Customer Reviews

Darn Tough Merino Wool 1/4 Sock Cushion,Stone Blue,Medium

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a serious runner (1200 miles per year) and am always interested in trying new socks for running. After buying one pair to test them, I just ordered four more pair because these are one of the most comfortable running socks that I have used, which is why they have earned consistent five star reviews.

Unlike other cushioned running socks that I own, these do not fit as tight, and the wool is not only very comfortable, but also keeps my feet nice and warm in the cold winter weather that we are having now in the Northeast. The wool does not bunch up,and stays smooth. The cushioning feels luxurious, but is not so thick that I cannot comfortably wear my running shoes. On the other hand, I use minimalist running shoes that are not cushioned (Nike Free Run+). With the heavily cushioned running shoes that I used to wear before I read Born to Run, however, the fit is very snug, and may be too tight for some runners.

I wear a size 8 street shoe and 9 1/2 running shoe, and the medium size fit me--but just barely. I then ordered a large size and like the fit much better. Order up in size if in doubt.

I bought the Lime color because I got free shipping with Amazon Prime, and this was less expensive than the other colors.

I also bought the Coolmax version of these socks (I have reviewed them on Amazon), which also work really well and are slightly less snug than the wool if you use highly cushioned running shoes.

Bottom line: These socks are not cheap, but they are very well made and make running a pleasure. I recommend them.

Update January 28, 2010: One of the benefits of wool is that it keeps you warm even when wet. I went running at night and stepped into an icy slushy mess while waiting to cross the street, and immediately felt the cold water go into my right running shoe. But after the initial shock, I was able to finish my run without feeling cold at all, and when I got home my foot was not cold even though the sock was wet.

Yes, they are expensive and, yes they are worth the expense if the goal is to keep you feet warm. I have some peripheral blood flow issues, meaning that I am more likely than most to get frostbites on my feet even when it's not too cold but these socks took care of the problem and my feet are now happy and warm all winter long.

Getting into specifics, they are made of:

- 65% Merino wool
- 31% Nylon
- 04% LYCRA spandex

They are also Made in the USA. In Vermont, to be more specific.

The makers claim that the Merino wool is highly breathable, itch-free, fast drying and... naturally anti-microbial. I don't know what that last claim means but I can confirm that these socks, indeed, are are a very comfortable wear, they do keep my feet dry and warm and they don't look too bad either. I can't verify the claim that these socks will be keeping you cool in the summer because I haven't had them last summer.

The makers of Darn Tough promise an 'unconditional lifetime guarantee' stating that "if our socks aren't the most comfortable and durable socks you've ever owned, return them for your money back". I'm not sure how that works but I'm not planning to return them because I really like them on my feet.

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>> Brush your teeth, it's the law! <<

Darn Tough socks are amazing. No question. However, in this case the image should for "Black" is the Bike/Run model, which is exactly what I wanted. When they arrived I got the Hike/Trek model which are slightly different. Still Merino and still awesome, but not all black (grey around the ankle) and not the same amount of cushioning. I like them, but not exactly what I was looking for.

These socks are great. I use them for running. They are thick and long-lasting. Be aware that the extra thickness might make your shoes a bit tight.

When I was running more often, I did a lot of clothing research and figured I should get better socks. So I gave these a whirl for my first "running/athletic" socks.

These guys are kind of expensive (they can be $15-30 per pair, depending if you can find discounts) but they hold up very well. I've had mine for several years, now, and other than a stray thread of elastic here and there, and little fuzzies, they look mostly the same.

They are very cushioning and keep the feet warm without suffocating them. I only use them for running, but I bet they'd be great for people that hike or have more of a propensity for their feet getting damper. Darn Tough sells different socks for different applications, but I think these would work for most people unless you need them to be cut much higher up.

If you can find these babies on discount, I definitely would recommend trying them out. Even if you can't, they are still well worth the money.

I've purchased and worn Smartwool socks for years, and have found they just don't seem to hold up as well as they used to. I purchased a pair of Smartwools, and a pair of Darn Tough at the exact same time (little over a year ago), and the back of the heel is already wearing away on the Smartwools, but not so on my Darn Toughs! They have held up beautifully - and I am very tough on my footwear. I've since purchased several more pairs, and will not go back! Same price, better quality, and domestically made. You can't go wrong!

This is a warm sock that is not too thick. It is as warm as old socks I have that are twice as thick. If you want to walk around the house with these on, keep in mind that they probably will not stand up forever -- these are meant to be worn in a good shoe or boot.

I bought these socks either two or three years ago and I'm still wearing them. They are warm comfortable and quite frankly the best socks that I have ever purchased.

Trust these other reviewers. You'll want to wear them running and on long plane trips. Bought for wife and kids too. Buy one pair...and you'll end up buying many more! Try the different socks styles too. I like the others too.

My boyfriend is a size 11 or 12 and it takes a bit of effort for him to put these on cuz they're very form fitting, but when he does, he loves them! i guess it's like a bra that supports you really well, but for your feet. he can walk all day with them on, play disc golf, bike around, and it doesn't feel too hot or anything. every time i do the wash, he'll wear these first cuz they're his favorite. they are also ridiculously durable. even after a year of constant use, they look brand new!