Staff Picks: Customer Service Bares All

If anyone’s qualified to convince you that buying a pair of Darn Tough socks is a good (nay, great) idea, it’s our Customer Service team. Not only do they answer the call, but their sock picks do, too. Curated by our all-star team of sock-talkers, this round of Staff Picks is dedicated to the friendly folks behind the phone – our beloved Customer Service team.

Nina C.

Nina’s Pick: Women's Pixie Crew Socks

Position: Customer Service Rep

“They’re not just socks – they represent a way of life.” And helping customers indulge in that cozy lifestyle is why Nina loves her job. “Darn Tough socks provide relief for those who need it, and I’m just thankful I’m in a position to help.”

“The Pixie,” Nina explains, “is my favorite because it’s buttery smooth and fits so well I often forget I’m wearing it.” Like a badge of honor for your feet, rocking these colorful Lightweight Crews is sentimental for so many, “and it’s my job,” Nina adds, “to make that a reality for our customers.”

Originally from the Bay Area, Nina now lives in Barre and plays bass guitar in a band called “Kindness and the Bop Machine.” Catch her outside of work when she’s not slappin’ da bass, and you’ll likely find Nina foraging for mushrooms – even though you’ll never find her stash.

Naomi B.

Naomi’s Pick: Women's Element Quarter Socks

Position: Sr. Customer Service Rep

If you’ve ever wondered what the ‘voice of an angel’ sounds like, give us a call and ask for Naomi. While she could be off teaching a masterclass in therapeutic speech, we’re lucky she’s with us, helping run the friendliest phone lines in the biz (the sock biz, that is).

“I chose the Element Quarter because it’s an all-around workhorse with the potential to endure every season.” Comfy, versatile, and supremely soft, this low-cut knit is, in Naomi’s words, “perfect for wearing all day, which I do most days.”

Outside of answering your calls to Darn Tough, Naomi enjoys sipping beach-side cocktails (in season, of course) and listening to live music. Her two cats – Martini and Kahlua – also love cocktail season because they know mom loves it and because, well, she named them so.

Siobhan C.

Siobhan’s Pick: Women's Prism Crew Socks

Position: Customer Service Rep

Do you believe in magic? Ask Siobhan (pronounced “Shi-vawn”) and chances are she’ll woo you. And if her homemade candles don’t leave you spellbound, perhaps her sock choice will. A former teacher turned customer servicewoman, Siobhan loves working with people and helping them get what they need. 

Her pick – the Prism – is a “classic black sock that goes with everything,” and one she adores for its subtle pop of rainbow color. “This sock is as much visual as it is tactile,” she adds, complementing its enlightening (dare we say Floyd-ian) imagery.

When she’s not answering calls and making customers laugh, Siobhan enjoys playing D&D and reading books (her fave is Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik). Check out her side hustle – Witches Who Woo – for custom candles and swag.

Marla E.

Marla’s Pick: Women's Critter Club Micro Crew Socks

Position: Customer Service Rep

After 14 years at Vermont’s second most popular company (Ben & Jerry’s), Marla has since swapped the sweets for socks – and life’s only gotten comfier. One of our esteemed Customer Service Reps, Marla has a deep-seated passion for our product and shares it with everyone she interacts with. 

Her sock pick – the Critter Club – “pays homage to the rascally raccoon that got itself stuck in my trash.” While most people fear the rabid, garbage-rummaging beasts, Marla took great sympathy for the little critter and decided that “this sock was the best way to honor it.”

When asked what she does in her spare time, Marla (a mother of two) responded jokingly… “I have none.” As if her children don’t take up enough of her free time, she and her husband also operate a custom jigsaw puzzle business – Vermontpuzzle.com – that is as time-consuming as, say, an intricate 1,000-piecer.

Dakota H.

Dakota’s Pick: Women's Heady Betty Micro Crew Socks

Position: Customer Service Rep

When it comes to helping customers at Darn Tough, this ain’t Dakota’s first rodeo. She was our primary Customer Service Rep from 2013 to 2017 and recently re-joined the team to help out seasonally. So, it’s safe to say that Dakota knows our product – and our customers – well.

“The Heady Betty,” she proclaims, “is the perfect sock for so many reasons. It’s light, cushioned, and ideal for wearing all day.” Plus, with colors that hit home for her, she believes that every lady (or man, we don’t judge) needs to have this sock in their rotation.

A resident of St. Johnsbury, Dakota and her husband are currently building a new house from scratch. And when there’s time, catch her outside taking care of Tex and Bella – her favorite horses.

Michelle Z.

Michelle’s Pick: Women's Element No Show Socks

Position: Manager, Customer Service

The leader of our all-star Customer Service team, Michelle is as humble as her best-selling sock pick. When asked about managing her team, Michelle said that it’s easy to do good work when you have “a bunch of Vermonters who collaborate well and have a fervent passion for helping customers.”

As we alluded to, her sock pick – the Element No Show – is “supportive and not too bulky, making it the perfect daily driver.” Its No Show height makes it just barely noticeable, even though Michelle is convinced that “you’ll notice a difference the minute you slip them on.”

A loving mother to 4-year-old Oliver, Michelle lives in Northfield with her family and enjoys doing everything outdoors – biking, hiking, you name it. She’s an avid walker and on a self-proclaimed health quest, for which her favorite socks are always in tow (or should we say, around her toes).