The claim: Darn Tough Vermont socks combine function and fashion. These socks are built to last a lifetime and actually come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Darn Tough socks are designed, manufactured and tested in Vermont and are made of the highest-density knitting in the industry. The are unrivaled in comfort, fit and durability. The Merino wool fibers naturally pull moisture away from the skin, dry quickly and are naturally antimicrobial, repelling bacteria and odor. The socks stay in place with no slipping, bunching or hot spots.
Cost: $12-$20
Where:www.socksaddict.com
I have a collection of wool socks for outdoor activities, and they have a few things in common: they're high-loft — thick and fluffy to keep feet warm; they're baggy because they're mostly sized for guys; and they last best if washed like delicates to avoid felting.
None of those are qualities that come to mind when looking for socks to wear to work with dress shoes.
Then I met Darn Tough Vermont socks. I'm not sure if the name is a bit of a pun, because darn can also mean to mend a sock, but the merchandise certainly is no joke. The sock are a 65-35 blend of merino wool and acrylic, so they're moisture-wicking but retain their shape. They come in standard sizes for men and women. They're not fluffy at all, and have a mid-weight, smooth finish that easily slips into dress shoes without bunching.
They don't have a toe seam, so there is no issue with rubbing and wear at that stress point. And, they're machine-wash warm, tumble-dry low, so there's no more worrying about drying flat. The pewter shade I got is a heather gray suitable to wear with a range of other colors.
So, is there anything to complain about? Well, they did shrink just a little with washing. Not enough to be a deal-breaker, but if you're borderline to the next size, you might want to buy that, instead. If I got another pair, I think that's what I'd try.
Darn Tough Vermont socks kept me warm and comfortable during the dreaded polar vortex. That's saying something when you're standing outside in subzero weather trying to chip ice off a driveway, but your feet are nice and toasty. The company bills the socks as light, quickly drying and sturdy, with no slippage or bunching. The socks actually lived up to the billing.
My feet weren't too warm when I was wearing slippers in the house; yet, they weren't cold when I was outside either. The socks adapted well to whatever temperature I was in.
These socks rock.
When it's freezing out, there is nothing worse than cold feet. Tucking my tootsies into Darn Tough Vermont socks was an absolute pleasure. The fabric and weave hug your feet in a warm embrace. They wash well, retaining shape and comfort.
As promised, there is no bunching around the toes or heel. The socks are produced in a seamless knit, unlike cheaper socks that often have an irritating bump of yarn. And, even indoors, in lace-up boots, they avoid the sweaty-sock syndrome that makes returning to the winter wonderland such an unhappy occurrence.
The lifetime guarantee is prompting me to buy more of these beautiful socks, which come in a wide array of patterns and designs. Darn Tough? Darn right!
