The Alternate Stitch

The 1466 Hiker Micro Crew sock has racked up more miles than some people put on their cars (probably). It’s summited mountains, forged streams, slogged through knee-deep mud, and still showed up for work on Monday. Those are the kind of qualifications that, in our book, earn this sock a holiday.

We’re big fans of dogs here at Darn Tough, but sometimes dogs can get into mischief, Darn It. From digging holes in the yard and chasing the cat to chewing up your favorite pair of Darn Tough socks, they can be little rascals sometimes. It happens to us and, apparently, it happens to a lot of our customers as well.

Some socks are too short. Some are too tall. But one height landed right in the middle and changed everything. Enter the Micro Crew, a Darn Tough innovation that hits above the ankle (taller than a quarter crew) and below mid-calf (shorter than a crew). 

It's said that dogs resemble their owners. Similarly, the socks we own say a lot about us — from bold patterns to cozy cushioned comfort to high-performing athletic styles. Your sock drawer probably reflects a bit of your personality. But have you ever gone as far to wonder: if your dog could choose, what would their favorite socks be? Well, we did.

It’s a sunny day here on the Waterbury Reservoir. The lush green leaves contrast the blue waters and the rolling clouds in the sky in “The Green Mountain State.” Today, I am going to guide you through the important role Merino Wool plays in canoe tripping, eddy out to some pro tips, and share some personal experiences on the water.

Even if you only wear monochrome suits or neutral outfits, pairing them with our socks can add a touch of personality with a flash of wilderness, critters, and creatures. So, whether you’re a party animal or merely want to add a little flair, we hope you enjoy meeting six of our dedicated staff and their favorite animal socks. 

This might be a controversial take, but socks and sandals are awesome and belong together. Socks and Crocs are awesome. Socks and Birkenstocks, also awesome.

Wow, that felt good to say.

I grew up in a tiny town in Indiana with big dreams: I wanted to be a high-end fashion designer, to live in New York City. Coming from a place where such dreams seemed impossible, I could have easily given up. But I didn’t. I was determined to make it happen. But designing socks? That wasn’t even on my radar.

We open our eyes in the middle of Longwood Forest, New Zealand. The hut we’re sharing with six others smells like dirt, firewood, and something suspiciously akin to dead possum. Wind whistles through the cracks in the wooden walls. 

During the summer of 2023, VanGrizzle and I thru-hiked the Continental Divide Trail. We started in Glacier National Park. On day two, we almost had a trip-ending experience. The new goat version of the Vanna Grizzle sock honors a goat that showed up several times in our life on trail, including this moment. 

When we say our socks are still made in Vermont, USA, we mean we own the entire process. Our team in Vermont designs the socks, from the research and development to knit-downs and fit testing, knits them, and finishes them (wash, dry, and packaging) so they're ready for you to wear. 

When our customers visiting Vermont asked us for recommendations, we had the thought… who better to provide authentic Vermont experiences than the people who live here? So, we surveyed our employees to discover their favorite spots across the state to help you create the quintessential Vermont experiences.

Located in the same factory for 100 years and counting, Vermont Glove remains true to their craft — hand making industrial-quality gloves right in Randolph, and creating skilled jobs along the way. 

Made in Vermont is part of our brand mission, and we found a partner in Jake Blauvelt who understands its meaning. Jake is a highly-respected and accomplished snowboarder, constantly captivating audiences with his smooth, creative, and effortless riding style. 

We don't knit socks in Vermont because it's easy. This community made us who we are, and we're proud to still knit every pair of socks right here in Vermont, USA, with the highest quality yarns sourced from America and around the world.

So, what does it mean that all Darn Tough socks are still made in Vermont, USA? All the knitting, washing, drying, finishing, and packaging behind these USA made wool socks occurs in Vermont Mills, run by Vermonters. And we've never done it any other way. 

So you’re thinking about hitting the trails. Or maybe you’re already out there getting after it, wondering if your gear is working with you or against you. Either way, welcome. Why do people love trail running so much, anyway? Because it's fun and freeing? Because it’s a very welcoming, slightly weird community where folks can be themselves? 

Foot care is a very important part of a thru-hike. Most folks on a thru-hike will be averaging anywhere from 15 to 35 miles a day through dust, sand, pine needles, twigs, mud, snow, rivers, and streams. So you can imagine how vulnerable your doggies are going to be through all those conditions day in and day out.

When you violently inhale a bug mid-stride... Darn It. Good thing our socks got you covered. Darn Tough running socks — made for runners' highs and lows. Running is tough. Our run socks are tougher. And our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee has you covered for whatever the day brings.

So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of men’s running socks, this guide is designed to help narrow your search. Selfishly, creating a guide showcasing our “best” running socks for men  was tough because we think they’re all worthy. But to make your life easier, we figured, why not give you a running start?

New to running? Looking for a gift for the runner in your life? Whether you run for fitness, are training for a race, or use running as an opportunity to meet new people, you will need the best women's running socks to make every mile feel like a victory. But you don't have to just take it from us; read on to hear from the running community.