There are socks, poor socks and some very good socks… these Darn Toughs are right up there in the third group, writes Mike Gormley.
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Long ago, when I was first introduced to Darn Tough, I just thought: “Oh yes, a bit of American bravado!” Well maybe, but time has proven the name is certainly backed up by fact. I now have a very old and extremely well-used pair of Darn Tough socks that have been on many travels with me and still have plenty of life left in them. So, it was with some enthusiasm I accepted this new selection to try. They have not disappointed.
We have a selection of both Men’s and Ladies’ Hike / Trek socks from the very extensive range from Darn Tough socks; and therein lies an issue for me. I can’t review them all individually, though I have been observing Jean and listening to her opinion, so this update is about Darn Tough socks in general.
One thing I have really noted while wearing these is that a sock does not have to be thick and chunky to be comfortable and resilient for those days when you have your walking boots on. The ones that say they are ‘With Cushion’ are a bit thicker in the places you would expect, but not boot size changing thick. Yet they do offer great comfort and protection to the foot on a good day out. For less arduous and perhaps warmer days and evenings out the ‘Lighweight’ and ‘Midweight’ selections will do fine.
Darn Tough socks are all made in Vermont in the USA but they are predominantly woven from renowned Merino wool. This wool is sourced from a number of countries where the Merino sheep are well-suited to the higher more arduous climates. This means their wool is better quality and the most resilient. I am sure most readers of this section will know the benefits of Merino wool, which has been used in many garments for many years now and has built a significant reputation. It is very hard wearing and has a very high level of odour resistance, which is very handy if travelling for a few days. It is not itchy to wear and works very well in hot as well as cold conditions. All in all, it is a very remarkable natural fibre and well-suited for manufacturing socks.
The Merino is teamed with Lycra, Spandex and Nylon to help it do what it needs to and make the Darn Toughs more resilient to hard use. This mix works well. I have found after lots of use one of the key features of these socks is that they stay up and in place. Depending on the intended end use and design, the mix of these various materials is used in different percentages; but this is not a lesson on the benefits of Merino. For me I can tell you it works, works well and will last. Darn Tough Socks have proved to be just that over a long period of time.
Darn Tough Merino Socks seen here:-
- Micro Crew Lightweight With Cushion – Men XL
- Micro Crew Lightweight With Cushion – Men XL
- Boot Sock Lightweight With Cushion – Men XL
- Micro Crew Midweight With Cushion – Men XL
- ¼ Sock Midweight With Cushion – Women M
- Micro Crew Midweight With Cushion – Women M
- Micro Crew Lightweight With Cushion – Women M
[images © Mike or Jean Gormley]
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See also:-
