best hiking socks

• User bought an expensive pair of Smartwool socks from REI and decided to compare different options.

• Specs and price per pair breakdown:

  • Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion:

    • 66% merino wool | 32% nylon | 2% Lycra spandex

    • $28/pair
  • Smartwool Classic Full Cushion socks:

    • 66% merino wool | 25% recycle nylon | 8% nylon | 1% elastane

    • $22/pair
  • Kirkland (Costco brand) Merino Blend Socks:

    • 57% Merino Wool | 40% Nylon | 3% Spandex

    • $3.83/pair online | $3/pair if you buy in-store

• Comparison of Costco brand vs name brands: 9% difference in wool content. Costco socks are comfortable and durable.

• Users discuss quality, durability, and warranties of different brands

• Darn Tough is recommended for hiking and running. Lifetime warranty and 90-day return/refund policy.

• Smartwool has a 2-year warranty and 45-day return/refund policy.

• Kirkland socks came with a “satisfaction guaranteed” refund policy but no warranty. Users suggest that they are soft, comfortable, and don’t get smelly.

• REI brand merino wool socks are suggested as a cheaper option than name brands.

• Users note that the number of stitches per square inch is a critical factor determining sock shape and durability.

• Company reviews:

  • Filson has a lifetime warranty.
  • Patagonia and REI replace worn-out merchandise.

• Costco’s return policy is noted to be beneficial: allows refunds if shrinkage is an issue or your jumper falls apart.

• Users recommend making an economic investment in Darn Tough socks for long-term use.

• Prices for Darn Tough socks may be reduced if bought on sale.

• Users rave about how comfortable and long-lasting their wool socks have been, with some pairs lasting more than ten years.

• Several Puget Sound-based companies have lifetime warranties.

• Users recommend Injinji’s for hiking and Smartwool for running.

• One user loves the Kirkland women’s merino wool option. They have found the men’s version too thick.

• DeFeet cycling socks are long-wearing but not as rugged as hiking socks.

• One user has switched to Darn Tough socks exclusively for daily

• The best hiking sock overwhelmingly suggested by multiple users is Darn Tough.
• Users agree that the sock is highly durable and comfortable even after multiple washes and uses.
• Many users highlight the lifetime replacement guarantee - a convenient feature.
• Other brands include:
  • SmartWool PhD socks: Many users suggest SmartWool as a comparable alternative but note that it can be expensive.
  • Injinji toe socks: A user suggests pairing Injinji toe sock liners with Darn Tough socks.
  • Icebreaker: Users note the superior fit of their socks; they also have a physical store for replacements.
  • REI: Some users recommend REI’s store brand of silk liner socks.
  • Point6: A user suggests Point6 over Darn Tough.
  • DeFeet Woolie Boolie cycling socks: Another brand suggested.
  • Costco: A user suggests Costco brand hiking socks.
• Users comment on their unique experiences with Darn Tough socks:
  • A professional guide claims that they stand by their free replacement guarantee.
  • A user suggests the full cushion hiking sock specifically.
  • Some users also suggest different hiking sock varieties that Darn Tough offers.
  • Two users have issues with Darn Tough - tight around the ankle and abrasive.
• Several users talk about what activities or types of shoes are best for Darn Tough.
• A few users suggest silk or reasonable liners.
• There is several references to AT, or the Appalachian Trail.
• One user suggests cycling socks as the best sock they have ever worn.
• A user inquires on the best socks for a petite person, to which users comment on SmartWool’s fit.

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• Reddit users are discussing the best alternatives to Smartwool hiking socks for women, as they are sold out everywhere.
• Some users recommend Darn Tough socks as everything one would need in hiking socks with a lifetime warranty.
• Other users, however, had negative experiences with Darn Tough socks, including issues with fit and durability.
• Some users swear by Point 6 socks, which they find to be just as good as Smartwool but generally cheaper.
• Stance socks are also recommended by some users for keeping toes warm and are available in several designs.
• Fits brand socks are also mentioned, with some users preferring them for their better fit compared to other brands.
• The importance of avoiding fabric softener when washing Merino wool socks is mentioned by a user.
• Darn Tough socks are said to offer slightly better comfort and texture compared to Smartwool.
• Darn Tough’s lifetime warranty means that they will replace the socks if they develop a hole, however, shipping costs may not make it much cheaper than just buying a new pair.
• Darn Tough socks tend to last longer than other brands, with some users reporting 5-6 years of use.
• Smartwool socks are also mentioned, with some users having issues with durability, while others find them to last up to two years.
• Some users have issues with the USPS shipping option for Darn Tough socks, which can take up to 14 business days.
• Some users have had positive experiences with USPS delivering items quickly, despite its problems.
• Point 6 midweight socks are recommended as being almost as good as Smartwool but without the premium price tag.
• Point 6 Hiking Tech Light Cushion Crew Socks are suggested as a replacement to the Smartwool PhD Light Crew Hiking Socks, which are no longer available.
• Stance socks are recommended for snowboarding.
• Fits socks are recommended for daily wear, skiing, hiking, etc.

• The transcript compares two hiking sock brands, Smartwool and Darn Tough
• Users in the transcript have used both types of socks, and many prefer Darn Tough over Smartwool
• Multiple users in the transcript find that Smartwool socks develop holes more easily than Darn Tough socks
• Many users comment on the superior durability of Darn Tough socks and the fact that they come with a warranty
• Some users mention that Darn Tough socks have good compression and fit better than Smartwool socks
• A few users mention that Smartwool socks do not wick sweat as well as Darn Tough socks
• One user suggests using double-layered nylon dress socks with hiking boots, as they are very thin and dry quickly
• Some users have issues with the sizing of Darn Tough socks, finding them to be a bit too small and compressive in some cases
• Other users remark on the superior comfort of Smartwool PHD socks in comparison to Darn Tough socks
• One user finds that the gold toe metropolitan in the largest size (10-13) works well as a hiking sock
• Users discuss how to send the socks back to Darn Tough for a warranty claim and mentioned that the company accepts padded envelopes or boxes
• One user recommends stuffing the socks in an Airmax envelope and popping the bubbles to avoid additional shipping charges
• A few users in the transcript mention that they prefer Smartwool socks for running, while others prefer Darn Tough socks for hiking and skiing
• Some users in the transcript mention that they have tried and been pleased with both types of socks and use them interchangeably
• Users comment on the importance of socks for hiking and the impact of poor-quality or ill-fitting socks on overall foot health
• Some users in the transcript have had negative experiences with both Smartwool and Darn Tough socks and have switched to other brands like Wigwam

• Comparing Darn Tough vs SmartWool vs Icebreaker merino socks
• Darn Tough socks have lasted longer, stayed warmer, wick moisture, dry faster, and are better overall compared to SmartWool
• Look for higher Merino %
• SmartWool PHDs are top of the line
• Darn Tough has a higher stitch count and a better warranty
• Bridgedale takes a technical approach to materials and offers a lifetime warranty
• Foot problems or conditions, fit of shoe and sock, laundering practices, and trail practices can affect sock durability
• Choice of footwear and shoe fit, foot traits, and walking mechanics can influence sock and shoe wear patterns that in turn may also affect sock durability.

• Darn Tough and Smartwool are both popular brands of hiking socks.
• Multiple users prefer Darn Tough over Smartwool, citing reasons such as durability, longevity, and fit.
• Some users do prefer Smartwool for its comfort and padding.
• The warranty offered by Darn Tough is highlighted as a selling point for the brand.
• Users suggest that the quality of Smartwool socks may have decreased over the years.
• One user suggests that Smartwool may be “burning the brand” by not maintaining its quality.
• Smartwool socks are mentioned as being softer and warmer compared to Darn Tough.
• Darn Tough’s arch support section is preferred by one user.
• Multiple users mention that Darn Tough socks last longer than other socks they’ve tried.
• The socks are discussed in the context of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and biking.
• Tips for keeping socks from getting lost in the wash are mentioned, such as using a lingerie bag.
• Injinji socks are mentioned as being good for hiking in sandals.
• One user suggests that Icebreaker socks have a policy similar to Darn Tough’s warranty.
• A link to a GQ article is posted that suggests wearing socks with sandals is now acceptable.
• One user mentions wanting Darn Tough to make toe socks.
• Some users mention owning other brands of socks, such as REI and Stoic merino wool socks.
• Some users mention wearing socks with sandals for outdoor activities.

• The transcript contains a comparison between Smartwool and Darn Tough socks, two popular brands among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Both socks were worn and washed about the same amount of times.
• The person who compared them found that Smartwool wore out faster than Darn Tough.
• Not all users agreed and some preferred Smartwool over Darn Tough.
• There were discussions about the price of both brands, especially during sales.
• Many users praised Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee, which allows them to replace socks for free if they wear out.
• Others felt conflicted about taking advantage of the guarantee if their socks lasted a long time.
• The Costco brand merino wool socks were also discussed.
• Users had mixed reviews about the quality of the current Costco socks.
• Some users had good experiences with the older Costco socks, while others found them to wear out fast.
• Some users recommended buying socks from Sierra Trading Post online for the best prices.
• There were comments about the importance of sock seam placement and height for comfort.
• One user asked if anyone had experience with wool socks from Costco, saying that they lasted a year, longer than any other sock they owned.
• Another user agreed that the old Costco socks were good but said that the current ones were not as thick or cushiony.
• One user found that Smartwool socks tended to stink after a while.
• There was a discussion about REI’s return policy and how it has changed.
• One user who returned items frequently was blamed for causing the policy changes.
• Another user commented that REI may deny unreasonable or unfair returns.

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💭  Looking into

The differences in material and design between different brands of hiking socks

💭  Looking into

Top 5 hiking socks based on expert reviews