4 Features That Make the Element Our Best Athletic Socks Yet

Man working out in gym wearing darn tough element athletic socks

A sock that’s knit to last for life should be timeless. The new Element Collection in the updated Athletic Socks Category is just that.

The Element socks have the Darn Tough comfort, durability, and fit wrapped around key features that stand the test of time. Basically, we wanted a fitness sock you'd want to wear all the time, and one that you could.

So here's four reasons the Element socks are your new go-to's for gym day, sports, the green, and more.

#1 New Cushion Design for Comfort & Performance

Closeup of element socks heel to show comfort and performance

Sometimes when you're redesigning socks, you just gotta try something, and other times you know exactly what you need to do. This was a little of both.

With solid warranty program intel over the years, we were dialing in some new tech on the coveted Light Hiker to help with high-wear zones on the achilles. Adding terry loop cushion not only improved that situation, it increased comfort.

With The Element Crew height, the concept was applied over the ankle. And it worked. Spartan World Champion, and Darn Tough Vermont athlete Robert Killian, was immediately down saying, "It provides the perfect cushioning and anti chaffing properties from Merino Wool, helping to prevent blisters."

#2 Durable — Durability Is Our Middle Name, Literally

image of foot with black sock on stepping onto a dark, semi-rough surface with the words "incredibly durable" showing.

Since we claim comfort, durability and fit (in that order) as brand pillars, that name kind of works.

While we stand behind all of our socks, the new Athletic socks all feature some new attention to the yarn and knitting innovation underfoot. The adaptation in what is already a high-density knit durability has proven itself in testing - both in the lab and the wild.

In the cushion styles of No Show, Quarter, and Crew, you can see the cushion that reaches deeper into the arch of the foot.

#3 Socks Fit for Life — All Day, All Week, All Year

black sock with two white stripes and the words "fit for life"

The fit of a Darn Tough Vermont sock can take first-timers by surprise. It's a snug fit, a performance fit.

The benefits of the performance fit manifest in two general ways.

  • First, if you're wearing a crew or an over-the-calf style, it's highly unlikely the sock is going to slide down on its own.
  • Second, for all styles, this means the sock is not going to slosh or move around in your shoe. Even if it gets wet.

The results are blister protection and consistent comfort day after day.

#4 Need to Vent — Breathability at It's Finest

pic of a foot wearing a black sock with white stripes and there appears to be steam coming off it.

The Element Athletic socks are Merino Wool. That alone brings a level of moisture wicking and temperature regulation other apparel fibers simply cannot match.

If that wasn't enough, the collection features a new mesh panel design on top of the foot that feels extremely airy and light - it opens the windows for sure.

We'll stop ourselves at those four reasons why the Element athletic socks take the cake for all things fitness. There are more though. 


More Stuff

Oh the Places You (and Your Socks) Will Go
How Should Socks Fit? Video