Darn Tough VermontDarn Tough (Style 1959) Men's Hiker Quarter Midweight with Cushion Hiking Sock

I'm extremely picky about tactile stimuli, socks have always been a challenge for me... The seam has to run above the toe not at the end; They need to feel soft and not scratchy but durable; They and have a little compression, but not too much; etc. If anything is off with my socks it literally socks drive me crazy, like that itch that can't be scratched but can't be ignored crazy.I have not used for hiking or high activity yet but based on what I have seen, I don't see there being any unexpected differences.These have been amazing, the seam runs over the toes, but is barely noticeable. There's not as much stretch as I'm used to but that's likely due to material differences, after a week of breaking them in they have a little bit of stretch for compression but have otherwise molded themselves to the shape of my feet, so the "lack of stretch" is not a problem. Best of all they are warm but breath so my feet stay dry in day-to-day usage while padded and comfortable.As far as I've experienced, they are definitely worth the price.

Ok, so while I hate to admit this, it's true and is a testament to the traits of quality WOOL socks... Wool is somehow naturally antimicrobial. Don't ask me how it works, but I went to New Orleans Jazz Fest this year and (here comes the weird and embarrassing part) wore the SAME pair of socks for four STRAIGHT DAYS out there in the heat. And guess what! They never smelled AT ALL! Weird, I know, but true! And then there's Darn Tough Socks as a company.... The quality is extremely good, they are designed AND MADE right here in the USA, AND they have an unbelievable warranty that simply can't be beat. Yeah, I initially had a difficult time justifying paying that much for a pair of SOCKS. But, now, I understand... these ain't your old Hanes cotton tube socks! They are my go-to cycling socks, hiking socks, camping socks, or for any use where you want the added comfort, thickness, and may need extended odor free wearability. I now have more than one pair and will have absolutely zero qualms buying more in the future as the need arises. There's not another premium sock that I'll even give a casual glance after wearing DTS socks regularly over the past year. I've been told that they will shrink and to order up a size. But, I hand wash mine in the sink using Woollite, and let them air dry, and noticed no shrinkage at all. If you plan to machine wash, that's likely fine, but I'd still recommend air drying as if you throw them in the dryer with your other laundry they will likely shrink. They ARE wool after all.

These Darn Tough 1959-C-1023-06 Hiker 1/4 Midweight socks have become my go-to choice for staying warm and dry on cold, wet days. They pair exceptionally well with my ankle-high boots, making them perfect for muddy seasons and outdoor adventures. Even when these socks are exposed to water, they maintain their ability to keep my feet warm and comfortable.Darn Tough has truly mastered the art of crafting durable socks, and this pair is no exception. As a 255lb man, I've struggled with socks wearing down quickly, often disintegrating within a year. However, these socks have proven to be remarkably resilient. After a quick wash in cold water and a cold tumble dry, they bounce back into shape, almost like they're made of nitinol.But what sets these Darn Tough socks apart is their outstanding lifetime warranty. The confidence in their product is evident with this policy – if the socks ever break down for any reason, you can exchange the old pair for a brand new pair. I purchased three pairs of Darn Tough socks throughout 2022, and to my amazement, all of them are still in prime condition. These socks have exceeded my expectations and become the only ones I wholeheartedly recommend.In conclusion, the Darn Tough 1959-C-1023-06 Hiker 1/4 Midweight socks are a true winner. With their unbeatable performance, warm merino wool, and ability to withstand wear and tear, they are the perfect companion for cold, wet days and any outdoor activities. Add to that the impressive lifetime warranty, and you have a sock that not only keeps your feet happy but also gives you peace of mind for the long haul. Darn Tough has won me over with their exceptional quality, and I can't imagine recommending any other socks.