The Alternate Stitch

A person seated in a wheelchair wearing the High Fives sock from Darn Tough
Our Giving · Our Partners · Snow Sports ·
Stepping Into Purpose: Our Collaboration with High Fives Foundation
by Jenny Knapp & Olivia Littell

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.

Two pairs of feet in Darn Tough socks in front of a cozy fireplace
Gifts & Holiday · Video ·
Yule Log Fireplace Video
by Darn Tough Vermont

The only thing cozier than relaxing by a crackling fireplace on a cold Vermont night? Doing it in Darn Tough socks. This holiday season, you can enjoy the fireplace sounds and familiar sights of our virtual yule log and favorite Merino Wool socks.

A skier on a mountain putting on their boots over merino wool ski socks
Snow Sports · Sock 101 ·
Do Ski Socks Really Make a Difference?
by Dana Ambrose

While there are minimal differences between ski socks and snowboard socks, there are drastic differences between ‘normal socks’ and Merino Wool socks designed for skiing and snowboarding, and those differences keep you warm, comfortable, and dry on the mountain.

A Darn Tough warranty specialist holding up a sock with a hole in it as she explains how long socks last
Durability · Sock 101 · Video ·
How Long Should Socks Last? Video
by Darn Tough Vermont
How long do socks last? That depends on the sock, the wearer, and few other key factors.  We asked Emily from our Warranty department to share what she's learned about the Darn Tough sock lifespan from the socks you all send back to us under our guarantee. 
A skier seated on tailgate putting boots on, wearing thick ski socks with cushion
Snow Sports · Sock 101 ·
The Thick (and Thin) of Buying Ski Socks 
by Darn Tough Vermont

It’s no secret that Merino Wool socks are preferred by skiers… not to mention literally anyone else doing anything that involves comfy feet. And when it comes to choosing the right ski sock, we hear questions like: Should ski socks be thin or thick? Are thin or thick socks warmer?

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.
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…
A Darn Tough employee holding up their 2024 sock gift recommendation
Gifts & Holiday · Staff Picks ·
Holiday Staff Picks: Have You Been Naughty or Nice?
by Darn Tough Vermont
At Darn Tough Vermont, we believe everyone deserves a gift for the holidays. Naughty or nice… everyone needs socks. But seriously, can’t we all just get along? Isn’t it just easier to be nice? It’s certainly more fulfilling. And fun. Being nice is fun, right? 
Michelle Parker sitting on her back porch surrounded by the 7 socks she helped design
Our Partners · Snow Sports ·
Michelle Parker & Darn Tough: Celebrating 7 Sock Designs
by Darn Tough Vermont
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.
Two people under a Christmas tree, one person passing the other a gift (of Darn Tough socks)
Gifts & Holiday ·
Sock Gifts for Everyone You Know
by Darn Tough Vermont

In a completely unbiased take, we think socks make the perfect holiday gifts. More specifically, we think Darn Tough socks are the perfect gift. Not only are our Merino Wool socks super comfortable and functional for anybody, but they’re also made to last forever.

A pair of feet on the CDT wearing red Darn Tough hiking socks with stripes
Community · Hiking ·
From Canada to Colorado: Thoughts from Halfway Through the CDT
by Maren Wahle
We have officially walked through two states so far on our journey on the Continental Divide Trail! Our southbound hike started at the Canadian border in Glacier National Park mid-June and has since taken us 1,200 miles through Montana and Wyoming to the Colorado state line.
The people who make darn tough socks at the mill
Here in VT ·
Who Makes Darn Tough Socks?
by Darn Tough Vermont
We get asked a lot about Mill tours. We don't currently have them, but if you've ever wondered who makes Darn Tough socks and what our process is, we did want to give you an inside look.
A person pouring water out of their rubber boot, wearing merino wool socks
Lifetime Guarantee · Merino Wool ·
Merino Wool: Made for Life's "Darn It." Moments
by Darn Tough Vermont
Because we make the toughest socks worn in the most extreme conditions, we tend to find them in unusual circumstances. Thanks to the durability, breathability, and thermoregulating abilities of Merino Wool, there are many times when our socks come in as clutch hitters to save the day.
Spotting Bigfoot in Vermont
Here in VT ·
Spotting Bigfoot in Vermont
by AJ Ferguson
Do you remember Bigfoot aka Sasquatch? They have been spotted in the Green Mountain State. Hearing about this legendary American cryptid made me think of a question. If Bigfoot bought a pair of Darn Tough socks, which ones would they choose?
Seated person putting on running sneakers over blue running socks
How-to · Run & Athletic ·
How to Prevent Blisters When Running
by Darn Tough Vermont

Blisters. Just hearing the word can make any runner wince. But fear not. With the right care, and the right gear — specifically, Merino Wool running socks — you can keep those pesky blisters at bay. We’re here to show you how Merino Wool socks can be a blister-busting game-changer––plus give you a few more tips, to boot.

Hiker crossing a stream wearing long lasting socks from Darn Tough Vermont
Durability · Sock 101 ·
How Long Do Socks Last? Understanding Sock Lifespan
by Darn Tough Vermont
How long do socks last? It’s a stumper of a question, since there are so many variables that go into their lifespan. Online, the most common answer is three to six months. If you’re thinking “geeze, that’s not very long,” likely you own a pair of Darn Tough socks.
Four feet each wearing a different color of the Hiker Micro Crew socks standing on a mountain top
Hiking · Video ·
We Invented a Holiday: 1466 Day Video
by Darn Tough Vermont

8 summits. 40 miles. And too many socks to count. Thank you to everyone who participated in our first annual 1466 Day. September 19th is 1466 Day – a made-up holiday celebrating our #1 Hike sock. In 2024, we visited popular trailheads (and some iconic summits) around Vermont surprising hikers with FREE socks.

Laura seated at her desk in the Mill, smiling
Here in VT ·
45 Years of Service: Thank You, Laura
by Darn Tough Vermont
There's a handful of people still here who witnessed the birth of Darn Tough all those years ago, people here from day one that are still coming into work day-in and day-out. Of those people, no one has been here longer than Laura.
The 1466 and 1903 hiker micro crew socks in a variety of colors with September 19th marked on the calendar
Gifts & Holiday · Hiking ·
1466 Day: Celebrating Our Best-Selling Hiker Micro Crews
by Owen Rachampbell
We invented a holiday. On September 19th, join us in celebrating 1466 Day, a holiday honoring our best-selling Hiker Micro Crew. This sock is Darn Tough’s bestseller, and for several darn good reasons. It’s so great we’ve deemed it worthy, if not necessary, to create a special holiday just for this sock.
A group of runners wearing different socks headed up some stairs
Run & Athletic · Sock 101 ·
The Long and Short of It: Should You Wear Long or Short Socks for Running?
by Darn Tough Vermont
The height—or should we say length?—of your running socks plays a crucial role in both your performance and comfort, whether you're navigating snowy trails or sprinting around the block.  So, why do people wear long socks when running?
Two skiers on the slop using adaptive skis as part of a high five foundation event
Our Partners ·
High Fives Foundation & Darn Tough Vermont: Strength in Sharing Communities
by High Fives Foundation

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.