darntough.com
Proof that you’re a true gear-head? You have a thing for socks.  Not the loose-elastic cotton variety of your youth, but the brave new world of high performance footwear that provides a technical marriage between between your feet and your shoes.  If you’ve reached that level of appreciation, you’ll love Darn Tough. As the name of the Vermont-based company implies, these are likely the most durable hiking socks you’ll ever own.  We put a pair of the merino wool Boot Socks through an unrelentingly arduous series of activities (traveling, backpacking, cycling, day hiking) and our feet were perpetually comfortable.  Unlike other brands’ socks, which often rely on a collage of different-density yarns across the  toe and under the instep, the Boot Socks let natural merino do most of the work. The pre-shrunk wool fits like a second skin and enhances durability. High-density terry loop pads adds a bit of cushioning in the foot and shins that won’t flatten out over miles of use, the toe and heel pockets are form-sculpted for a glove-like fit, and the ribbed knitting means that they’ll ride just as you want them to, and never slip down mid-stride.  In addition to the Boot Sock, we’re big fans of the Argyle Crew Socks, which blend fashion with function to create a go-to travel sock that’s the perfect mixture of merino, nylon, and spandex.
As we continue to test the Darn Tough socks, we’ll add updates on their durability and confirm that they live up to the company’s name (and it’s lifetime guarantee) .