Socks

[historian]

What socks do you recommend for rucking/hiking? I'm just starting to get into this and am wondering what the INGO mindhive likes.

Thanks!

 

[cg21]

Darn tough

 

[Ingomike]

Smartwool. The best socks ever. I have Smartwool socks that are still good after years of wear. Obviously I do not wear hiking socks everyday, but I have 20 year old hiking socks that are still great. Their dress socks are also great for what they do.

Hike Classic Edition Full Cushion Crew Socks | Smartwool

Our Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew socks focus on comfort and durability, so you can go farther on every hike. Responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified Merino wool keeps things soft, while recycled nylon keeps it all sustainable. And full cushioning on the entire sock adds the warmth and protection you...

www.smartwool.com

 

[foszoe]

What socks do you recommend for rucking/hiking? I'm just starting to get into this and am wondering what the INGO mindhive likes.

Thanks!

Darn Tough

 

[cg21]

So to elaborate a little…. I just started hiking rucking recently-ish and I got on the darn tough wagon….. I will say they do not last forever. But with the $7 replacement for life I think it justifies the initial expense. They dry quickly and are very comfortable

 

[foszoe]

I've worn darn tough for over 10 years, same pair.

I will say though anything that can put up with INGOMike for 20 years may be better

 

[cg21]

I've worn darn tough for over 10 years, same pair.

I will say though anything that can put up with INGOMike gor 20 years may be better

When you say same
Pair is that like everyday ? Every other with laundry day in between? Or just when hiking?

I only ask because I got two pairs fall 2022 I believe I have essentially worn them everyday since (alternating days and sparingly they got a day off) I do have a couple holes in them now but mainly from a metal floor mat I occasionally snag on

 

[patience0830]

When you say same
Pair is that like everyday ? Every other with laundry day in between? Or just when hiking?

I only ask because I got two pairs fall 2022 I believe I have essentially worn them everyday since (alternating days and sparingly they got a day off) I do have a couple holes in them now but mainly from a metal floor mat I occasionally snag on

Free replacement for life, right?

 

[foszoe]

When you say same
Pair is that like everyday ? Every other with laundry day in between? Or just when hiking?

I only ask because I got two pairs fall 2022 I believe I have essentially worn them everyday since (alternating days and sparingly they got a day off) I do have a couple holes in them now but mainly from a metal floor mat I occasionally snag on

I bought 10 pairs. I wear the same pair 2 or 3 days in a row, like jeans. On hot hikes wear same pair every other day or two.

 

[indyblue]

Just about anything wool since it still works even when wet.

 

[cg21]

Free replacement for life, right?

No $7 and they will go in soon the funny part about these even when you get a hole it doesn’t really spread

 

[dak109]

Has anybody tried alpaca socks?

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I've quit buying anything but these:

https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-men's-merino-wool-blend-sock%2C-6-pair.product.4000093577.html

At the end of winter they go on sale cheap AF, like $4 for the 6 pack.

They last, they are very odor resistant, and they are comfy.

 

[dmarsh8]

Farm to feet.
From what I can tell they use 100% USA supply chain and are non woke!
Unlike Woke BLM supporting- Darn Tough
https://darntough.com/pages/inclusion

 

[Tryin']

Your foot size will really dictate what you find best for your feet. Different companies use lasts made to varying dimensions, even for the same foot size. To make matters worse, sometimes the lasts are different across product lines from the same company. I have noted that the smaller your feet are, the less it matters. Also, long and narrow feet will find more compatibility than wide feet. I have bought a bunch, and returned a bunch. Smartwool is usually a safe bet for me.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Brands really don't matter as much as materials, in my experience.

"SmartWool" / Merino wool or Merino / synthetic blend.

Long haul socks are different than short jaunts are different than running/jogging are different from cold weather.

 

[gregkl]

Another Darn Tough user here. Have used other "top" brands, but these seem to work fine. I need more. I am currently alternating between two pairs and I wear them often when working outdoors and/or hiking.

 

[Leadeye]

Growing up we would cut the worn out socks out so you could pull them over you hands and wrists up the arm. This gave gloves a little more insulation in the palm and back of the hand. It also gave you some protection in the cold when you had to pull gloves off because some task required more dexterity than the gloves allowed.

The gardener gets after me for not throwing old socks away, but it's still a habit.

 

[BR8818]

Farm to Feet
Minus33
Darn Tough, but not giving them another $1

 

[manifest destiny]

I've had good luck with the Smartwool brand. My only knock on them is the use of the word smart. They're socks, for cryin' out loud.