ProView – Darn Tough Running Socks Review

I’ve been wearing nothing but Darn Tough’s Bolt Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight socks (on my feet that is, get your mind out of the gutter) for the past two months and I love them. I tried my best to abuse these socks as my “lifestyle” would normally do. For me that meant asking the question: Can these socks hold up to work, play, and everything in between? And I’m happy to tell you the answer is an unequivocal yes!

I work full-time at a camp doing marketing 9-5, I own a wedding photography business with my wife, and I try and run 20-30 miles a week – That’s my lifestyle, and those are the things I put these socks through. I like a super specific piece of gear as much as the next guy, but I love things that perform well throughout multiple activities. Some days I ride my bike to work, run at lunch, and split wood or work in the garden when I get home, all while wearing the same pair of Darn Tough Lifestyle Crew socks. Is that a bit overzealous? Maybe. But more than that it is wonderful and a testimony to how well built and comfortable these socks really are.

Fit/Comfort

Let’s be honest; if socks fail in this category it doesn’t really matter how good they look or how recycled they are, they are crappy socks. These socks are not crappy socks. These socks have the perfect amount of cushion. I have sweaty feet so I typically like zero cushion, but these socks have just enough cushion and still stay thin and cool on top. I wear a 10.5 shoe and got Large socks and that was perfect. I have a wide foot but didn’t have any issues with bunching or pinching. Well done Darn Tough!

Look/Style

I think these socks look great. I think the socks are fun without being annoying. But I have also worn then to a few weddings and they can get dressed up pretty well. I’m a big fan of the clean and simple aesthetic.

Features and Performance

I know socks have features, but it doesn’t matter how techy a sock is if it doesn’t contribute to the comfort and durability of the sock. These socks have regulating and comfortable fabrics, they have flat seams and different performance metrics, but really they are just great socks. They aren’t too warm and they wick sweat well. They can be worn for multiple days without getting crunchy or stanky. They fit well and keep fitting well day after day and wash after wash. I couldn’t tell you what these features are called without looking at a list on Darn Tough’s website, but I can tell you this: they work.

Durability and Construction

The name says it all. These things are Darn Tough. I’ve worn these for probably 200 miles of running and there are no real signs of wear on them. You can see in some of the pictures a little bit of piling, but to be fair that was right after I took a dip in the creek after a run. 

Sustainability

I really like Darn Tough on this front. Their primary goal is to make their socks good enough that you won’t have to get new socks as often which cuts down on manufacturing. They are also honest; they don’t try to hide what they are doing behind a ton of eco-language. They realize they, like everyone else, are having an impact on the planet and they want to do better. I really appreciate their outlook that there’s a way to serve your customer well and have less of an environmental impact without cutting corners.

The Final Word

The Darn Tough Bolt Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight socks are my new favorite socks. I wore these socks on an airplane (where they were comfortable), walking around New York City for a full day (20,000 steps and still comfortable), and running the next morning (where they were still wonderful)! They are thin, comfortable, and durable, and if I wear them out one day in the distant future, Darn Tough will send me another pair. You just can’t beat that commitment to quality! 

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