The REI Merino Wool Expedition socks (left) and the Smartwool Classic Mountaineer (right). Theyre typically worn by women who pair knee high socks with skirts, shorts, dresses, heels and boots. This is when you opt for the No Show Hidden or Invisible. Generally speaking, lighter weight socks are ideal for short, lower intensity activity. We tested this sock in boots on a hot (90s F) workday and were blown away that our feet never felt sweaty. But it doesnt hurt when your socks put a smile on your face. Composition - Knit with 54% Nylon, 43% Merino Wool, 3% Spandex Lycra. Peeks just above the top of a standard hiking boot. Weve already covered why socks knit with moisture wicking Merino Wool and a performance fit (which includes arch support) are the best choice for foot health, freshness, and comfort while walking. According to the DT website, the Micro Crew averages 8.5 inches from heel to cuff and the Boot Sock averages 11 inches over the same distance (allowing for some variation in sizing). Here you can see why the Injinji Liner Crew is so breathable. And while some socks are showier than others, generally they prefer to play the supporting part, letting the shoes take all the attention while they are behind the scenes, working hard to keep the feet comfortable. Shop our entire selection of Micro Crew socks. Active Athletic Socks 0:00 Sorry, this video is unsupported on this browser. As far as durability goes, you're going to find more money for your miles in other, more robust options. You may find that some of these terms are used interchangeably by different brands, but we hope this breakdown helps! That said, given the excellent warranty that allows you to exchange them if they ever wear out, it is a worthwhile purchase. Our guarantee is a promise to you, but its a standard for us. Getting a durable sock that won't break down after minimal use is important. Looking for Women's Sizes or Kids' Sizes? After years of testing this sock, we can confidently say it is highly durable. The Smartwool Performance Light Hike Cushion didn't score highest in every category, but one thing that it does have is endurance. We've been testing footwear for well over a decade now. The ideal length for dress socks has fluctuated throughout the years, dating all the way back to when exposed skin was seen to be scandalous. The Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew is another super comfortable contender that claims a 'medium' level of cushioning but is lighter and more similar to the Darn Tough Light Hiker. The cushioning underfoot is sufficient for longer multi-day hikes, trail runs, or day hikes over tough terrain. These are also great with womens booties because theyre about the same height. To test warmth when wet, we dunked each sock in water, intrepidly bit down on our lower lip, and hiked around in the cold. After years, they are still at work in our sock rotation. They are the bestsocks to wear with sneakers and jeansand come in so manyfun sock designs! Additionally, the three-pack means you get each pair for less than half the price of other socks, extending your mileage. Treat your socks like the accessory that they are. A Darn Tough original, we invented Micro Crew socks for a shorter take on the traditional crew height. But are there other things to consider as well? It's an excellent option for longer or more technical trails. They fit tightly around your ankle, gradually decreasing in pressure toward the top. We recommend pairing your walking boots or walking shoes with socks that have built in arch support. Socks knit with uncompromised comfort, durability, and fit. Of the socks tested, this is the coldest sock in wet and dry conditions. Copyright 2023, Darn Tough Vermont. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Trust us blisters are the worst. It peeks just above the top of standard hiking boots, providing both comfort and style. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Foot fatigue is common and happens when the muscles of the foot become overly tired. It isn't the warmest sock in the lineup; once the mercury drops close to freezing, it loses its wicking power. But cotton socks do. Do you like your socks to stand tall, fly below the radar, or hover somewhere in between? Luckily, it offers great wicking power to keep her foot dry. Each year we hear from countless thru-hikers that this rugged sock is the only option that truly takes on the rigors of the trail. A good dress sock usually comes in mid-calf length, while knee high is offered if you want more coverage or comfortability. Here we see the Smartwool keeping our tester's feet comfortable while fast packing in the Sierras. Moving right up along the foot, we hit good ole plain No Shows, with or without a tab. Micro crew socks, or crew socks, sit about 2" above the ankle. If you're seeking a thinner cushioned sock with superior wicking and breathability, the Darn Tough Light Hiker is your best bet. We recommend this quick-drying model for lower impact activities in hot weather. Targeted padding over the ankle and Achilles tendon can help protect delicate areas and add comfort and durability. From an enclosed toe all the way up to your waist, these styles are often covered in unique patterns and textures, making them great for everything from formal looks to Halloween costumes! Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life - if these arent the longest lasting socks youve ever owned, return them for another pair. Those with the highest amount of underfoot cushioning are typically best suited for technical trails or wearing around home/camp after a long day on the trail. One drawback of synthetic socks can be the "plastic bag" feel that tends to create toe sweat, but the design of these socks allows for wicking, even between the toes. For more information, take a deep dive into Blister Prevention 101. Cotton, wool, synthetic, silk. When testing this metric, we considered many variables that contribute to comfort. See chart below if other heights may be better for you. Just like you would with a nice belt or jewelry, use them to complete your outfit. Sock heights are relatively universal. 1. Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight View on Amazon View on REI 2. Over the calf. Depending on the season and climate you're running in, you may decide to . While it's not as thick as the others, it offers better all around performance. But cotton socks do. These two data points help us determine which socks perform the highest in this category. This update features 16 of the market's top options that we've compared side-by-side, trekking the globe for the most epic outdoor adventures. Ankle socksare sometimes confused with no shows, since both are short in length. That said, they still insulate well when wet, offering protection in colder weather as long as you stay mobile. For many, it's the best men's hiking sock height. Socks are usually a second thought. Ankle-length socks can be awesome athletic socks, but we also offer plenty of cute low-cut ankle socks that look great with flats and heels. On reflection, maybe we should have called them half crew . However, if breathable and durable construction is what you seek, then you'll be a happy camper in these socks. The opposite of the limbo, we like to test the limit of how high a sock can reach. But cotton socks do. Ankle socks stand a couple of inches above your ankle, which makes them visible over most shoes. We've made improvements along the way, because that's what we do, but you can't argue with a classic. We have nine heights here at Darn Tough. We went hiking and backpacking in the field to test drying speed, purposely dunking our feet into streams and rivers. All the socks we tested breathe relatively well, but of the Merino-synthetic blends, the Danish Endurance is our favorite for its thinner materials, followed by the Farm to Feet Damascus. 61% Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 3% Lycra Spandex. We had to get out of the heat to test these warmest socks. In order to unconditionally guarantee a hiking sock for life, it must be durable. There is no wrong answer. Both men and women wear mid-calf socks, which usually feature a thinner fabric. Compression socks are built to addresses issues with circulation. Machine wash in warm water on gentle cycle with socks inside-out. Our Crew height socks are slightly taller, sitting right below the calf muscle. We continued to hike to see if each would dry out on its own. And even when we have experienced a hole, we rest easy knowing that you can send them back and get a replacement pair. Wear these shortest of socks when, for whatever reason, you dont want your socks to be seen. Height: Micro Crew Weight: Lightweight Pair with: Hiking shoes, trail runners, fresh mountain air Product details Cushion details Materials & Care Size Chart Put close to 200mi on these babies this summer. But Darn Tough felt there was something missing between the quarter and crew sock heights so we invented the Micro Crew height - a mid crew sock that sits just above the top of a standard hiking boot. Those that are a tube of fabric without strategic architecture are less comfortable for adventuring many miles. We evaluate each using five core metrics, comparing each sock against the different metrics to help you find exactly what you're looking for. Use this definitive guide to help you understand all the varying lengths. Additionally, one of our testers found that the toe box isn't well fitted for those with narrow feet and bunches up, especially when wet (those with wider feet had no complaints.) At Darn Tough, we dont have socks outright labeled walking socks, but in every activity category (hiking, running, athletic, every day, skiing, hunting, work, and tactical) you will find socks knit with moisture wicking Merino Wool and a snug, supportive performance fit that are great for walking. PRO TIP: A lightweight sock with cushion underfoot is a sweet combo that provides extra sweat absorption, durability, and lasting rebound during walking, while the overall sock composition is light, airy, and less bulky. Subscribe today to learn about Merino Wool, free shipping days, and more. No ads. All these contenders dried well on the trail, taking a similar amount of time to dry on foot. Micro Crew Height - A shorter, more concise take on the traditional crew height. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Socks That Support Your Step Goals While walking is generally considered a gentle form of exercise, this doesn't mean your feet won't get tired. The tall, boot-compatible cut is perfect for hiking boots, and the soft, comfortable fibers feel great on your feet. In these varying conditions, we've identified the best recommendations for practically any trail condition. In some of our testing, we've had the same socks for over five years, logged over 600 miles, and they are still wearable. Here the Darn Tough Light Hiker is shown inside out (left), where you can see the ample padding, breathable panels on top of foot, and compression stitching that keeps everything in place. The thinnest and most breathable sock that we tested was the Injinji Liner Crew. For a more in-depth explanation, please visit our blog post to learn more about all of the different types of socks! The Danish Endurance Unisex is another with a surprisingly breathable Merino wool-synthetic construction. Nathan G. Unrivaled Durability Socks with a thinner construction or loosely packed fibers typically breathe better than those that are thicker or have a higher-density construction. On the way, we encountered big snowfields that totally drenched the sock. We measure from the heel to the cuff of the sock. Peeks just above the top of a standard hiking boot. Lets take a look at which socks go best with certain forms of exercise: Compression socksare in a special category, distinct from the types of socks weve looked at so far. A well-fitted sock that doesn't slip or bunch will help you focus on the long miles ahead. Shorter than your typical Crew height, they land somewhere in between your ankle and mid-calf. Running socks come in no-show/tab socks, quarter crew/ankle socks, micro crew, and crew height socks. If you want the same superior breathability with a lighter cushion, check out the Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion. We considered each sock's wet and dry warmth when looking at warmth. The Danish Endurance Unisex Merino 3-Pack is a Merino-synthetic blend sock in three packs. Overall, if you're seeking a fast-drying sock, the Light Hiker, CoolMesh II Crew, and Farm to Feet Damascus offer the fastest drying times. Men's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock, Military/First Responder/Medical Discount. But if you need a liner to help wick away moisture and prevent blisters under a thicker sock, this is a clear choice. The fabric on shorty socks may just barely peek out of the top of your shoes, and your precious feet will be protected from friction. They say, choose the sock based on the shoe, rarely is it ever the other way around. Creating the best sock height was all about balance - we wanted a mid-length tall enough to protect against chafing and blisters while still keeping it minimal, no extra inches. Typically, a female-specific sock will have a more narrow profile throughout the toe box and heel. Crew socks are mid-calf socks that almost everybody likes to wear. From Crew height, we mosey right on up to our Boot height sock. Well fear not! A few of our Ski & Snowboard socks feature targeted cushioning in the shin that is separate from the foot. Be sure to consider what shoes youll be wearing when you select your sock height - generally speaking the taller the shoe or boot, the taller youll want your sock to be. Unfortunately, as we observed on a winter camping trip, this sock loses its wicking power in colder weather. Price: $21.00 $21.00 Free Returns on some sizes and colors . If you use it as a liner, it will last a lot longer, and for the excellent price, you could easily grab a few pairs to have for all kinds of use cases. Crew socks. Again, this is not a standalone cold-weather sock. Nine! Also a popular choice for Hunt, when the season temperature dips. It's thick and cushiony but not too thick, providing excellent protection for your feet on the trail. The fast action wicking pulls moisture away from skin, so no more sweaty, stinky socks. The Darn Tough Light Hiker fits snugly and doesn't slip or slide around while hiking. It can affect anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet - walkers, hikers, workers, etc. The design hugs the feet and all the toes, wicking away any moisture from the skin. Darn Tough socks offer technical features, like flex windows, mesh zones, and padding that help you dial in the right fit and function for you. Unfortunately, extra padding means less breathability, and this design does not incorporate a breathable instep like most lighter hiking socks. Because there is more leg coverage, these tall socks provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort under any bottoms, which makes them a great length in our Snow socks, whether your winter activity is ski or board, or even ice fishing. This is one of the types of socks that can also be worn more casually withsneakers, shorter boots, and some high heels. It's not the best option if you need more cushion underfoot, though, as this sock has zero padding. All Rights Reserved. These socks are ideal for everyday use in the summer or other warmer months, as they let your legs and ankles breathe. But cotton socks do. Toe socks have many advantages but are typically not as warm as traditional styles. Our size chart is the go-to for detailed info on our sock heights that range from No Show Hidden all the way to Over-the-Calf. Toddler socks : for children between 1 to 4 years old who wear toddler shoe sizes 4 to 7. All are made of wool-synthetic blends of about the same thickness, similar to the Darn Tough Light Hiker. Knee high socks are popular among women looking for a real statement accessory. The Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew offers a thinner, more breathable construction well suited for the warmer months of the year. Now that you know all the types of socks, choose the right pairs to make the most of your day. Read more: Wigwam Hiking Outdoor Pro review. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Accessibility Statement, What Sheep Taught Us About Running in Merino Socks, The Sockfather Chronicles: Fathers Day Staff Picks, Follow the White Blazes: How to Hike the Long Trail of Vermont, Military/First Responder/Medical Discount. This cut is most often used in casual socks, though athletic socks and dress socks also come in this length. The Danish Endurance socks will get you comfortably from point A to B three out of the four seasons. Backpacking into the Grand Canyon on the New Hance Trail is one of the many reasons you might want to get a great performing hiking sock. These visuals will help with the general idea of where a sock reaches, and the measurements chart will help with specifics. No show socks. Since they are long enough to show a word, saying or design, many of our quarter socks have fun novelty patterns. These days his adventures often surround his two young kids, who enjoy getting out to play in the woods and rivers with their dad. The Danish Endurance Unisex also has a snug fit with a compression panel around the arch to keep the socks in place. Hiking provides you with the opportunity to see and connect with the most remote and beautiful places in the world. Our feet got wet for sure, but they stayed warm and comfortable. Running: A good pair of high moisture-wicking socks will defend against athletes foot, Cycling: You wont need extra padding when cycling, so opt for a thin pair of socks to prevent chafing, Hiking: For shorter hikes, focus on wicking capabilities; for those who like to hike further, socks with padding to keep your feet warm, such as micro-crew, Lifting: To protect your legs from weights, its recommended to wear higher socks like mid-calf or knee highs, Socks with sandals: Youve probably seen this one a lot. The Danish has shown piling, compaction, and thread wear after two years of use, but it's still usable. We have yet to produce our best sock, but we get better with every step. These days Jon spends much of the year farming and gardening in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Tights are typically thinner than leggings. With all the varieties that come with life, types of socks are designed in response. Yep, Crew height. Running through mountain streams wearing the Farm to Feet Damascus Lightweight Crew. Less coverage makes it a more breathable sock suitable for warmer conditions. It also comes in a unisex fit that our male and female testers found snug and true to size. Get noticed by wearing over-the-knee socks with a skirt or dress. Luckily, you can fit a liner underneath the sock to help increase its ability to wick, but our scores reflect its performance when liner-free. Manydress sockscome in mid-calf length. Composition - Knit with 63% Merino Wool 35% Nylon 2% Lycra Spandex. Most of the socks we tested integrate elastic materials to keep everything in place while on the trail. Foot fatigue is common and happens when the muscles of the foot become overly tired. In your time delving into the depths of sock obsession, you may have noticed that fun socks come in lots of different lengths, and the terminology can get a little confusing. Socks. I loveem so much, I tell as many people as possible about the differences in synthetic and how great Darn Tough is! Otherwise, these socks would have been best of class for their comfort, fit, and warmth, whether dry or wet. Here we run it out at the start of a 20-mile day on the remote island of Hornstrandir in Iceland. After years of testing these socks, some have changed very little, while others have disappointed. Crew is the most common sock length. You can learn more abouthow to wash merino wool socks here. After hundreds of hands-on testing hours and thorough assessments, we hope to help you find the best hiking socks for your performance needs and ambitions. While a sock may be "female-specific" or "male-specific," it's important to look at. It can be difficult to keep track of shifting fashion standards. Read more: Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion review. Relative height and compatibility with different hiking shoes and boots also play into this.
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