Staff Picks: Our Favorite Running Socks

The first Darn Tough sock ever knit was for running. Performance, durability, and fit are at our roots.

In 2004, the timing was everything. “The Vermont City Marathon was right around the corner,” said Ric Cabot, “and we wanted to get the word out about our new brand, Darn Tough, as swiftly and efficiently as possible.”

So, the company knit 3,500 run quarter socks and gave them away to marathon participants with a challenge and a promise: “Wear out our socks, and we’ll replace them for free,” said Ric. Those 3,500 folks were our first gear testers.

First in the industry to offer a Lifetime Guarantee, we’re still made in Vermont, but without our dedicated staff, our mills would have stopped knitting 21 years ago. These six employees share the same commitment to Darn Tough’s pillars, but each contributes different talents, experiences, and skills. And if you’re looking for run sock advice (even if you’re not a runner), read on.

Christina G.

Christina's Pick: Women's Pacer Micro Crew Running Socks

Position: HR Generalist

Favorite Run Snacks: Dates, graham crackers, jelly beans

Chances are, if you’ve interviewed for a position with Darn Tough in the past three years, you’ve met Christina Guggenberger. Passionate about helping people, Christina found her calling as an HR generalist who proudly knows every employee at Cabot Hosiery Mills. She said, “Working with a group of people that love being here and are so passionate about the product we make is really special.”

Christina’s love of running and her competitive spirit were lit at a young age. Born in Southern Vermont, Christina sought to emulate her parents, avid cyclists, skiers, and runners, as soon as she could walk. The Pacer is her “staple run sock,” she said, “because it protects my feet and keeps them warm and dry even while running through Vermont winters.” She also loves the sock design of the turtle and the hare.

When Christina isn’t training to beat her brother in their local 5K Turkey Trot, skiing Vermont’s steepest slopes, and besting her times in marathons and half marathons, she reads or listens to a book a week.

And she’s a trivia hound. “I love trivia,” she said, “when I lived in Utah, I was on a very competitive bar trivia team.”

Seth J.

Seth's Pick: Men's Element Micro Crew Running Socks

Position: Supply Chain Specialist

Favorite Run Snacks: post-run beer

Seth works with suppliers on ordering, timing, quality control, pricing, and logistics. His work involves sourcing materials worldwide, including from New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Seth’s favorite part of his work involves problem-solving, which includes negotiating terms and cultivating strong relationships to better understand where materials come from and how they can be sourced efficiently.

Outside of work, Seth has been an avid runner for over 20 years. He started running in high school, participating in cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter, and outdoor track in the spring. He is currently training for an upcoming two-person marathon relay race.

Seth enjoys the steady rhythm of running for about an hour each day, often on Vermont’s dirt (mud) roads. He prefers the height of Micro Crew socks like the Element for comfort and pebble prevention.

When asked about his motivation for running, Seth said, “It gives a purpose and structure. I like the idea of working to get better toward a goal, and it’s clear when I’m ready or not for a race.”

Seth also coaches other aspiring runners. His advice to beginners is, “Running is a sport of patience, about making teeny tiny incremental gains, but if you can be regular about it, you’ll notice payoffs.”

Owen R.

Owen's Pick: Men's Bolt Micro Crew Running Socks

Position: Product Line Manager

Favorite Run Snacks: Fig newtons, hot quesadillas with a pickle, maple syrup

Owen joined the Customer and Dealer Services department in 2016, before transitioning to the Product team in 2019. His initial role laid the groundwork for understanding customer needs and equipped him with a comprehensive view of the entire sock's lifecycle.

“My true love and what brought me here [to Darn Tough] in the first place was the knitty gritty, so to speak, about our actual socks,” he said.

Owen’s favorite sock, the Bolt, is a Micro Crew Run Ultra-Lightweight with Cushion. He said, “Our Run socks are the perfect weight for runners like me; it's all the sock you need and nothing more.” He values the contoured cushioning the Bolt socks offer — hugging the foot comfortably without being overly padded.

Owen emphasized the need for breathable mesh material, “perfect for Vermont's changing seasons,” and like the other runners on our staff, he expressed how much he values the Merino Wool to effectively wick away moisture from sweat or rain and keep his feet dry and comfortable throughout his runs.

With its stretchy, form-fitting design, Owen knows the Bolt sock will stay in place for every mile he conquers. And as an ultra-runner, that’s a lot of miles. Last summer, Owen ran the Riverland 100: the only organized 100 in Maine.

“Part of why I love running these long distances is you know yourself and can find a purpose for yourself at 60 or 80 miles into an effort like that,” he said. “You have to be more in tune with your why and as well as your physical condition to move, move forward, and find a reason to go on.”

Also, Owen could write a dissertation paper about rice; how to best cook it, store it, and the most nutritious kinds. Hit him up.

Billy R.

Billy's Pick: Men's Stride Micro Crew Running Socks

Position: Manufacturing Operator

Billy is a manufacturer operator at Darn Tough, where each day presents a new set of challenges and responsibilities. "Depending on the day,” he said, “I’m usually making socks on the knitting floor or finishing socks and getting 'em in packages on the finishing line.” His responsibilities include attention to detail to ensure every sock meets our high standards.

Recently, Billy has embraced the joy of fatherhood. “We just had a baby four months ago," he shared. So, currently, much of his time outside of work is dedicated to nurturing his little one and enjoying nature. But he also said, "I like to go out and ski and hike and get on the water and any other way to enjoy Vermont."

Billy wears the Stride for everyday use. “My feet generally run pretty hot, and so having a sock that cools down quickly and is thin is important.” Beyond his work at Darn Tough, Billy and his wife also run a flower farm in Moretown, where they provide bouquets at their farm stand and deliveries to fellow employees at Darn Tough.

Lucas J.

Lucas's Pick: Men's Element No Show Tab Running Socks

Position: Technician

Lucas John is a dad of three and the proud owner of Granite City MMA gym, where he cultivates a supportive environment for athletes of all ages and abilities. Passionate about mixed martial arts, Lucas emphasizes the importance of community and positive energy at Darn Tough and his gym.

Lucas feels he has never been held back at Darn Tough. His supervisors allow him to explore different roles on the mill floor and they also support his pursuits as a coach and MMA gym owner. “The sky is the limit,” he shared, “and I’m encouraged to perform technician tasks in all areas of the manufacturing process.”

Lucas has a distinct preference when it comes to sock choice. He swears by the No Shows, as he dislikes having his calves covered or constricted. Lucas trains barefoot at the gym, so his feet take a beating. After each session, he loves slipping into his Darn Toughs for comfort and cushioning.

After trying on his first pair of Darn Tough socks as an employee, Lucas quickly recognized their superior quality. Unlike other brands that tend to lose their form and comfort after multiple washes, he found that the Darn Toughs felt as fresh as new with each wearing. “I’m particular on comfort, so I’m willing to pay more for a sock that feels new every time I put it on.” Their durability and comfort have made them a staple in his post-gym and work routines.

For Lucas, every pair represents not just a product, but a commitment to comfort and performance that resonates in his personal and professional life. Lucas is consistently motivated by his desire to set a positive example for his kids. Martial arts enable him to channel his energy and contribute positively and productively to his community.