the big toe but to date, I have not seen a single hole in any of my Darn Tough socks, and that’s really saying something! In addition, they added reinforcement up the Achilles for extra durability.

The thicker socks with added cushion provided more durability for impact on my longer more rugged trail runs. I used the micro crew socks for the entirety of my 100k trail race this summer and didn’t have to change my socks once! They didn’t bunch up or slide around, even as my feet swelled throughout the day they continued to provide the perfect amount of cushion and support for the almost 18 hours on my feet, which included multiple creek crossings! 

I preferred to use the thinner no show and quarter lengthsocks for my speed sessions on the road. They are so light that I forget they are there and can focus on my speed and form during these workouts. 

What really sets these socks and the Darn Tough company apart is their lifetime guarantee so even if you are one of the few people who end up with a pesky toe hole or perhaps they aren’t truly the longest lasting socks you’ve ever owned, you can return them for another pair. No receipt needed! How incredible to have a company that not only makes their products in the USA but stands behind them 100%. 

Sustainability

Part of Darn Tough’s Lifetime Guarantee is rooted in sustainability and their commitment to design durable products that perform better, last longer and ultimately keep textiles out of landfills. With a design principle of continuous improvement and innovation, Darn Tough is constantly looking for ways to minimize the usage of raw materials used in their products. 

Darn Tough’s sourcing of merino wool comes exclusively from sheep that have not been exposed to the practice of mulesing. As of 2019, the company made the commitment to support the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and are actively working toward shifting 100% of their wool supply to RWS-certified Merino Wool. RWS is a voluntary standard with strict guidelines to protect animal welfare and adhere to progressive, sustainable farm and land management practices while maintaining traceability through the entire supply chain. 

For those Darn Tough products that are not Merino Wool, their goal is to reduce and phase out the use of virgin, petroleum-based fibers. You can easily go to their website to get a full breakdown and progress report for all materials used in the Darn Tough ecosystem. We love a transparent brand! 

Some other sustainable initiatives that have been implemented by Darn Tough include their transition to 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard ecommerce shipping boxes and the elimination of all polybags. The socks that are purchased at retail or directly from the Darn Tough website come in recycled FSC-certified paper that’s printed with water-soluble glues and vegetable-based inks. 

The Final Word

Darn Tough’s Merino Wool running socks are a high-quality, lightweight choice with a performance fit that prevents blisters and bunching, while the company’s made-in-Vermont craftsmanship and lifetime guarantee provide a personal touch and unmatched durability. The Merino Wool fabric has natural moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties, keeping feet dry and at the perfect temperature.

While the lowest-profile socks did allow some dirt and debris to enter over the collar, the overall comfort of the socks was great, and the True Seamless Toe technology alleviates any seam rubbing. With a variety of fun colors and patterns, a commitment to sustainability, and an incredible lifetime guarantee that allows for returns with no receipt, these socks have proven to be the ultimate test of quality and durability through many training miles.

While I am primarily a trail runner, everyone can benefit from Merino-Wool running socks! Whether you are a road marathoner or an ultra-distance trail athlete, all athletes can reap the benefits of Merino-Wool because who wants hot, sweaty and blistered feet? Not me! 

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