If you've ever asked for hiking sock recommendations, many people will recommend Darn Tough hiking socks. This is a solid recommendation. I've personally hiked thousands of miles in Darn Tough—my #1 pick out of the 12 hiking sock brands that I recommend. Plus, it's by far the most popular hiking sock brand among outdoor industry professionals (like me). The question is, which Darn Tough hiking sock should you buy?
At last count, the brand makes approximately 114 different hiking socks?! Your choices could easily feel overwhelming.
That's why I wrote this guide to Darn Tough hiking socks. I've worn many different Darn Tough hiking socks and used to manage hiking footwear at Appalachian Outdoors, where I needed a PhD to stock all those Darn Tough socks where they belonged on our our sock wall. This post narrows down the field to make it easier to choose a Darn Tough hiking sock.
What are the best Darn Tough hiking socks?
#1
Best for Warm Weather Hikes
Darn Tough Light Hiker Microcrew Lightweight
Meet my personal favorite Darn Tough hiking sock. As its name suggests, this is a lightweight—yet durable—hiking sock that excels in all but the coldest weather. In addition to its lighter weight, this sock has mesh ventilation panels and light cushioning to maximize breathability and minimize warmth and moisture retention. Made with 54% nylon, 43% merino wool, and 3% Lycra spandex, this sock is tough (not soft) and quick to dry, which is why it's my go-to hiking sock in warm weather. It took me three years to retire my first pair, and I currently have two pairs in my sock drawer.
#2
Softest Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion Sock
On the other end of the Darn Tough hiking sock spectrum, the Hiker Boot Cushion Sock is the brand's best soft and cushy option to spoil your feet. This midweight is much softer, thanks to its higher merino wool content (64%) and high-density cushioning throughout the sock. The trade off is that this sock wears much warmer —a plus in cold weather and potential minus in warmer weather. Personally, I mostly wear this sock for cold winter day hikes and cooler, shoulder-season backpacking trips. However, if you fall for its superior comfort, you can wear this year-round, too.
#3
All-Season Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Darn Tough Number 2 Micro Crew Cushion Sock
The Number 2 provides a nice balance between the two socks above—and a little potty humor, to boot. This is a midweight sock with medium cushion and classic blend of 63% merino wool, 35% nylon, and 2% Lycra—thicker (and less breathable) than the Light Hiker and not as warm (or soft and cushy) as the Hiker Boot cushion. The name and design also share some thru-hiker humor. Look closely, and you'll see an outhouse launching into outer space like a rocket, courtesy of some poor hiker going "#2" after a bad freeze-dried backpacker lasagne or water filter failure.
#4
Synthetic Darn Tough Hiking Sock
Darn Tough CoolMax Hiker Microcrew
Merino wool isn't scratchy, but some some people prefer synthetic materials. Enter CoolMax—a polyester weave that pulls moisture away from the skin, so it dries quickly. The Darn Tough Coolmax Hiker Microcrew is a wool-free, quick-drying sock with a cooling effect for your hiking feet. This is my wife's go-to Darn Tough hiking sock—and a good option for vegans and hikers whose skin is sensitive to merino-wool blends.
My buddy Jacob thru-hiked 8,000 miles in just two pairs of Darn Tough hiking socks!
How to choose Darn Tough hiking socks?
As the list above shows, each Darn Tough hiking sock has a long-ass name, such as "Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion - Women." Here's how to decode those cumbersome sock names.
In order, the style name lists the sock weight followed by the sock height followed by the cushion level. Beyond that, those names will sneak in the name of the activity they're designed for (hiker/hiker vs run) and gender. Also, the tech specs for each sock will show the specific fabrication for each sock—each model varies slightly in its percentage of merino wool, nylon, elastic, etc.
Here's how to sort through those sock names, choices, and tech specs to find your perfect Darn Tough hiking sock:
Sock Weight
The weight of the sock refers to the thickness of its yarn. Darn Tough sock weights include 4 sock weights:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Lightweight
- Midweight
- Heavyweight
Most hikers will choose a lightweight or midweight hiking sock. The weight mostly affects warmth and moisture absorption. Lightweight socks will keep your hiking feet cooler and drier, and midweight hiking socks will run warmer and absorb more sweat and water.
Ulta-lightweight socks are for runners and skiers more than hikers. If you mostly hike in warm weather, choose a lightweight to keep your feet cooler and drier. Midweights can work for all four seasons and add some durability. If you're a dedicated winter hiker, a heavyweight sock might make sense (but I stay plenty warm in a midweight myself).
Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in Darn Tough Light Hiker Microcrew socks
Sock Height
You can also choose your Darn Tough hiking socks by height. The brand has nine different lengths—with 4 main lengths for hikers. From shortest to highest cut, Darn Tough hiking sock lengths are
Darn Tough Microcrew (left) vs Boot Cut (right) Hiking Socks
Sock Cushion
Darn Tough hiking socks come in two cushioning levels.
- "Cushion" socks only feature cushioning under your feet, on the heel, and in the toes.
- "Full cushion" socks feature cushioning throughout the sock—not just under the foot and high contact areas.
You can also buy "no cushion" socks—but not in the "hike" category).
Keep in mind that full cushion socks can soften things up a bit. At the same time, they'll also heat things up a bit more inside your hiking boots/shoes—and absorb more moisture. So they're not necessarily a slam dunk for comfort. Personally, I prefer less cushioned socks to keep my feet cooler and drier. If your hiking footwear feels too firm underfoot, I'd recommend either buying a brand with more cushion or adding insoles. That's my two cents.
HOKA hiking boots & shoes are known for max-cushioned midsoles
Sock Material
Darn Tough hiking socks also vary by material composition. With the exception of the polyester-based "CoolMax" sock described above, most hiking socks will have a mix of merino wool, nylon, and Lycra:
- Merino wool is a soft (not scratchy) natural fiber that's naturally odor-resistant, regulates temperature (in both hot and cool weather), insulates when wet, absorbs little moisture, dries relatively quickly, and improves the breathability of your hiking footwear. In other words, the higher the merino content, the softer the sock and the better the temperature and moisture management.
- Nylon is a synthetic fiber that adds structure and durability. Darn Tough hiking socks with a higher percentage of nylon are less soft and more durable than their brothers and sisters.
- Lycra adds stretch and structure for a high-performance, foot-hugging fit for your hiking feet.
If you truly want to geek out on Darn Tough Hiking Socks, dig into the Tech Specs for each sock. That's how you can determine small differences in the performance, feel, and fit of each sock. That is, look for higher percentages of merino wool for a softer (and slightly less durable sock) or look for higher percentages of nylon for socks that are sturdy and quick-drying (but not as soft).
More than 90% of my hiking socks are made with Merino Wool Blends
Should you buy Darn Tough hiking socks?
Honestly, I can't think of a good reason NOT to go with Darn Tough. I like me an underdog—and include a few in my list of the best hiking sock brands—but this is a case where the most obvious brand probably is the best brand to buy. I hope this post has helped you narrow down your Darn Tough options to the best hiking sock for you.
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