Cover Photo:darntough.com

 

• Darn Tough

History and Origin

Darn Tough is based out of Vermont, USA, and the brand of Cabot Hosiery Mills (wiki) – a family business started in 1978 who used to manufacture socks for larger brands like GAP. In 2004 they took it into their own hands to sell socks designed for durability under their own label.

All manufacturing is still done in Vermont and here are links to their sustainability & sourcing ethos. They seem to use 100% RWS-certified wool, primarily sourced from South Africa, New Zealand, Uruguay and Argentina.

What Are Darn Tough Socks?

Darn Tough socks are made from merino wool, nylon, and Lycra. This combination of materials makes them particularly adept at temperature regulation and moisture-wicking — two factors that can help you avoid blisters or foot injuries.

Darn Tough socks can be worn for any purpose, but are particularly beloved for running, hiking, snow sports, and other technical or outdoor activities.

The company makes men's, women's, unisex, and kids' socks with different thicknesses, calf heights, and designs. Usually, you pick based on the weather you're heading out in or the activity you're doing. 

Darn Tough Socks Reviews

Where to Buy Darn Tough Socks Cheapest?

• darntough.com

• amazon.com
  

• backcountry.com: 3 - 4% cashback
  

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Who Are Darn Tough socks for?

• Anyone struggling with cold or sweaty feet.

• Folks with poor circulation

• high impact sports

• hiking

• tough work environments

• casual

• extreme climates- Merino wool does great in temperature extremes and wet environments. 

2 Best Darn Tough Socks 

# Darn Tough Women's No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight with Cushion Run Sock 

Price: $14.41 - $24.94 @ Amazon

A top choice for an athletics and fitness sock.  They’re durable, light, low cut, and stay cool throughout your workout routine.  

# Darn Tough Men's No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Run Sock

Price: $15.95 - $20.07 @ Amazon

A great choice for hot weather athletics. Light, understated, and the merino wool will wick away sweat to help you stay remarkably odour free.

• Smartwool

History and Origin

Smartwool (wiki) was founded in Colorado, USA, in 1994, but purchased by VF Corporation in 2011, who also owns brands like North Face, Supreme, icebreaker, Vans and more. Smartwool is focused on being an outdoor activities type brand.

In 2010, Smartwool signed a contract to exclusively source its Merino wool from the New Zealand Merino Company. Smartwool now uses merino wool sourced from China and other as yet undisclosed sources. It also has moved to a blended yarn to improve durability.

What Are Smartwool Socks ?

Smartwool is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the market. These socks are made from merino wool from sheep bred in New Zealand. New Zealand merino wool is known for being some of the softest and most luxurious.

Smartwool uses merino wool as their primary fabric, a high-performance, natural fibre. What’s more, the high-quality construction means comfort and durability are guaranteed in every pair. Finally, the brand offers a range of activity-specific socks that provide optimised performance.

Smartwool socks come in a variety of cushioning weights, ranging from ultralight to extra heavy. The latter provides more support and warmth, while the former is lightweight and fast-drying. This is something to consider in light of your natural body temperature and the choice of activity.

Smartwool Socks Review

Where to Buy Smartwool Socks Cheapest?

• smartwool.com: 3 - 4 % cashback

• moosejaw.com: 8 -10 % cashback

• ems.com(Eastern Mountain Sports): 4- 5% cashback

Who Are Smartwool Socks for?

• Walkers

• Hikers

• Cyclists

• Runners

• Streetballers

• Strollers

•  Wayfarers

•  Pedestrians

2 Best Smartwool Socks 

# Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

Price: $24 @ SmartWool 

The 7” tall Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks are a versatile and dependable hiking companion for all your adventures. The proprietary Indestructawool technology combines a uniquely strong construction with extended durability zones in high-friction areas, such as the arch, ankle, and sole.

# Athletic Targeted Cushion Stripe Crew Socks

Price: $10.08 @ SmartWool 

At the intersection of comfort and performance you’ll find the Athletic Targeted Cushion Stripe Crew Socks. These are designed for daily use among highly active people. The merino-blend construction ensures odours are kept at minimum and moisture is continually wicked, leaving your feet feeling fresh all day long.

• Bombas

History and Origin

Bombas is a sustainable company that makes socks, t-shirts, and underwear—but mostly socks. The brand is a Certified B Corp, meaning it scores well in terms of environmentally friendly material sourcing, ethical production, employee treatment, and transparency. 

It all started in 2013 when its founders learned that the most requested item in homeless shelters is socks. To address that need, for every pair of Bombas socks sold, the brand donates a pair to a homeless shelter. Since then, a pair of specially crafted socks is donated to a homeless shelter in need for every pair sold, which now totals over 50 million donated items!

What Are Bombas Socks?

High quality construction and detailed design are the two major factors that make Bombas different and better than other socks. While the brand has common styles like crew, calf, and ankle socks, you'll also find heavyweight wool hiking socks, lightweight running socks, dress socks, tennis socks, grippy socks, and so much more.

Regardless of which style you choose, Bombas is known for its proprietary Honeycomb Arch Support System. The technology cradles the arch of your foot for a snug, yet comfortable fit. It also helps to prevent your socks from losing shape after a few wears and washes. Every pair of Bombas socks also has a seamless toe and a Y-Stitched Heel, which creates a natural cup around your heel to prevent slippage.

Other useful design features include blister tabs on its ankle socks, thoughtfully placed tension, or "Stay-Up technology" on calf socks, and a combination of heel grips and contoured seams on no-shows.

Bombas Socks Review

Where to Buy Bombas Socks Cheapest?

• bombas.com

• saksfifthavenue.com:1.5 - 2% cashback

• qvc.com: 3 - 4% cashback

Who Are Bombas Socks for?

• Cycling

•  Running

• Weightlifting 

• Barre 

• Pilates

• Yoga

• Tennis

• Golfing
  

2 Best Bombas Socks

# Bombas Performance Running Socks

Price: $16.50 - $18 @ Bombas

If you’re looking to up (or start!) your running game, it’s hard to go wrong with Bombas’ Performance running socks. Not only are they supportive, secure and moisture-wicking—as all good athletic socks should be—they’re just plain comfortable. 

# Bombas Women’s Hiking Calf Sock 3-Pack

Price: $54 @ Bombas

These calf hiking socks are specifically designed for maximum hiking comfort. The socks use Hex Tec technology, which helps ventilate and regulate your feet’s temperature no matter what the outside temperature is. Combined with the moisture-wicking fabric blend, your feet (and calves!) will stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and dry year-round. 

• Icebreaker

History and Origin

Icebreaker is a merino wool outdoor and natural performance outdoor clothing brand headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. It was purchased by VF Corporation, a NYSE listed entity in 2018. Icebreaker was conceived and designed around the philosophy of sustainability, using natural fibres, environmental and social ethics, and animal welfare. The company began by specialising in the creation of merino base layers and now offers underwear, mid layers, outer wear, socks and accessories based on natural fibers.

Icebreaker was founded in 1995 by Jeremy Moon, and now supplies its clothing to more than 4,700 stores in 50 countries.

What Are Icebreaker Socks?

These lightweight, breathable merino wool socks from Icebreaker are perfect for your warm-weather hiking and backpacking trips. Thanks to the natural properties of wool, they're odour-resistant and highly moisture-wicking.

Don't underestimate the functionality of Icebreaker's sustainable merino wool socks. They are moisture-wicking, durable, odour-resistant and engineered to have a premium fit. Shop Icebreaker socks for all activities including hiking, snow, running and training. 

Icebreaker Socks Review

Where to Buy Icebreaker Socks Cheapest?

• icebreaker.com: 4 - 5% cashback

• backcountry.com: 3 - 4% cashback

• wiggle.com:1.5 - 2% cashback
  

Who Are Icebreaker Socks for?

• Biking

• Running 

• Hiking

• Other high intensity sports

2 Best Icebreaker Socks

# Icebreaker Hike+ Medium Crew Socks

Price: $25 @ Icebreaker

Lightweight, durable, odor-resisting trail socks that deliver maximum comfort and a premium fit, the men's Icebreaker Hike+ Medium Crew socks are ideal for day hiking in warmer conditions.

 # Icebreaker Run+ Ultralight Micro Socks

Price: $18 @ Icebreaker

Thin and ultralight, the men's Icebreaker Run+ Ultralight Micro running socks are built with a technical merino wool blend in a no-show height, making them perfect for runs of any mileage.

Darn Tough vs. Smartwool vs. Bombas vs. icebreaker: Comparison Side by Side

1.Comfort and Materials

• Darn Tough Socks

Overall, really good and during daily wear we did not amazed – the hiking socks were too thick and the sport socks were too thin. The material is also a little ‘rough’ compared to others, but not at all a disturbance.

However, in active cases, the Darn Tough socks were excellent with no slippage, good foot design, and overall, we rate them a B+ in the comfort department.

• Smartwool Socks

Smartwool regains points here because we really felt like these were excellent both when doing casual stuff & active things. They held on perfectly for sports, never got swampy, and were great for even sitting around all day.

Great footbox, comfortable material, just the right thickness and breathability. Excellent for all-around use and we rate them an A in this section.

• Bombas Socks

Bombas performance socks contain Hex Tec technology that’s breathable and moisture-wicking, for added airflow and comfort while you’re working out. 

These socks definitely feel tighter and heavier than regular socks, so they can get warm during the day, but the extra material seems to hold everything in place, making them excellent for workouts and activities of all kinds.

• Icebreaker Socks

We found the Icebreaker socks to be very comfy and soft from the get go and are terrific for casual use, but quickly lost their edge when it came to activities & sports due to slippage and almost clamminess.

They felt too ‘thick’ or fluffy when the going got rough and just didn’t have the right feeling for hiking & running. Footbox is great though over overall they get a B+ for comfort.

2.Performance

Darn Tough Socks

With a thinly cushioned, durable, comfortable sock, you can do just about anything. The Darn Tough Socks can handle virtually any climate or weather condition, because it dries so quickly.

• Smartwool Socks

Merino wool is a renowned moisture-regulating fabric, meaning that though you will sweat in a Smartwool sock, rarely ever will you drench them. Especially during high activity, the Smartwool socks are comfortable, soft, and generally warm enough, but not excessively padded.

• Bombas Socks

Unlike their more basic socks, Bombas performance socks are made with Seamless Toe technology for front-of-foot support, have strategic zone cushioning for the arch, toes, ankle, etc, and a Y-stitched heel for a tailored fit that won’t move. 

• Icebreaker Socks

Based on the fit of the sock, you can really tell that Icebreaker put a lot of effort and attention to detail into making the sock fit your foot perfectly. The heel area has a unique shape that almost juts out of the rest of the sock to fit snugly on your heel. The toe area has a special toe seam prevents chafing and the main elastic band fits just below the ankle.

3.Value

• Darn Tough Socks

Made in America, comfortable, cozy, durably made with a lifetime guarantee.

If you can put a price on that, Darn Tough says it’s about the price of two cocktails, they run anywhere from $15 – $30+ for their socks.

• Smartwool Socks

Cool colors and patterns, versatility and the reliability of the tried-and-tested Smartwool brand.

Still, the long term durability does not compete with it’s competitor Darn Tough, which can be found for cheaper basically anywhere. However, There are plenty of Smartwool socks on sale!

• Bombas Socks

They were expensive, but they will last. After six weeks of wearing the same 5 pairs every week, I’m confident you’ll find them worth the investment, and you might even save money in the long run through having to buy socks less often.

• Icebreaker Socks

While the socks are made of merino wool, they aren’t completely wool.  The Icebreaker socks are a great option for travelers due to it’s weight and comfort but with some limitations in terms of durability.

4.Warranty

• Darn Tough Socks

Darn Tough’s warrantee is truly insane. No one in the clothing industry dares to go as far as they do.In fact, Darn Tough’s Guarantee is more like an insurance policy than a warrantee.

It reads in part:

“Our unconditional lifetime guarantee is simple and without strings or conditions. If our socks are not the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you have ever owned, return them for another pair.”

• Smartwool Socks

They have a fairly decent policy which is a pretty standard 100% satisfaction guaranteed form. 

Items can also be sent in to be recycled you can also send it into their service centre.

• Bombas Socks

Bombas also has a happiness guarantee, here’s what they say:

"Our  priority here at Bombas is your happiness. Which means we stand by our product 100%, no matter what, no questions asked, no holds barred, no ifs, no ands, no buts. If you have a problem, we will solve it. Refund it. Send you new socks. Whatever it takes. Just reach out to our Customer Happiness Team. We’re here for you. Happiness. Guaranteed."

• Icebreaker Socks

They will assess the damage on a case-by-case basis to determine if your warranty is eligible. In addition, Icebreaker has a lifetime warranty on all of its socks. 

You’ll have to fill out any warranty claims on their website to be considered.

Conclusion: Which Brand is Best for You?

To summarize,all Darn Tough, Smartwool, Bombas and icebreaker are great brands for socks as this post has mentioned, and we have outlined the pros and cons of both these well-regarded brands.

However, if you are still unsure, we have briefly summarised the main advantages of each below. 

• Darn Tough Socks
  

(1)Darn Tough socks check all the boxes of a really, really stellar product: They perform their function perfectly to keep your feet comforted, dry, and blister-free; 

(2)They are totally worth the premium price tag, especially for tactical needs like hiking and snow sports, where their ability to keep your feet warm and dry is crucial. 

(2)They are made sustainably and locally from a small business; and offer a lifetime guarantee.

• Smartwool Socks

(1)Comfort Matters - In terms of pure comfort, no sock beats Smartwool. The premium shearling insulation keeps Smartwool socks soft to the touch. Against the skin of the foot, Smartwool socks feel almost luxurious.

(2)No More Stinky Feet - Smartwool socks breathe, which allows perspiration to escape and keeps your feet dry. And a dry foot is a foot that isn't smelly.

(3)Smartwool Socks Aren't Just for Hiking - They make superb "around the house" socks too, especially during colder weather.

• Bombas Socks

(1)Bombas might be more expensive than most socks brands, but between the quality, comfort, durability, and the philanthropic efforts of the company, they're well worth adding to your drawer. 

(2)If you’re looking to up (or start!) your running game, it’s hard to go wrong with Bombas’ Performance running socks. Not only are they supportive, secure and moisture-wicking—as all good athletic socks should be—they’re just plain comfortable.

(3)Whether you’re an avid runner looking for an edge, someone who leads a generally active life, or just someone who likes great socks, Bombas’ Performance Running Socks will treat you well.

• Icebreaker Socks

Summary:

So yeah, Darn Toughs for a darn tough work/hiking sock, Smartwool for sports, hiking & lifestyle ventures,Bombas for avid runner looking for an edge, or just someone who likes great socks, and Icebreaker for the casual dailywear person.

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