Darn Tough Review: Socks Made in Vermont

Curious about Darn Tough’s socks? This review assesses the fit and quality of some of their popular products.

Darn Tough is a company that’s really created a name for itself in the sock industry. This review will share my thoughts on some of their products that I tried out for myself.

Quick Take

Darn Tough makes high-quality socks for a reasonable price. I recommend them!

Click here to check out Darn Tough, or read on for the full review.

About Darn Tough

The story of Darn Tough goes back to 1978 in Northfield, Vermont when a gentleman named Marc Cabot purchased a textile mill.

He started manufacturing socks for large companies like Gap, but by the early 2000s business had died down due to most companies purchasing socks from factories overseas.

In 2004, with the company on the verge of collapse, Marc’s son Ric started selling socks under the name Darn Tough.

The rest, as they say, is history. Darn Tough has grown into one of the most well-known and respected sock companies, and to this day their products are still manufactured in Vermont!

Darn Tough is actually so confident about the quality of their products that they offer a lifetime guarantee!

The Products I Tried

Here are the sock styles I tried from Darn Tough:

• The Standard Crew Lightweight Lifestyle Sock
• Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock
• Light Hiker No Show Lightweight Hiking Sock
• Steely Micro Crew Midweight Work Sock

Now let’s get to the review!

Quality and Fit

All of the socks I tried feel very durable and high-quality. They’re comfortable too. Overall, Darn Tough’s socks are what I would expect them to be, and that’s a good thing.

They’re American-made socks that are built to last by a company that’s been making socks for more than 40 years (even though it was just in 2004 that they officially called themselves Darn Tough).

One complaint I have about the fit of their socks is that they label the Running Sock and Light Hiker sock as being “no show” when they’re actually ankle socks. They do actually make no show socks, but I haven’t tried them.

If you want to learn more about different sock lengths, check out our guide 7 Types of Socks + Sock Lengths and Fabrics Explained. If you’re particularly curious about no shows, we have a guide for that too: Top 11 Best No Show Socks for Men.

Which Socks Should You Choose?

Here’s a breakdown of the different socks I tried.

The Standard Crew Lightweight Lifestyle Sock

This is a crew sock that’s good for everyday use. You can choose if you want a cushion or not. I tried the version with a cushion, and it’s very comfortable.

While all of Darn Tough products are durable, the cushion makes them feel like they’re really built to last.

Run No Show Tab Ultra-Lightweight Running Sock

As you can tell from the name, the Run No Show is a running sock. It’s not actually a no show sock though. It’s an ankle sock. I got the version without a cushion. It’s lightweight, but it feels very strong.

Thanks to the Merino wool, it’s moisture wicking which makes it very practical for running and other exercises.

If you want a solid sock for running or other activities, this is a good choice.

Light Hiker No Show Lightweight Hiking Sock

Just like the Running Sock, this one is an ankle sock rather than a no show. It’s kind of annoying that it’s mislabeled, but apart from that it’s a great sock!

It says it’s lightweight, but it still feels strong and durable. There’s cushioning on the bottom and by the ankle.

Comfortable and moisture-wicking, these socks are good for long walks, hikes, and other exercises.

Steely Micro Crew Midweight Work Sock

These Work Socks are definitely the most heavy-duty socks I tried from Darn Tough. There are tons of cushioning on them because they’re made to be worn with steel-toed boots.

While I don’t own any steel-toes, I can say that these socks are very comfortable with Chelsea boots.

The cut is a micro crew that Darn Tough created. They’re a little shorter than your average crew sock. The length is good, but you can also get these in a boot length or quarter.

If you’re looking for a sock that’s sturdy and warm but isn’t as heavy-duty as a winter sock, this is a great choice.

My Recommendation

The quality of Darn Tough’s socks really impressed me. They’re comfortable, and they feel like they’re built to last. Plus, if they don’t last, that’s where the lifetime warranty comes in.

I recommend buying their products, but if you’re looking for no shows, check the product photos to make sure they’re actually no show and not just labeled as such.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!