Last year I highly praised a pair of socks my husband brought home from the Salt Lake City Outdoor Retailer Show he attends every summer (and winter). Indeed, I’m still wearing my cute, striped Keen Hybrid Concord Crew Lite Sox on cool-weather trips and on local hikes, and I still love them. But this year hubby brought me a pair of low-cut, multi-sport/activity socks that are probably the most comfortable sports sock I’ve ever worn: Darn Tough’s Merino Wool, No-Show Cushion sock in the Run-Bike series.
Seriously, they feel like silk on my feet — ultra-cushioned and soft, even though they are 67 percent Merino Wool. According to packaging material, Merino is known for its “itch-free, next-to-skin comfort” and I’ve felt that firsthand. Other highlights: the material naturally regulates temperature (cool in the summer, warm in the winter) and the socks feature fine-gauge knitting, which ensures a secure fit (no bunching). Again, I can attest to both of those claims (okay, not the winter part, but my feet were not too hot while hiking in 75-degree temperatures yesterday).
Another plus: Darn Tough socks are made in New England, specifically Vermont, by the same family that has owned the company for three generations. In fact, President Ric Cabot says, “If our socks aren’t the most comfortable and durable socks you’ve ever owned, return them for your money back.” Darn Tough products come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee — incredible!
Since I typically pack my trail shoes for hiking or taking nature walks while on vacation, no doubt these multi-purpose, low-cut socks will accompany me on most future trips. My only complaint is that sweet husband didn’t score me a pair of the darling striped style. I might have to dish out $11 for a pair.
See DarnTough.com for a ton of different styles of high-performance socks and links to online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores nationwide.
