Darn Tough Socks vs "Darn Cheap" Socks! 

There is something to be said for American made! I've since switched to Injinji Toe socks. I've tried a few cheaper alternatives and just don't like them as much!

@@DoseofDirt I liked the injinji socks but after about a month I got a hole in them right at the big toe, my wish would be if darn tough made toe socks.

@@dabbking I'm actually surprised mine haven't gotten holes yet because it has happened with so many of my other socks. Agreed. If Darn Tough makes toe socks, I will be 100% on board!

That and the lifetime replacement. More cost up front, cheaper over the years.

Thanks, Darren! Ya, if I can save some bucks you know I'll do it every time! 🤣

Thanks man! it was a sacrifice to wear mis-matched socks so many times! 🤣🤣🤣

Thanks, man! I think the thickness is comparable. The "darn cheap" socks probably look thinner because of the amount of use. My Darn Tough socks have only been on the trails with me a half dozen times or so, but the Darn Cheaps have been probably close to a hundred. Ya, Darn Tough's could be worth it in the long run, but I think the one pair I have may be my only pair of Darn Tough's. Nothing against them (they are great!) but for me they're just not worth the cost. Thanks for watching, man!

You're not alone! And honestly, if something's working why change it??

What's up, dude! I had thought about trying out Smart Wool. I think you've just talked me out of it! 🤣 Now that you point it out, I think you're right that the cushioning on the Darn Tuff socks seems to wear away. The first time I put them on they felt pretty luxurious, but they have felt less and less that way lately. Hilarious that you wish you could get a hole in your DT socks but he "wolverine toe" (HILARIOUS name, btw) isn't "cutting it" shall we say? 🤣 I have been trying some Injinji socks lately as well. I LOVE them because zero blisters! Also my feet are just happier in them because they can move around better. But also noticed the toe dagger already wearing a hole in my first pair. It's better if I make sure to keep it trimmed, but who wants to cut their toe nail every. single. time. they hit the trails?! I worry with them going on the same foot every time as well. I think they will wear out twice as fast because of that (my Feetures were the same way. It has a specific right and left sock). I am definitely going to check out their liners though! If they are more durable that is good. Also, the "ultra" injinjis seem to be a bit thicker and are lasting better so far. Thanks for not leaving me along on 'wolverine toe island'. Nice to have friends with the same problems. 🤣 I look forward to your comments man! Thank you!

haha! that's awesome! Maybe they limit the warranty to 'lifetime' because of people like you who plan to wear them into the next life... 🤣 I've switched to injinji's since making this video, and can understand the commitment to socks bordering on insanity, because that's where I'm at with my injinji socks 😆 Thanks for watching!

That’s awesome! How was the warranty experience? I can’t say anything bad about them. They are definitely regulars in my sock rotation!

The warranty was shockingly easy. I didn’t know what would be accepted or not or what is just hard use and abuse. I sent 3 pairs of mid weight hiking socks to them that I had worn quite literally for 3 years straight on our homestead in Maine. They sent me an email with a credit for the amount of 3 similar pairs and let me order whatever I wanted. I was impressed.

@@retireddac That is awesome! I love that they just gave you a credit rather than send you what they thought would work. Even if I think the Darn Cheap socks are similar, clearly Darn Tough is doing things right!

Some reviews say the sock is tight. I would like to purchase a pair of Darn Tough socks for a guy that typically wears size 10.5 and 11. Do you recommend I order Large or should I order up with an XL?

@@ariannawaddell1891 I have not found them to be any tighter than other socks. I personally have to purchase wide hiking boots and running shoes. Even with EE width shoes I buy my recommended sock size. (I think my size 12 is usually or always a size XL) I historically have preferred the mid and heavy weight socks for hiking. Super comfy even on long days.

What's up! Literally working on editing my Grand Canyon video and just got to the spot where I'm busting out my RecPak. Love this stuff! I'm usually all trail runners so don't have to worry about boot socks. BUT, just last weekend we went backpacking and I needed boots because we knew there was at least a foot of snow. So I picked up some Injinji Ultra full length socks, and they were AWESOME under my waterproof winter hiking boots. Any time I wear boots in the future, these are going to be the socks on my feet. Here's a link: amzn.to/3EjjQOf What are you guys rocking?

​@@DoseofDirt Most of my boot socks are still around from when I was in the Marine Corps. I always used to wear Fox River, and they've lasted throughout the years!

@@recpak5750 I had never heard of Fox River socks, but just checked out their website. Those are some good looking socks! I may have to check those out! Thanks for the tip!

Definitely something to consider!

Thank you!! They are so cute! Trail running is definitely their happy place! Thanks for watching!

Dang! I have not! And I'm a little disappointed that I haven't! I've usually tried most things from Costco! They have some great gear at even better prices!

Hey! I look forward to your comments! Since you don't wear socks usually, when you hit the trails do you just not wear socks? Or is that when you will wear them? I do not wear sock linters. But I did recently try some Injinji toe socks (because of the blister issue I mentioned in this video) and LOVE them. not only do the cure the blister problem between my toes, but my feet just feel more comfortable and I feel like my feet can actually take full advantage of the wide toe box shoes I like to use I will have to check out the liners! Thanks for watching!

I just don't wear socks most of the time, including my hiking. My shoe of choice are Vibram Five Fingers for everyday wear and since I find them comfortable I wear them hiking. I have noticed some models have better tread than others for traction while hiking. My favorite for comfort and traction is the CVT Hemp model, but they are not very durable for hiking. I picked up a pair of V-Alphas this year and they have been great on the trail - just not a preferred model for day to day use. As the temps drop, I will add the injinji liners and socks and continue to wear the Five Finger shoes. The merino socks are for when I need to wear my insulated hiking boots for snow shoeing or cold winter hikes.

@@Doc_Watson This is awesome! I have a pair of Vibram Five Fingers that I was using to walk the dogs during the summer. I'd like to get a pair with solid traction for the trails as well. I think there are a lot of benefits to going more minimalist on the trail when you can, as far as foot strength and overall performance of your ankle, knee, etc. I watched a really cool video today (you may have already seen it) from Chase Mountains: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LoUjgxGZg2o.html One of my goals in 2022 is going to be to get more serious about going more minimalist in my footwear. I'll still use some higher stack height shoes for longer backpacking trips, etc., but I'd like to get my feet in order!

Thanks for the video. I hadn't seen that before. Watching it now. I've been wearing Five Fingers since 2013 and before that my shoe of choice was Converse with the flat soles and no arch support. I did pick up a pair of Merrell Vapor Gloves last year or so and those are nice, thin soled and wide toebox. For traction the V-Alpha has got great grip. Wore them this year over wet rocks/water crossings and muddy trails in the White Mountains. For their trail shoes, I've only used the V-Alpha and the KSO Trek. I have a few of their casual and gym shoes. Although most of my hikes are in the White Mountains and the trails are often rocky and root strewn the distance I go is usually under 5 miles per day and 10 to 12 miles max. I also go barefoot most of the time (mostly inside, not as much as I would like outside because the Dr frowns on it due to my diabetes but I do get outside barefoot often) Best wishes to your goals in 2022.

Hey Jay! Sounds like you have some INCREDIBLE experiences in the back country. I can imagine that hanging around a camp fire and swapping stories would be an awesome way to spend a night! I think I agree with you that if you know your gear is going to see HEAVY use over a sustained period, quality and durability (which usually means more expensive) are key! I do think some people who are getting into sports can be deterred from trying outdoor activities by the sheer cost of the gear if they go top notch on everything. So for a beginner or casual outdoorsman, sometimes buying some less expensive gear can help them get into the outdoors without spending a fortune. And then they can slowly upgrade as they go. But this video probably did not do justice to the above thoughts, and there is certainly something to be said for 1) lifetime guarantee (on socks!) and 2) made in the USA. I do love those two things about Darn Tough. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

​@@DoseofDirt Hi Jeff, It has been a great life thus far and a blessing that keeps the body young and still going...Be it climbing another timber frame I'm designing and building...scaling a multi-pitch rock face...or just the pleasures of paddling some wilderness waterway on the planet someplace...Outdoor life is by far the most rewarding to humans from my perspective... I still hear folks (often now in videos, unfortunately) too often talk about how expensive something is mainly because of the "consumer culture" (i.e. Walmartisim...!!!) that has saturated society...Most people want instant gratification, rather than actual planning into the future around an item of need. Seldom do they think about how to take care of something properly during its service life or what that "life span" possibly will be...Very few have an active consciousness of the footprint they leave on this planet while alive or after...So the status quo rules...buy often...buy cheap...through it away...buy some more...repeat...which is great for big industry...horrible for the planet...!!! As Outdoor professionals, it is our function to role model "good practice" in not only the adventure sports we facilitate but also in our conduct and what we promote as well...So something as simple as a pair of socks (even if they cost $40) over the lifespan of the product and its intended purpose makes a huge impact...Can you imagine the "Walmarts" of the world going away with only companies like "Darn Tough," which is ecologically minded and family-owned, once again dominating the markets with great products that have a fair price and service life...compared to what most companies today promote which is only really themselves once you get past all their marketing "greenwashing?" Apologies if this sounds like an "Old Dog" preaching at you…LOL!!!...but even with a small following your words have an impact and you are representing a broad professional field that should be very motivated to protect this planet we live on…Our purchase power is significant toward the message we send…

@@JayCWhiteCloud Love this, Jay. And love that you model what you are saying in your own life as well as words to strangers on the internet. I have had a lot of these similar thoughts. I personally take very specific actions to care for this planet so that my children and their children will still have a beautiful planet to enjoy. But I think I can do a better job helping others see the impact of their purchases. While I still want to help others find budget options, they need to be 'worthy of purchase' I certainly don't want to promote a disposable culture, so I need to make sure I am not doing that here. Truly appreciate your words, Jay!

​@@DoseofDirt Thank Jeff that was a very kind response...I fully own my bias toward holistic living and living a life as a "maker" rather than dependence on being what we have today which is massive consumerism...Thus I "make" most things from clothing that I tailor or make myself all the way to the architecture I or others live in... if I can't make something...or don't have the time...I purchase/barter with another "maker." Socks are a perfect real-life metaphor for this existence...I can make socks, and effectively repair them as well...However, when a "mom and pop" industry like "Darn Tough" pops up, that is a significant gift to all consumers that wear socks...You only have to purchase them once and take care of them...If you are a "big walker/work" that can wear a sock out...they will replace it...That is the kind of service you would find 200 years ago in your village from the craftspeople around you...Now we have the capacity for a "global village" if humans would choose that mindset rather than what we have now...By default, those in second and third-world countries are forced by economics and happily, their traditional cultures to be makers...while those in "first world" countries destroy the planet for reasons of greed and impatience... Your drive and goal to, "...help others find budget options..." is very admirable, and the reason I took the time to respond is that your beliefs and enthusiasm seem obvious and sincere...Like my mentor and friend, Paul Petzoldt, (founder of NOLS and the WEA) would often tell people, I now say the same...If you don't have the money for something...then learn the skill to make it or take the time to learn from someone that has those skills. If you don't have the will or desire to do that then it must not really be that important to you...Most things to enjoy basic outdoor activities can be made by those...especially trail activities...The more advanced adventure sports are another matter for sure, but even then most "good companies" were started by "makers"...A good example of this is those that taught me rock climbing back in the 60s, some were Blacksmith...others made clothing, harnesses and related "soft-gear"...We climbed on "gold line," pitons, and carabiners and used gear that was "homemade" by my mentors...Today you shop at their companies...Black Diamond, Patagonia, and Royal Robins Apparel...Society has to change if this planet is to survive...You can play a role in that just like they did...

@@JayCWhiteCloud Thanks, Jay! "Society has to change if this planet is to survive" Absolutely true!

🤣🤣🤣 Bare foot footage! 🤢🤢🤢 Ya, I agree with you. Having to mail in socks and wait for a new pair just doesn't seem worth it for socks (which maybe part of what Darn Tough is counting on...). I haven't had to go through it, but in looking at their website it looks like you have to send in the pair of socks, but no need to provide proof of purchase. Those Feetures socks with the hole supposedly have a lifetime warranty as well, but I just haven't been willing to go through the headache to get them replaced! Another reason why I may just stick with my 'Darn Cheap'! 🤣 And thanks! I'm pumped about the 1000 subs! I know you were an EARLY subscriber (maybe first 50?) so thanks for jumping aboard and sticking around!

@@DoseofDirt it’s growing good! How are you on watch hours? I know I got 1000 subs long before I got 4000 watch hours.

@@MyLifeOutdoors I’m over 4,000! So pumped to hot the 1,000 milestone soon. It’s honestly mind blowing to me. Super fun connecting with people through the platform, including yourself!

Haha! They seem to go in and out for some reason. I’m going to keep my eye on them and order more when they are available again! Love ‘em! Thanks for watching!

Ah dang! I know I got mine in a large, so must just be out right now? That's terrible! Hopefully they come back soon!

There are definite advantages to going with Darn Tough! I wish I would have stressed the 'made in USA' factor in this video more because that is a big deal! Thanks for watching!

That is impressive that they last for you! I've since switched to injinji toe socks and will never look back. But I know Darn Tough's have a massive following! My brother swears by them and won't touch the budget option. 😆 Thanks for watching!

Hey Miguel, or I wonder if it's because the socks are too narrow? This was in Altra Lone Peaks, which are one of the wider shoes you can get. But I've since switched to Injinji Toe Socks which ave honestly solved all my blister problems! Love those socks!