The Alternate Stitch

a washing machine full of merino wool socks
How-to · Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
How to Wash Merino Wool Socks
by Jennifer Hastings

If you’re standing by the laundry wondering how to wash Merino Wool socks, you’ve come to the right place. Here's detailed washing instructions for at home and in the backcountry.

Runner seated on ground, shoes off, wearing black performance socks
Fit · Sock 101 ·
Sock Marks: Why They Happen & What to Do About Them
by Darn Tough Vermont
If your socks make an impression (beyond just what people think of them) then you’re going to want to read this article. We’re covering performance socks: what they are, how to ensure they fit, the benefits they offer, and the marks they (might) leave behind.
Hiker pulling on boots over purple hiking socks
Hiking · Sock 101 ·
Why You Should Wear Hiking Socks
by Owen Rachampbell
One of the principal rules of hiking, especially multiple-day outings, is to take care of your feet. This means keeping your feet dry, warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather with no sock slipping or bunching. The question is, do you need hiking socks to do that?
Two pairs of feet sticking out from under a blanket, wearing super soft merino wool socks, no itch
Comfort · Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Smooth, Soft, and Soothing: More Merino Wool Myths, Busted
by Darn Tough Vermont
The skin is our biggest organ. No wonder there’s lots of differing opinions and perceptions about what we wear on it. And in some times, and places, wool has carried a reputation for being scratchy, itchy, and even the cause of allergies. What if we told you that the case against wool wasn’t quite so black and white?
Person pulling on over-the-calf supportive socks from Darn Tough
Fit · Sock 101 ·
We Don't Make Compression Socks, but We Do Make Supportive Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
We compare compression with Darn Tough's performance fit, and look at how supportive, end-use-specific socks may be exactly what you’re looking for. And, if you still really need a good compression sock in your quiver… we’ll point you toward some brands who we think are doing compression right.
A runner with arms spread wide, ready to hug a cute sheep
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Nature’s Most Amazing Fiber: Why It’s Only Natural We Love Merino Wool
by Darn Tough Vermont
Merino Wool does a lot of amazing things naturally. I’m one of Darn Tough’s fiber nerds, and today I’m walk you through the top reasons why we love Merino Wool and all that it does to our feet, focusing on what’s behind its amazing natural abilities.
Big feet wearing big socks, on the ground next to cute dog and his big paws
Fit · Sock 101 ·
Big Feet Mean Big Socks
by Mark Hassett
If you have long, big feet (like me), don’t worry – Darn Tough makes socks for you, with sock sizes all the way up to XXL, which fits Men’s shoe sizes 15-17. My name is Mark Hassett, and I am thru hiker and avid adventurer who is always seeking a trail to be explored.
A sheep waving a victory flag on a sock pile
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Comparing Sock Materials: Merino Wool vs. Wool vs. Synthetics vs. Cotton
by Darn Tough Vermont
At Darn Tough, we consider Merino Wool to be one of the master strains of all sock materials. When it’s spun together with Nylon and Lycra Spandex, it creates a longer lasting sock that strengthens wear zones and holds its fit for days. We're taking a look at how Merino Wool stacks up against other sock materials.
Man seated on steps putting on converse and merino wool socks for walking
Hiking · Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
How to Choose Walking Socks: Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Socks for Walking
by Darn Tough Vermont

Walking for exercise has many benefits for the body and the mind and is one of the most convenient activities we can do for our wellbeing. Some good, basic equipment will help ensure you get to focus on your walk and not your feet. Here’s a simple guide on how to choose the right walking socks.

Ultralight, lightweight, midweight, & heavyweight Merino Wool strands
Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Weights: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 17 weight classes in boxing. Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 4 weight classes in Darn Tough socks. When we talk weight, we are referring to the specific yarn in the sock and the relative thickness of that yarn.
Welder working on pipe, sparks flying, good thing he's wearing fire resistant socks from darn tough
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Merino Wool's Less-Discussed Benefit: It Makes Fire Resistant Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont

When you consider the benefits of Merino Wool, the fact that it makes great fire resistant socks probably isn’t one that you’ve put much thought into. But if you’re a wildland firefighter or flying with the Air Force, this less-discussed benefit of Merino Wool might rank high on your list.

Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
Hiking · Sock 101 ·
Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
by Owen Rachampbell
In this post I’m going to get into the pros and cons of liner socks to help you determine your best footwear system. Spoiler: I truly don’t think you need liners if you have the right sock and shoe combo. So let’s get into it…
Man pulling a single sock onto his foot, wondering what to do with single socks
Sock 101 ·
Single & Ready to Mingle: What to Do with Single Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont

Laundry day. We’ve all been there. Everything is going great until you reach the end of the pile and see one lone sock sitting there. What to do with the lone survivor... what do you do with single socks?

Emma and Claire, the Salmon Sisters, video calling with Darn Tough designers while looking at test socks
Our Partners · Sock 101 · Work ·
Mutual Crush: Developing Work Socks with the Salmon Sisters
by Jenny Knapp

I can trace my crush on the Salmon Sisters all the way back to 2018. Needless to say, I was beyond excited when I heard they reached out, and even more excited to work with them on developing a new Darn Tough sock.

A wall completely covered in Darn Tough socks, dozens of different designs and colors
Here in VT · How-to · Sock 101 ·
Sock 201: How to Design and Develop Socks
by Owen Rachampbell & Darn Tough Vermont

We take you on a closer look into how we design socks, from the research and development to knit-downs and fit testing. No worries, we’ll walk you those terms in a moment, but first let us show you.

Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Moisture Wicking Socks
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Moisture Wicking Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
Merino Wool has many natural benefits, including thermoregulation, durability, breathability, softness, and an unbelievable ability to manage moisture. Though other moisture wicking materials exist, we’ve found the best moisture wicking socks are made with Merino Wool.
Three people having a picnic on green grass while wearing wool socks in summer
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
5-ish Reasons to Wear Merino Wool Socks in Summer
by Sarah Nocito

As a company dedicated to knitting the absolute best socks out there, it’s probably no surprise Darn Tough views socks as all-season wardrobe essentials - yes, even in summer. Let’s bust the myth that wool is just for winter and consider five reasons why wearing wool socks in summer is awesome.

Woman's feet in no show socks about to put on ankle boots, just one reason to wear no show socks
Fit · Sock 101 ·
Why You Should Be Wearing No Show Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
Meet the No Show sock. Our go-to in the spring and summer, on a run, hiding beneath a stylish sneaker or loafer, or sauntering around a golf course (golfers saunter, and you know it). Hopefully it goes without saying that although the No Show is minimal, it still has our trademark Merino Wool for the comfort, quality, and protection you know and love.
Hiker seated with boot off, checking his foot to prevent blisters
How-to · Sock 101 ·
Blister Prevention 101: Putting Out Those Hot Spots
by Darn Tough Vermont
We’re about to break down the most common reasons behind what causes blisters. And the key ways to make sure that tending to one of these suckers doesn’t become the most memorable part of your next outing.
Feet wearing our softest socks, the twisted yarn ranger socks, with some crocs for extra comfort
Comfort · Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
The Twisted Yarn Story: Doubling Down for the Softest Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
We like to say we make the most comfortable socks out there. A lot goes into earning that claim, and we’re always pushing to outdo that benchmark. If you’re not familiar with Darn Tough’s Twisted Yarn socks, they’re blazing the trail as our softest socks yet.
An employee at the Mill checking an overstock sock knit in bright orange
Here in VT · Sock 101 ·
Limited Edition by Limiting Waste: The Overstock Project
by Darn Tough Vermont
This spring, we started knitting socks using yarn we had excess stock of, yarn that had no future to become a sock if we didn’t seek out a solution. Knitting socks with overstock yarns helps us out in two ways.