Darn Tough's Micro Crew hiking socks are designed to last a lifetime — literally

CNN

30-04-2025

Buying premium wool socks isn't exactly the best-kept secret. Many brands offer some version of a wool sock that promises superior comfort, a cozy and snug fit, and reliable durability. But only one truly checks all three of those boxes: Darn Tough.
As a small family brand from Northfield, Vermont, Darn Tough isn't the same kind of ubiquitous household name as Patagonia, Bombas or even Smartwool. But to me, Darn Tough's Micro Crew wool socks are far better than anything those three brands sell.
It's not just that they're more comfortable (which they are) or that they fit better (which they do). It's that they're also 'unconditionally guaranteed for life.' If a pair of Darn Tough socks meets its fate for any number of reasons (i.e., it becomes a dog toy, snags and rips on a branch, tears while you put it on and so on), Darn Tough will replace them, no questions asked. That's value mixed with performance, the likes of which you just don't get anywhere else.
I get it, to wax poetic about a pair of socks seems silly. But trust me: Darn Tough is the real deal. Here's why.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Socks
Darn Tough's Hiker Micro Crew hiking socks are the perfect blend of durability, versatility, support and comfort. Plus, the brand's lifetime guarantee backs any damage to the socks for the life of the product (and you). They're incredibly comfortable
It should come as no surprise that the socks I'm recommending as a CNN Underscored All-Star product are comfortable. But it's worth exploring exactly why Darn Tough's Hiker Micro Crews are so pleasant to wear.
For starters, their cushioning ratios are the perfect blend of being supportive yet not too bulky. They snugly hug my feet while providing padding in the right places to avoid hot spots or blisters. At the same time, I never have trouble fitting my feet into whatever footwear I choose to put on, including my low-top Vans sneakers, some Birkenstock clogs and even a pair of leather Danner boots. I feel the same high level of comfort no matter what I step into.
They also require little to no readjusting throughout the day. No bunching, no sliding around on my feet, nothing. I may have to pull them up occasionally, but those instances are far fewer than what I'm used to with any other pair of socks in my sock drawer.
And don't let the fact that they're made of wool steer you away. While wool tends to get a bad rap for being scratchy, these socks are anything but. They're soft to the touch (both in hand and on foot) and utilize a blend of merino wool, stretchy spandex and nylon that allows them to go on easily and conform to my feet. This unique blend makes the socks highly durable too.
They're versatile
The supreme comfort native to Darn Tough's Micro Crew socks also makes them quite versatile. Despite having the word 'hiker' in the name, I don't only use them for that. They're just as much my go-to for commuting and casually wearing around my apartment as they are when I hit the trail.
Because Darn Tough's hiking socks are made of merino wool, they work well in any season too. They effectively regulate temperature, so I find them as comfortable and cool in warmer weather as I do cozy and warm when temperatures drop. I may not wear my thicker pairs in July or August, but if I had to, merino is sweat-wicking enough that my feet wouldn't produce uncomfortable pools of sweat.
Darn Tough's lifetime warranty is legit
The tangible highlights of Darn Tough's Hiker Micro Crew socks are easy to convey, but the brand's lifetime warranty truly puts it at the top of its class. For any pair of socks that starts to thin in the heel, show signs of wear and tear, or simply doesn't live up to the brand's lofty standards, you can send them in to be replaced, no questions asked. Seriously.
I've had a few pairs that started showing signs of thinning where my hiking boots meet the backs of my feet, and it was a breeze to send them in to be replaced. All I had to do was fill out an online form via the Darn Tough website, send in my old socks (after I washed them) and the brand sent me a code I could use to get a new pair. I didn't even need to supply a receipt of when or where I bought them. It's the kind of 'buy it for life' product anyone can appreciate.
They don't stink
Put plainly, cotton socks stink. As anyone who's worn them for a full day can attest, cotton socks are capable of producing an incredibly foul smell when you finally take them off. This is almost nonexistent with a pair of Darn Tough socks, even after multiple days of wearing them.
Now, I wouldn't recommend not washing your socks, but if you need to throw on yesterday's pair of Darn Toughs in a pinch, you can proceed with your day knowing they won't stir up any toxic odors by day's end.
Having done this several times, I can confirm this to be true. The same goes for CNN Underscored associate testing writer Joe Bloss, who intentionally went several days between washes to assess this claim when testing for the best wool socks. They won't have that fresh-out-of-the-dryer smell, but they won't give off a scent that'll bother anyone within smelling range either.
As mentioned, premium wool socks aren't unique to Darn Tough, and there are several competitors in the brand's vicinity. The biggest of which are likely Smartwool and Bombas. However, both these brands have their limitations when it comes to selling versatile wool socks.
For Smartwool, it doesn't offer the same ironclad lifetime guarantee as Darn Tough, and a few of its styles don't feature the same snug fit. The brand does make great socks and arguably offers better color options and prints, but you have to nitpick when comparing premium to premium. Darn Tough edges out Smartwool (however slightly) in nearly every category.
To Bombas' credit, it's mostly a running sock brand — and a great one at that. But that doesn't mean its wool socks are intended purely for runners (similar to how some of Darn Tough's socks aren't only for hikers). Where Bombas excels is comfort. Take its merino-cashmere-blend socks, for instance. They don't have the same snug compression Darn Tough offers, but the cozy feel of cashmere and merino can't be understated.
I wear both of these brands too. And it's not just because I'm CNN Underscored's senior testing editor. Sure, I prefer Darn Tough to either, but I still enjoy the socks I have from both Smartwool and Bombas. It's just that when it comes down to it, if I had to buy one pair of socks, it would be from Darn Tough.
The versatility of Darn Tough's Hiker Micro Crew hiking socks makes them a great purchase for many people (there's also a quarter-height version if you prefer your socks to be taller). Those spending time outdoors can appreciate these socks' durability and support for hiking or backpacking trips, while the frequent city commuter will like their all-day comfort and clear upgrade over standard socks.
They're also something you can quite literally buy for life. With Darn Tough's lifetime guarantee, once you purchase that first pair, you'll have one forever. No other sock brand's quality guarantee comes close to this, and it's what makes Darn Tough a true All-Star product.
Does the lifetime warranty truly guarantee Darn Tough socks for life?
Does the lifetime warranty truly guarantee Darn Tough socks for life?
Yes, Darn Tough's lifetime warranty is exactly that: a warranty that 'unconditionally' guarantees the quality of the socks for life. The brand will take any pair of tattered socks and provide a code to purchase a new pair, free of charge, on Darn Tough's site.
Do Darn Tough socks shrink?
Do Darn Tough socks shrink?
No, Darn Tough socks shouldn't shrink, as long as you follow the recommended instructions for properly washing and drying them.
What kind of wool are Darn Tough socks made of?
What kind of wool are Darn Tough socks made of?
Most Darn Tough socks are made of merino wool, or a blend of merino, nylon, spandex or polyester.
Do Darn Tough socks ever go on sale?
Do Darn Tough socks ever go on sale?
Yes, sometimes Darn Tough socks are discounted during sales events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as well as Amazon Prime Day. You may even find them on sale during CNN Underscored's Deals Fest.
How do you wash Darn Tough socks?
How do you wash Darn Tough socks?
Darn Tough recommends machine washing socks inside-out in cold water before hanging them to dry or tumble drying them on low. But never use bleach with them.
CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we review and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a team of skilled writers and editors with many years of testing experience who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted and tested.
For this CNN Underscored All-Stars article, senior testing editor Rick Stella leaned on years of familiarity with Darn Tough's Hiker Micro Crew socks to deservedly sing their praises. He also tested several new Darn Tough releases to confirm the brand's socks were still as excellent as he remembered and that the lifetime guarantee was still as dependable.