The Alternate Stitch

As we explored the industrial landscape of Homer’s bustling waterfront and captured photographs, an idea began to take shape: could we design a pair of Darn Tough socks featuring a special Salmon Sisters design inspired by our Alaskan landscape and way of life?

Growing up in Alaska, the Salmon Sisters were raised tough. They first earned their stripes fishing for wild seafood in the remote Aleutian Islands (where they grew up). Their feet are in rubber boots on the water for up to 18 hours a day, a unique challenge when it comes to designing socks. 

If there is one thing that you should take away from this blog, let it be the importance of WEARING SOCKS INSIDE YOUR WADERS! Here are a few tips and factors to consider that can help you stay focused on the fishing part of your day on the river!

In this post, we’re doing Cupid’s work for him by helping you find the best matching gifts for couples – including your own. Guaranteed for Life and to pull at their heartstrings, our socks will forever and always be the perfect match.

In a town boasting 300 days of sunlight, winter night running is not ideal. But, for the last eight years, I have committed to coaching my local run group, Revolution Running, at weekly workouts. Summer or winter, the group meets at 6pm Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour-long workout. 

This Valentine’s Day, instead of swiping and swiping to find your soulmate, let’s spend some time finding your sole-mate. Or, if you’ve already got a soulmate, now’s a great time to hook them up with their future sole-mate.

In one library in a western mountain town, a librarian shows up to work every day with a handpicked pair of Darn Tough socks on. Every day. Without fail. Every week of every season, our small town’s children spend 30 minutes with this librarian and her handpicked books and handpicked socks.

Without your support, our contributions would have been minuscule. So, as we round up the end-of-year data on how we gave back, we do so with gratitude to you.  From local initiatives to global outreach, here are some of the most significant ways we made an impact in 2024:   

It’s once again the time of year to set goals and make resolutions. Whether that’s getting outside more, finishing that stack of books or investing in some new Merino Wool socks, now is the perfect time to set some sock-related resolutions to give your feet the best in 2025.

Nothing excites us more than seeing our socks out in the wild, whether in our own Vermont backyard or a totally different country. Of course, sometimes we’re the ones wearing those socks – and we’re happy to share with you where we went, what socks we packed, and some personal tips and tricks.

It’s a new year, and that means it is time to think about summer outdoor objectives! It is also time to put in for those tough to get lotteries. To help with your planning, below is a list of 8 of these lotteries with dates, some lottery tips and, of course, the perfect sock for when you win.

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.

Not sure if your socks fit? We've put together some tips and tricks to help you check. At Darn Tough, we knit all our socks with a performance fit so they act like a second skin, preventing slippage and blisters. If your socks aren't the most comfortable, durable, best fitting socks, you can return them for another pair. 

We’ve brought Space Dye to the finest-micron Merino Wool. The result? Totally unique socks that have moisture management, durability, and temperature regulation on lock.

Generally, ski and snowboard socks are the same. If you’ve ever questioned whether skiing socks and snowboard socks are the same…the simple answer is yes (and also no). Here’s the deal: Darn Tough has a single Ski & Snowboard category...

The holidays mark a time for great cheer,

When not all goes to plan (DARN IT), you have 
nothing to fear,


We’re there with you through breaks and bobbles,


What matters most is when friendship won’t wobble.



Here at Darn Tough, we have an adage, “You don’t outsource for quality.” While typically we are referring to the socks we make, this statement rings true in all areas of our business, especially in regard to our Customer Service Team.

If you're wondering how to pack for a thru hike, we've got you covered. Darn Tough employee Ryan Shamy, trail name Buzz, has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and Vermont's Long Trail. Ryan walked us through his thru hiking gear list and turned it into a downloadable checklist you can print and follow along. Happy hiking! 

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.

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.

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.