Darn Tough Vermont is a family-owned sock company based in Northfield, Vermont, known for producing some of the most durable and comfortable socks on the market. Founded in 2004 by Ric Cabot, the company builds on a multi-generational tradition of American hosiery manufacturing in the area since 1978. The brand specialises in high-performance socks for hiking, running, skiing and everyday wear, crafted with fine-gauge knitting and high-quality merino wool.
All of its products are made in the New England region of north-eastern USA, with a strong emphasis on local production and sustainability. Despite global success, every Darn Tough sock still comes from the same mill in the Vermont countryside, as well as the two new ones built to help cope with unprecedented demand. Indeed, so popular is the company, it has 318 knitting machines working for 24 hours a day, six days a week.
What truly sets Darn Tough apart, however, is its legendary unconditional lifetime guarantee - if the brand’s socks wear out, they’ll replace them, no questions asked. “If our socks are not the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks you have ever owned, return them for another pair. No strings. No conditions. For life.” That’s how the guarantee reads – it’s pretty unambiguous and an incredible commitment, the ideal antidote to the world of throwaway fast fashion.
In the unlikely event that you need to return a pair of socks on warrantee, you can do so in person (find a store here and filter by ‘authorised warranty centre’ in the category box) or online via the consumer claim portal here.
This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned the brand a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts. Darn Tough has become synonymous with long-lasting, blister-free comfort, making it a go-to choice for those who demand reliability from their gear.
Another key feather in the Darn Tough cap is its specialism. The brand only makes socks and it always makes socks from merino wool – it doesn’t faff around with anything else and it’s certainly not a “jack of all trades, master of none”. Instead these guys are sock supremos through and through and, consequently, are true experts in their chosen field with genuine craftsmanship and skill.
As Darn Tough sums it all up: “We make one thing, and we make it better than anyone else – ask any thru-hiker and you will likely hear the same. In order to unconditionally guarantee a hiking sock for life, it must be durable. It must maintain its comfort, and it has to fit for miles upon miles on-trail.” That all sounds pretty darn good to us – and, in conclusion, it’s precisely that customer-focused, performance-obsessed ethos that has seen the brand’s popularity sky-rocket in the UK. Want to give them a go too? Here are four of the brand’s best-selling pairs.
4 Of The Best: Darn Tough’s Best-Selling Socks
1. Men's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock - £29
These socks have been tried and tested on the USA’s toughest “thru-hikes”, from the arduous 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail to the iconic 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, meaning the design has been perfected for premium performance for day after day, mile after mile. The “1466” hiker sock, as it is also known, is described as a “trail legend” – a “rugged sock” that “truly takes on the rigours of the trail”, raising the bar on what the ultimate hiking sock needs to deliver.
Made from 61% merino wool, 36% nylon and 3% lycra spandex, this sock has a performance fit to ensure no slipping, bunching or blisters, while the micro crew cut rises about 15cm above a low hiking shoe. The merino wool wicks sweat quickly and naturally, keeping your feet fresh and dry in all weathers, and the midweight construction wraps your feet in steady comfort with good thermoregulation. The end result is “peak hiking comfort” for months on end.
2. Women's Bear Town Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock - £28
Inspired by Vermont’s woodlands and wildlife, the Bear Town Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock brings trail-ready performance with a touch of playful design. Made from 43% merino wool, 54% nylon and 3% lycra spandex, this sock combines natural comfort with technical durability for day-after-day use on rugged terrain. The lightweight construction offers breathable, fast-drying comfort, ideal for warmer conditions or high-output hiking, while the fine-gauge knit delivers a performance fit that won’t slip, bunch or cause blisters.
The micro crew height sits just above a hiking boot or about 13cm above a low-ankled hiking shoe. As with all Darn Tough socks, the Bear Town is backed by the brand’s legendary lifetime guarantee - proof of its hard-wearing construction. Whether you're trekking forest trails or pushing summit ridgelines, this sock keeps feet dry, cool and comfortable in all conditions. Fun in design but serious in function, it's built to go the distance.
3. Men's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock - £28
Tried and tested on countless miles of challenging terrain, the Light Hiker Micro Crew is a Darn Tough staple - purpose-built for performance, comfort and durability on the trail. Made from 43% merino wool, 54% nylon and 3% lycra spandex, this lightweight hiking sock offers a breathable, quick-drying feel that excels in warmer conditions and high-mileage days. Its micro crew height rises just above the cuff of a standard hiking boot, providing low-profile ankle coverage without unnecessary bulk.
With a snug performance fit, it eliminates slipping, bunching and blistering, even on steep, uneven ground. The merino wool regulates temperature and moisture naturally, keeping feet cool and dry no matter the forecast. Strategic cushioning underfoot adds just the right amount of softness without compromising breathability. Whether you're logging serious trail time or heading out for a fast-paced day hike, the Light Hiker delivers all-day comfort, long-lasting wear and the confidence of Darn Tough’s industry-leading lifetime guarantee.
4. Women's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock – £28
Engineered for breathability and comfort, the Women's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock (the female version of the sock in number 3 of this list) is a trail essential for warm-weather adventures. It offers a lightweight, moisture-wicking design that keeps feet dry and cool during high-output hikes. The micro crew height rises approximately 13 cm above a low hiking shoe, providing ankle protection without unnecessary bulk.
In terms of cushioning, these micro crew hiking socks feature soft terry loops underfoot and targeted protection over the ankle and Achilles – one of Darn Tough’s most popular cushioning styles. A performance fit ensures no slipping, bunching or blisters, even on rugged terrain. Proudly made in Vermont, USA, and backed by Darn Tough’s unconditional lifetime guarantee, this sock combines durability with all-day comfort, making it a reliable choice for hikers seeking peak performance on the trail.
Where to buy Darn Tough socks: Find a Socks Store Near Me – Darn Tough UK