Darn Tough Sock Recommendations?

Submitted by withoutink t3_yg0r8k in BuyItForLife

I have been wearing Smartwool crew socks forever, but recently heard the newer Smartwools are of lesser quality. I tried some Bombas, but they seem to only last about 1yr and then they bite the dust. My Smartwools have lasted 5-6yrs with zero holes, stretching, or slipping.

Figured I would try some Darn Tough socks, however, there is a dizzying arry of options....What would you suggest?

I prefer two types:

Crew + some padding for walking around the house, cold days, and when wearing - dressy or heavier shoes, like my chunky Docs. I wear these pretty much anytime I wear pants, too.

Shorter socks when wearing Chucky Taylor all star classic (lows), they don't have to be no show, but not crews.

Thanks in advance!

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regaphysics t1_iu69hww wrote

I like the standard hiker micro crew cushion (not light or heavy). I got a pair of heavy / full cushion ones and I don’t like them nearly as much.

https://www.rei.com/product/825037/darn-tough-hiker-micro-crew-cushion-socks-mens?cm_mmc=aff_AL--38931--52463-_-NA&avad=52463_e2bd0503d

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Wooden_Bed377 t1_iu6xv18 wrote

I have these as my winter socks and absolutely love them. They are super comfortable, seem tough (look brand new after 3 years) and honestly I think they look really nice.

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Expert-Canary4157 t1_iu78rob wrote

I’ve tried a lot of their styles, and have decided for me that the “element” lineup is the best all-rounder. Slightly padded but not too much. Moderately athletic but comfy as hell. They come in different heights but all fit the exact same on foot which was primarily what I was looking for- a responsive fitted feel but very soft, and they are versatile enough to go from playing tennis or hiking to nearly formal wear. I have a few black crew length and a few of these black quarter length because I just want the same reliable fit every day now that I’ve found the style I like https://darntough.com/products/mens-merino-wool-element-quarter-lightweight-athletic-socks

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pumpkinsword t1_iu8x442 wrote

I have the element no show tab versions, have you tried those? I was looking at longer socks but wasn't sure they'd be as comfy.

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Expert-Canary4157 t1_iu8y891 wrote

I have a couple pairs of the element no show tabs in white for when I’m actually wearing white low tennis shoes. Nothing wrong with those and the snug fit around the arch is the same. Personally for me the quarter length is the most perfect sock I’ve ever worn. A bit more comfy around my ankle and warmer than the NST without getting to the hairy part of my leg. They are my go-to pair because I don’t wear boots too often but still great for mid shoes

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stereolithography t1_iu7ws0m wrote

Alright, I can't give you a recommendation on style, but can hype up the brand for you.

When I was deployed to Afghanistan, our Lt's mom's church group sent up a giant care package, including like 2 pairs of Darn Tough socks for each guy. I immediately made fun of them, because the name is the most generic thing you can think of, and then almost immediately ate my words the following week when I wore them. Those socks were fucking COMFY and they lasted for-fucking-ever. I wore them on tons of foot patrols, climbing up mountains, and for a few years after I got out. They lasted me like 6 years and I'd still probably have them if I didn't somehow lose both pairs (and I'm still bummed about it)

I've tried a few other brands since then and I'm going back once I wear my others out. You won't be disappointed in them.

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tractorock8 t1_iu67q1x wrote

Not DT but I’m in love with Pacas.

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LostmyHistoryKey t1_iu6hpps wrote

Darn Tough have lifetime guarantee, they’re great. Most are very lightly padded or not padded at all. I believe the hiking socks have more padding than the others.

For cushiony comfort, I prefer Balega

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LowGradePlayer t1_iu6ai6v wrote

I have worn them all,to the 10k a day.

Smartwool Treking is my favorite.

They last longer than DT with superior comfort.

That being said, I did get DT to replace, but comfort and toughness are inversely related.

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AlbrechtSchoenheiser t1_iu6chxl wrote

I prefer smartwool and darn tough, but it depends on the climate.

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nmeed7 t1_iu6zb65 wrote

Both bombas and darn tough replacement has been seamless for me, so I like both. Darn Tough boot socks are where it’s at.. I’ve replaced a couple sets of their ankle socks, but neither of my 2 boot pairs have gotten a hole yet (one pair is starting to wear in a spot or two after constant use)

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DudeFromMiami t1_iu7s35y wrote

I have some timberlands that I bought in a pack of 8 from Marshall’s like 6 years ago and they are all still going strong. Besides that, can recommend Woolrich as well, have some of the thicker ones that I’ve worn in winters for 10 years

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coffinandstone t1_iu7xcg5 wrote

I'd start with a pair of "The Standard Crew" lightweight. They are pretty close to a standard cotton daily wear sock. Unless you are looking at snow, or serious hiking, lightweight in merino wool is a good all around thickness.

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pumpkinsword t1_iu8ww7h wrote

I like the Element no show tab athletic socks. I did have to size up to XL, based off their size range I would have been a large (size 11/11.5).

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