Product Review: Darn Tough Socks - For the Darn Tough Hunter

By Shaylin Heywood

If you’ve read my previous blog “The Blister Queen” you know I’ve had a lot of experience with blisters and using duct tape (my favorite) to cover current blisters. Though a great solution to current blisters, the best is preventing them from happening in the first place. The mountains are tough enough, why make it harder on yourself? Especially when that cost is only $25.00. You may be thinking “Who the He## would pay that for just a pair of socks?!” Smart people…that’s who.

Unless you like blisters that is.

Hunting gear is one of those things, you don’t have to have the best or most expensive to get out there and be a successful hunter. Socks in my opinion are one of those exceptions. One of the fastest ways to take out a hunter, or anyone in the outdoors, is by destroying their feet.

So what makes a great hunting/ hiking sock?

There is a lot out there on what to look for in a good sock. To sum it up here are a few highlights:

Material: Merino wool, spandex, cotton, nylon, and lycra are some of the common ones. Merino wool is one of the most popular, as well as merino wool blends/synthetic. Each has pros and cons. Depending on what I’m doing and the time of year, dictates what blend percentage I wear. See below for more info. A merino blend (my choice) or synthetic will get you the farthest in my experience when it comes to hunting. These offer the best insulation, moisture wicking, temperature regulating, comfort, durability, and elasticity. Merino wool also provides a bonus with its anti-microbial, and anti-odor capabilities.

Moisture wicking: This is key to a top hunting sock. Materials with the ability to wick away moisture are critical, and not something to overlook. What does this even mean? The material will pull moisture away from your skin towards the surface so it can be evaporated quickly. This can also make them more comfortable for those long rigorous hikes. It also helps regulate body temperature, which is important in cold and hot weather. The most popular are Merino wool, nylon, polyester, and a new one for me: bamboo.

Fit & Cushion: After testing various types, a snug fit and seamless design (especially near the toe) play major roles in comfort and blister prevention. The material also plays a role in comfort and will determine how much stretch the material will allow. If you are doing more rigorous hikes I’d suggest a sock with additional cushioning in key areas. This helps with the wear and tear on your feet, providing you with a more pleasant experience.

There are a few other things you can look at, however those are the basic must-haves in my book.

Now let me help you “skip the line” and save you some time and money by testing sock after sock. Not to mention all the blisters received getting there. While I haven’t tried them all, from the ones I have tried, Darn Tough Socks are the clear winner. Since testing these amazing socks, I have yet to get a blister, especially when paired with the right boot. Since then, they have become my everyday sock of choice. From MTN Tough workouts, hunting, and on the ranch, they have yet to disappoint!

So Why Darn Tough?

●     They understand that everyone and every activity has different needs without sacrificing performance, comfort, and durability. Using merino wool, nylon, and Lycra, they adjust the percentage of each material depending on the sock. This allows each individual to find the sock that performs at the highest level, without sacrificing your feet.

●     Unconditionally guaranteed for life!  While merino wool may not be the most durable material out there, no sock lasts forever. Even knowing this they still back their products for life. All you have to do is send in the old pair, no receipt needed. I’ve personally never sent back a pair because, by the time I’m done with them, they have more than paid for themselves several times over. Any product that performs like that I’m more than willing to buy another pair!

●     Made in the US! Another huge bonus for me, is seeing their socks are still made in Vermont. Any company that has withstood the international manufacturing battle is worth standing behind.

Women’s Boot Lightweight Hunting Sock

●     $25

●     My first choice for warmer weather and lighter use. (aka not taking on a mountain) though they work well, I prefer the next sock if I’m going on a big hike with rough terrain.

Women’s Hiker Boot Midweight Sock

●     $27

●     My FAVORITE for hunting. Although they can get warm on hot days the merino still helps your feet to stay dry. On the flip side, I even wear these in sub-zero temperatures with an uninsulated boot and stay warm. The extra cushioning makes this sock my sock of choice for those rigorous hikes. They have proven to be very durable and I am still using my very first pair.

Women’s No Show Run Tab

●     $36

●     The best gym/ running socks. The ultra-lightweight, and arch support make even the toughest MTN Tough workouts bearable. At least when it comes to my feet. The tab provides a little more cushion on your heel and keeps them from slipping down in the middle of a workout. A big bonus is they don’t stink like cotton socks do.

For more information and color options visit www.DarnTough.com

Shaylin is part of Team Idaho. Follow her on Instagram at @huntress208 to see all of her outdoor adventures.