LegendaryDaru t1_jc29zlb wrote on March 13, 2023 at 2:59 PM

I'd also like to add that by purchasing a higher quality product you're cutting down on the garbage you produce. So, going by your same 16 vs 100 pairs, that's around 84 pairs of socks that won't be seeing a garbage bin. Good!

DropsOfLiquid t1_jc2ltli wrote on March 13, 2023 at 4:17 PM

From my experience with Darn Tough athletic socks it will be more than 16 in the bin unfortunately. Their thick hiking socks last forever for me but their athletic socks get holes regularly. They do replace them but you pay to return & it’s kind of just annoying.

I’ve actually moved away from Darn Tough for athletic socks because they last about the same as cheap socks for me. Maybe I’m doing something wrong & others have a different experience but I’ve been very underwhelmed with my DT athletic sock trials.

bicycle_mice t1_jc305c1 wrote on March 13, 2023 at 5:51 PM

I’ve had the opposite experience! I have developed some holes but only have several years of tough wear. I got a pair of Bombas as a Christmas gift and they started to develop holes after only a couple months. I wear through socks so fast because I walk and run a lot and have bony feet. DT outlasts everything else by several orders of magnitude. It’s all I wear.

DropsOfLiquid t1_jc325ev wrote on March 13, 2023 at 6:03 PM

That’s super interesting. What DT athletic sock version do you wear?

I was using these ultralight socks & they got the weirdest holes in places I’ve never even had socks fail. For how amazing their hiking socks are I was super disappointed in these.

[deleted] t1_jc3e4ub wrote on March 13, 2023 at 7:19 PM

100% agreed. I’ve got two pairs of those that I need to send in for warranty claims

bicycle_mice t1_jc3ko48 wrote on March 13, 2023 at 8:01 PM

I think I got those and maybe the CoolMax ones too? I run and walk 5-10 miles most days, but my feet generally don't sweat so that might make a difference. I also use the hiking socks for backpacking trips they've held up pretty well. The "fashion" socks with cute designs tend to not last as long, maybe 1-3 years for me.

Teutonic-Tonic t1_jc3f5e2 wrote on March 13, 2023 at 7:26 PM

There are multiple intangible benefits... you also arguably have a higher quality of life as you are wearing comfortable wool socks that breath better vs cheap poly blend socks.

The socks are also made by workers making a living wage in Vermont vs a sweatshop in China.