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Oh the Places You (and Your Socks) Will Go
Nothing excites us more than seeing our socks out in the wild, whether in our own Vermont backyard or a totally different country. Of course, sometimes we’re the ones wearing those socks – and we’re happy to share with you where we went, what socks we packed, and some personal tips and tricks.
In 2024, those travels ranged from Quebec (not far from Vermont) to Switzerland (very far from Vermont). But hey, it’s a good thing Merino Wool socks can adapt to keep your feet comfortable in any climate.
Salvan, Switzerland
The Who: Kate C., Product Development Manager
The Socks: Women's Run Quarter Socks and more run socks
I packed these socks to run in the Alps in Switzerland. The socks I chose are my go-tos when heading out for a trail run. I wanted to make sure I packed socks that I knew were trusted pieces of gear since I was heading onto trails that were going to have unfamiliar surfaces and footing.
Typically when I am trail running, I choose micro crew or quarter length socks for added ankle protection. Trail footing can be unpredictable, and I will often scrape my ankles and legs on shrubs or rocks by accident.
Trip highlights were enjoying the insane views, challenging my body, seeing Chamois goats in the wild, and being surrounded by wonderful people. The temperatures ranged greatly while we were in the mountains, so I was glad to have Merino as my next-to-skin layer.
Drink plenty of water and pack good socks before you go!
Quebec, Canada
The Who: Diane C., Quality & Training Manager
The Socks: Women’s Northwoods Micro Crew
The women’s Northwoods micro crew socks are perfect for a fall foliage hike! The cushion underfoot is my favorite for hiking. Cushion socks don’t create too much bulk in your boot, and it’s just so comfy.
I wore these socks up Owl’s Head in Quebec, Canada. I love heading up to the Eastern Townships. The view was incredible!
If you get the chance to visit Quebec, definitely don’t miss out on fall foliage hiking, and check out the delicious food options, which are perfect for a post-hike meal.
Flathead River, MT
The Who: Kevin D., Ecommerce Experience Manager
The Socks: Men’s Sunset Ridge and Willoughby
I spent a week off grid, hiking in 24 miles to float 56 miles on the Middle Fork of the Flathead. We passed through the Blackfoot reservation, Bob Marshall Wilderness, Great Bear Wilderness, and along the southern border of Glacier National Park.
Hiking in a week's worth of food and packrafting gear, I had to balance a heavy pack and something light enough to wear under my dry suit. The micro crew socks were up to the task from a hot hike up the north fork of birch creek, walking through snow on badger pass, and keeping my feet comfortable in a drysuit while paddling for 5 days.
The trip highlights for me were:
- Putting together a human powered trip through 80 miles of wilderness.
- Floating the upper 25 miles of the middle fork above Schaefer Meadows airport.
- Paddling the Spruce Park Rapids at high water.
Wilderness whitewater trips require a lot of preparation and the right conditions. Build your way up to a trip like this and go with experienced people. Start and end at home.
Quebec, Canada
The Who: Jonah F., eCommerce Digital Coordinator
The Socks: Men’s Element Micro Crew
My wife and I took a much needed week of R&R in Quebec after our wedding in June. Our primary goals were to unplug, eat some oysters and poutine, and mountain bike as much as possible. We had a blast riding the Vallee Bras du Nord and Sentiers du Moulin trail systems and enjoyed some time in Quebec City afterward.
I brought my trusty Element Micro Crews — in three colors. It was going to be hot in Canada that week and we were in for a lot of pedaling, so I wanted something light and quick drying but with enough cushion to hold up to several hours in a stiff MTB shoe.
The trip highlight was hands down the Crete du Lynx trail at Sentiers du Moulin. It was easily one of the most creatively built and unique MTB trails I've ever ridden, and the views of the surrounding valley were spectacular.
If you decide to go, give yourself lots of time to explore! Every trail we rode was a gem and we barely scratched the surface of the riding that the area has to offer. Also the rock is grippier than you think so don't be afraid to send it!
Vermont to Canada to Vermont
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The Who: Chris H., Copywriter
The Socks: Women's Woodland Creatures Crew Sock
Two friends and I biked from Richmond, Vermont, to Sutton, QC, Canada, and back in one day: 141 miles, and 5K of elevation. Darn Tough's Woodland Creatures got free rides north of the border!
We each wore different colors of the Woodland Creatures socks, because those were the only Darn Tough socks I had three pairs of, and we wanted to look like a team. They worked well for cycling because they're smooth, not ridged, and the proper, desired height for cyclists.
A definite highlight was the surprise on the border patrollers faces because of how far we rode. And the fries and hummus and naan bread in Canada.
Trip tips: Wear chammy cream and bring extra to reapply. Bring spare sources of light and a battery charger, and most importantly — pick good ride partners.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
The Who: Leyna J., Senior Growth Marketing Manager
The Socks: Women's Run No Show, Prism Micro Crew, and Hiker Micro Crew
If you’re in or near Slovenia, this small town is a MUST. Calm energy, darling people, great value, many activities, gorgeous views of the mountains, castle, and church-topped island in the glacial lake.
We visited during spring, traveling around the Alps by car from Switzerland to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and back to Switzerland. We made an impromptu decision where to stay each evening, adding spontaneity to our travels.
Temperatures ranged from an unseasonably high 80 degrees to below 32 with snow. Thanks to my socks, my feet were cozy, odorless, and pain free the entire trip, in spite of countless miles walking, running, and hiking.
And a personal reason to love this trip: I got engaged! When my fiancé proposed, you can bet I didn't have cold feet!
Big Sur, CA
The Who: Ted C., Dealer Service Manager
The Socks: Men’s Yarn Goblin and Light Hikers
These socks are perfect for hikes and everyday use. They’re great travel socks with fun prints.
Trip highlights were having a private beach walk with my wife, dipping in the cold Pacific Ocean, and hitting Monterey Bay Aquarium to ogle some neat sea creatures.
You must go! But go for more than a day: camp, hike, and eat great produce.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Who: Felicia F., Accounting Associate
The Socks: Women’s Critter Club and Run No Show Tabs
We went all over Ireland, including visiting the Cliffs of Moher and the gardens around Blarney Castle. This photo was taken with my 90 year old grandmother.
I brought a pair of my favorite Critter Club socks, and a few no show tab running socks. You never know what you're going to get for weather in Ireland, so better to be prepared!
If you're trying to see as much as possible, sign up for a tour like we did. I used My Ireland Tours, and we managed to hit so many places in the 10 days we were there. Make sure you waterproof your shoes and jacket (I learned the hard way that the waterproofing had worn off), and bring plenty of socks, because if you hit the rain like we did they will certainly come in handy!
It's hard to pick one highlight! We took my 90 year old grandmother for her birthday, and she managed to climb up the steep uneven rocky steps to the top of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin Ireland and ring the bells! We also got to see some award winning sheep dogs herd some sheep, visited the Cliffs of Moher, kissed the Blarney stone, watched some Celtic Dancers, and of course hit a few pubs along the way!
Paris, France
The Who: Rosemary S., Dealer Service Representative
The Socks: Women's Blossom Crew Sock
I love the flower patterns on the Blossom. My wardrobe is mostly neutrals, so I like that I can add some color with my socks.
One of my favorite things was going into any bakery and grabbing an incredible pastry. Learn some French before you go. It makes it easier to know what's going on around you, and people are so helpful if you know a little bit of their language to start with.
If You’re Out There, We’re with You
If you traveled with Darn Tough socks in 2024, thanks for taking us with you. And if you’re making plans for 2025, here’s your reminder that Merino Wool makes the best travel socks. It’s odor-fighting capabilities mean you can wear each pair multiple times, saving space in your luggage.
Show us where you and your socks go by tagging @darntoughvermont.
