The Alternate Stitch

Stepping Into Purpose: Our Collaboration with High Fives Foundation

The High Fives sock design revolves around the High Fives logo — a bold number 5 inside a badge. But it’s more than just a logo. The golden sun rising over a tree line symbolizes new beginnings, another day to live life to the fullest — something deeply meaningful to Roy.

Michelle Parker & Darn Tough: Celebrating 7 Sock Designs
We’ve partnered with pro skier Michelle Parker to make ski socks for a while now, with her latest input resulting in the new Enchanted sock. As we were wrapping that sock design process up, we did the math and realized Michelle holds the record for most sock design collaborations.
High Fives Foundation & Darn Tough Vermont: Strength in Sharing Communities

We believe, together, we can create a universal shift in adventure sports that expands what is possible for those who have faced life-changing injuries. Since its inception in 2009, The High Five Foundations has helped over 480 athletes and veterans. 

Runner Bailey Kowalczyk on Finding YOUR Strong in YOUR Body
What makes an athlete? Is it the way we carry ourselves, the competitive mindset, the camaraderie and community of a sport? Is it the results, the numbers, the data, the ability to push ourselves to the edge of the human body’s limits on a weekly basis? Or, is it simply the way we look and how society portrays us?
From Skateboarding to Snowboarding: Jake Blauvelt Leads Charge for Waterbury Center Skatepark
For the past 4 years, a small group of volunteers and myself have been fundraising, strategizing, and jumping through all the necessary hoops in order to be granted the space to construct a state-of-the-art concrete skatepark at Hope Davey Park in Waterbury Center, VT.
Meet Onion River Outdoors: Darn Tough’s First Retailer
When we were first approached by the “nice Cabot Mills folks” to see if we would be willing to bring in a few pairs of their new brand of high-end Merino Wool socks, we did it more to support a local manufacturer than anything else.
The Boots (and Socks) on the Ground: Partnering with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

In honor of National Trails Day this Saturday, we’re excited to share some history about one America's first national scenic trails and the nonprofit that is responsible for its conservation and stewardship.

Unlocking the Science of Merino Wool Fibers
The science behind wool is both fascinating and intricate. So, buckle up! We’re about to step into the realm of microns and molecules to explore how nature’s original performance fiber naturally elevates your outdoor adventures.
The Support System Behind the Pacific Crest Trail
A lot of folks call the Pacific Crest Trail a home away from home. Every year, thousands of eager hikers set their sights on the path ahead, soaking up sunshine, taking on rainstorms, enjoying the unparalleled viewsheds, and inevitably encountering a few hurdles along the way.
Fun in the Sun with High Fives at the Green Mountain Shred-A-Thon
With the warm air on our faces and soft snow beneath our feet, it was all smiles at the Green Mountain Shred-A-Thon. The day kicked off with the ringing of a cowbell in the base area, symbolizing our commitment to give it our all for the day ahead: Bell-to-Bell.
Becoming High Fives Athlete #110: Q&A with Trevor Kennison
I am proudly High Fives Athlete number 110. I am an athlete because their mission statement IS my life - I suffered a life altering injury doing what I love outdoors. I am proud to be an ambassador for them because it’s a way I can educate and support people that may or may not be going through something similar.
Hometown Hero: Q&A with Professional Snowboarder Jake Blauvelt
Born and raised in the Green Mountains of Vermont, pro snowboarder Jake Blavulet is our hometown hero, so we asked him some questions so you could get to know Jake like we do.
Winter: How I Became a Skier

The apple doesn’t fall far from the frozen apple tree. Does that even work as a metaphor? Because apple trees don’t freeze, right? Ok, well you know what I mean. My mother loves the cold weather.

Backcountry Skiing Tips: From Ascent to Après with Michelle Parker

Look at those lift lines! Let’s go backcountry skiing! But wait…there are some things to know before you go. Before you decide to hike up a mountain, there are a few things that can help keep you and others safe and make your adventure more enjoyable.

From Farm to Yarn: The Story of Australian Merino Wool
At the heart of the Australian wool industry are the tens of thousands of woolgrowers who work tirelessly to look after their sheep and the land on which they graze. These woolgrowers have been the backbone of Australia for centuries, choosing to grow wool instead of other commodities.
Take Me to Ski Venture
Ski Venture is a small, member-owned Ski Resort located in West Glenville, New York with no employees and a single rope tow. Read more about this amazing community and how they come together to create a place where people can ski 24/7.
Let’s Go: Full Circle with Sit Ski Boss Trevor Kennison
Full Circle is a story about post-traumatic growth after having a spinal cord injury, and it just so happens to be about my experience. In 2014, I broke my back in a snowboarding accident, leaving me paralyzed from the waist down. I am now a professional skier.
Community Connections: Alpenglow Sports’ Retail Magic
Years before owning Alpenglow Sports, Brendan Madigan’s experience in retail began like many other folks who’d moved to Lake Tahoe, chasing a powdery dream. What sets Brendan apart is a combination of thoughtful, compassionate focus on the greater good with the sort of drive it takes to skin thousands of feet up a mountain before clocking in to work the floor all day.
The Rut: A Celebration of Trail Running

In 2013, The Rut Mountain Runs started off as a 50k and 12k race. We connected with Mike Foote, event organizer for the Rut, to learn more about his passion for trail running and what it takes to pull off one of the largest trail running festivals in North America.

Character, Community, and Values Forged in Alaska: Connecting with the Salmon Sisters

We had the privilege of collaborating with Emma and Claire, the Salmon Sisters, to take our Work socks to the next level. What we found during that collaboration though was not just excellent sock feedback, but also two incredibly humble women with values we shared and characters we admired.

Wine-O-Sock and Socktails
Have you ever gone out to say, a bar, or a hip restaurant, or even camping and thought: GEE I COULD SEE THIS BEER, WINE, COCKTAIL, MOCKTAIL pairing up nicely with... WAIT FOR IT… A PAIR OF Darn Tough socks!...