Skip to main content

Darn Tough: Beg Santa For These Socks

Darn Tough socks
Image used with permission by copyright holder
At first mention, socks may seem like a boring item to add to your Christmas list.

That is, if you’re thinking about run-of-the-mill socks without any pizazz. But if you want some top-notch socks that can handle any activity you participate in, you’ll be blessed to open a gift of Darn Tough socks.

So what makes Darn Tough so special?

Recommended Videos

Well, for starters the company is so confident about the quality of its socks that it guarantees each pair for life without strings. Yes, really. That means if you can put a hole in them or wear them out, just mail them back to the company and they’ll send you a new pair. How cool is that?

But beyond the unconditional lifetime guarantee, these socks are ultra comfortable and have antimicrobial properties to repel bacteria and odor.

darn tough socks
Image used with permission by copyright holder

All of the socks are made in Darn Tough’s factory in Northfield, Vermont. They have extreme quality control to produce a top-notch sock, and they’re also in one of the best places in the world to test the socks whether they are running, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, biking or enjoying other types of activities.

Ric Cabot, founder of Darn Tough socks, is a third generation sock maker. His grandfather was in the business and today he is partners with his own father.

In the 90s and early 2000s their business was solely manufacturing. They crafted socks for some of the country’s biggest retailers like The Gap, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, J. Riggins, and others. When those companies began taking production off shore, the Cabots were left holding an empty bag.

“I had to figure out a way to save the company or call it quits,” says Cabot. “That’s when I came up with Darn Tough in 2003.”

He says they have the expertise to craft a quality sock—one that’s so tough that they back it with their no strings guarantee.

“It’s either very smart or very stupid,” says Cabot of the guarantee, but they receive very few returns. “Our socks don’t wear out. They outlast the competition. No one else has the balls to stand behind their product like we stand behind ours. The more you wear and wash them, the better they are. They form fit to your foot.”

Here are a few examples of what they offer:

The top seller is their Micro Crew Cushion Sock, which retails for $19.

The men’s Boot Sock Cushion is an all-weather sock that will keep your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These socks are 67% Merion wool, 29% nylon and 4 % lycra spandex. Retail price: $23.

For skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, check out the Hojo Over-the-Calf Ultralight socks. Retail price: $23. Plus, there are many other colors plus socks designed for other activities.

“We started with a very tight core of socks for outdoor enthusiasts, but we are expanding rapidly and including socks people can wear around the house and every day to work,” says Cabot.

Marla Milling
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Marla Hardee Milling is a full-time freelance writer living in a place often called the Paris of the South, Sante Fe of the…
Men’s loungewear sets: The best ones to cozy up in this winter
Stay comfortable all evening long with these sets
Man in bed wearing loungewear

The days may be getting shorter, but that doesn't mean you aren't exhausted at the end of the day. The best way to shake off the effects of a tiring day is to lose the work clothes, be it a suit or a blue-collar uniform, grab an excellent loungewear set, and get comfortable.

There'd also a mindset surrounding the practice. If you remember your childhood, watching Mr. Rogers enter his home and start his monologue, you may remember the first thing he did was remove his suit jacket and don a cardigan. This is about more comfort. This is about creating a separation between work and home. The buffer is valuable to shut your work brain off and start to recover your mental health for tomorrow.

Read more
Clae and Vuori create a crisp and sustainable new sneaker
Vuori, Clae release new sneaker
black sneaker on top of couch

For Southern California-based brands Clae and Vuori, the key to success is to remain laid back and chill. Both brands have made waves due to their no-fuss approach, which gives the aura of California cool. Now, for a second time, these brands are coming together for the sequel to their 2023 lifestyle sneaker. Keeping a similar lowkey and subtle design, the newest collaborative sneaker is all about mimicking the ease of the California lifestyle, including two of the state’s seemingly new favorite sports. Overall, the latest release is a neutral and simple sneaker that can easily fit into any wardrobe for any occasion. For those looking for their next pair of everyday casual sneakers, this new release is the perfect way to take a break from your traditional white sneakers. 
Sustainability meets fashion with Clae x Vuori

 

Read more
The latest adidas collaboration is nothing short of a retro classic
adidas announces new collaboration shoe
black adidas bowling shoe

While adidas is home to many classic and iconic designs, the brand doesn’t shy from bringing the same energy to their collaborations. In previous adidas collaborations, the brand has been known to bring in archival or staple designs and give them a modern upgrade. However, this time around, the brand is joining forces with Dover Street Market and Brain Dead for a new design that’s much more retro than modern. While the new shoe is far from the casual everyday sneaker you’re used to with adidas, it’s the perfect addition to your formal footwear rotation for a pop of uniqueness and sophistication.  Although fans will have to wait a few more weeks for the release, it’s a must-have worthy of scoping out. 
Dover Street Market x Brain Dead x adidas 

Taking on the classic “Bowling” silhouette, the three brands have added plenty of modern features and touches to help bridge a retro style with a contemporary feel. Crafted in a “Core Black” colorway, the new shoe comes with premium leather uppers in black and soft white contrasting stitching. Co-branded details on the shoe can be found on the golden ankle stamp, insoles, and monochromatic embossed heel emblems. Complete with a wooden slide sole and rubber stop heel, the dressy bowling shoe is ready for any formal event. Classic black laces finish the exterior design for a more modern style. Set to be released in Spring 2025, the new shoe will be available via Dover Street Market. Fresh off of adidas’ numerous dress shoe remixes, this new bowling silhouette offers loyal fans another opportunity to showcase their favorite brand on almost any occasion.

Read more