The Alternate Stitch

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.

Kate's feet wearing her running shoes and the original Darn Tough running socks
Here in VT · Run & Athletic ·
Darn It: How One Wrong Turn Made Things Right
by Kate Crocker

Hello — This is Kate Crocker, the Product Development Manager at Darn Tough Vermont. I have been working for this amazing brand for 5 years and counting, as of writing this. The story I’m about to tell you is not about how I started working for the company though, but about how I was first introduced to Darn Tough socks.

Exterior view of the main entrance of Onion River Outdoors store in Vermont
Here in VT · Our Partners ·
Meet Onion River Outdoors: Darn Tough’s First Retailer
by Onion River Outdoors
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.
Staff Picks: Socks That Will Last the Next 20 Years
Staff Picks ·
Staff Picks: Socks That Will Last the Next 20 Years
by Darn Tough Vermont

We’ve been knitting Darn Tough Merino Wool socks for 20 years, and some of those socks from that first batch we knit 20 years ago are still being worn today. Which got us thinking… of the socks we’re knitting right now, which ones have the best chance to outlive the next 20 years?

Socks as Mule-shoes: Real Life "Darn It." Stories
Community · Lifetime Guarantee ·
Socks as Mule-shoes: Real Life "Darn It." Stories
by Darn Tough Vermont
We believe in our socks. A lot. So much so that we back them up with an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. No matter how hard your socks get put through the wringer, we’ll replace them at the end of their lifecycle. Life is tough. Our socks are tougher.
Running put on pink running socks (which are totally worth it)
Run & Athletic ·
Are Running Socks Worth It? According to Reddit
by Darn Tough Vermont
Buckle up buttercup, and put on your fanciest detective hats (or socks, in this case). We're diving headfirst into the Reddit rabbit hole, armed with nothing but a fresh pair of Darn Toughs and an age-old enigma that haunts runners more than Boston’s Heartbreak Hill: Are running socks worth it?
Volunteers on the A.T. eating ice cream as they do trail work
Hiking · Our Giving · Our Partners ·
The Boots (and Socks) on the Ground: Partnering with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
by Darn Tough Vermont

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.

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.
A sign saying "welcome to Northfield home of Darn Tough Vermont"
Here in VT · Merino Wool ·
The History of Merino Sheep and Wool Manufacturing in Vermont
by Darn Tough Vermont
This year marks our 20th anniversary of making socks right here in Vermont. Vermont has a rich history of sheep farming and wool textiles. From the textile mill history behind our Nantanna location, to our commitment to Merino Wool, to the community itself, we’d like to think we’re keeping a legacy alive.
An infographic showing the anatomy of a merino wool fiber and how it works
Merino Wool · Our Partners ·
Unlocking the Science of Merino Wool Fibers
by The Woolmark Company
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.
A car driving down a road toward a small mountain town, with epic vistas
Hiking ·
Beyond the Big Names: Top 10 Small Mountain Towns for Hiking & Backpacking
by Darn Tough Vermont
We’re uncovering the top 10 small mountain towns that beckon hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts alike. From beginner-friendly trails to rugged heart-pumping pursuits, these off-the-beaten-path gems offer up unforgettable natural landscapes, great local food, and splashes of unique culture.
A sock resting on a pillow, symbolizing cushion
Comfort · Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Cushions: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
A complete-ish guide on just what cushioning is, how we make it, and what the benefits are for each type cushioning type we offer. We’ve diversified from straight-up “Cushioned” into multiple types of activity-specific padding. And it starts with Terry loops. 
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.
Many styles of Darn Tough socks hanging on a wall in the mill
Sock 101 ·
Different Types of Socks: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont

There are a lot of types of socks; trust us, we know. Working at a sock company, you quickly learn that there are so many different types of socks, with no shortage of ways to group and categorize them. To make things a little bit easier, we made a (mostly) comprehensive, no-nonsense guide on all types of socks. 

Black and Gray shot of a cow on the farm with cows in the back
Here in VT ·
Vermont Farmers Are Darn Tough
by Darn Tough Vermont
Whether it’s getting stuck behind a tractor, seeing the beautiful red barns tucked into the green mountains, or the weekly farmer’s markets, it's hard to deny how farms have influenced Vermont culture. In our neck of the woods, if you don’t own a farm, chances are you know someone who does.
Two people having drinks in Darn Tough animal socks
Community ·
Which Animal Socks Match Your Personality?
by Michael Seigies

We put together a list in no particular order to help you find animal socks that align with your personality. Whether you’re the type of person who likes farm animals, owl socks, or bear socks, there is a sock on this list for you.

The Support System Behind the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking · Our Partners ·
The Support System Behind the Pacific Crest Trail
by Peyton Hamblin, PCTA
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.
Two pairs of feet wearing merino wool hiking socks in brown and pink
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Why You Don’t Want 100% Merino Wool Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
In this post we’re cover the finer points of sock materials, from yarn selection to construction, answering questions like: Is 100% Merino Wool good quality?
Can you have 100% wool socks? What percent of Merino Wool in socks is best? The answers are more nuanced than you might think.
Emily sitting on her desk wearing her favorite socks with her dog nearby
Here in VT · Staff Picks ·
Staff Picks: New Styles & Colors for 2024
by Darn Tough Vermont
So, for this round of Staff Picks, we took to the knitting floor here in Waterbury to find out which new pairs (and colors) people are most excited about and why.
Runner out on a hot summer day wearing merino wool socks for runners
Merino Wool · Run & Athletic ·
Give Your Feet the Best Summer Ever — by Running in Merino Wool Socks.
by Darn Tough Vermont
If you’re a runner, then your dream summer is likely full of races, training plans, bucket list routes, or adventure runs. But let’s be honest — those plans are probably decided by your brain. What about your feet? When was the last time you asked them about their perfect summer?
Man sitting with water bottle, running shoes and wearing Darn Tough Coolmax socks
Sock 101 ·
Coolmax Socks: What They Are & Why We Knit Them
by Darn Tough Vermont
Merino Wool is the ultimate performance fiber; however not everyone wears Wool. That shouldn't stop you from receiving our Lifetime Guarantee. Learn more about Coolmax, a vegan fiber with similar properties to Merino wool.