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The most durable socks in the world 2023

The most durable socks in the world are made of high-quality materials and are able to withstand years of use. They are designed to be comfortable, breathable, and long-lasting. According to our Reviews, the most durable socks in the world are:

  1. Darn Tough
  2. Smartwool
  3. Fox River
  4. Bombas

So which one should you buy? I'll compare the two most popular brands: Darn Tough vs Smartwool. My journey to find the best socks in the world started two years ago. I bought the following pairs of socks around the same time and both have been worn and washed approximately the same amount of times:

Although these two models are not exactly one-to-one comparable, it gives a good impression about the overall quality of both brands since both models belong to the most sold socks of each brand.

Darn Tough

Darn Tough Vermont Socks are purpose-built premium merino wool socks made in Vermont, USA. The great thing is their lifetime warranty so you never need to buy socks again.

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It feels like the Darn Tough socks are made out of slightly rougher and thicker wool fabric. This results in better cushioning in comparison to the pair of Smartwool. Even though I was air drying them, I noticed a small shrinkage over the years so they don't fit as well as they used to.

Here is our AI-generated summary for them:

  • It's a blend of merino wool and nylon that will keep your feet dry and comfortable on any outdoor adventure.
  • Darn Tough offers a lifetime guarantee on all their socks. If you wear them out, they'll replace them for free.
  • The best sock for hiking, backpacking, trail running, or any other activity where you want to keep your feet comfortable and protected.
  • The socks are very breathable, so they will never make your feet hot.
  • The socks provide excellent arch support and cushioning.
  • This sock is more expensive than your average athletic sock.

Smartwool

I'm wearing my Smartwool socks almost every day for work, they are a great fit for my business-casual work outfit. I can see signs of wear and tear after two years of weekly use. The fabric at the heel became very thin. It won't take long until the weak spot will develop into a hole.

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Here is our summary for them:

  • The socks are lightly cushioned, so they can be worn during any season.
  • It is a versatile activity sock that manages moisture, maintains warmth, and keeps its shape under rigorous conditions.
  • When backpacking with it, you’re going to want to designate a different, perhaps thicker sock for camp activities and bedtime.
  • Quality is not what it used to be. They started piling after a few washes.
  • The quality of Smartwool has gone down since it was bought by a larger company.

Conclusion

Darn Tough socks are very durable, but in my opinion not as comfortable and stylish as the Smartwool's. That's why I'm wearing Darn Tough mainly for hiking or other sports activities, while I prefer Smartwool for workdays. However, Darn Tough is definitely more Buy For Life, because they offer a lifetime warranty and their company is still independently producing their socks in Vermont/USA. Besides the durability issue at the heel, the pair of Smartwool feels very comfortable because of their thin and responsive fabric.

Other recommended brands include Icebreaker, Fox River, Kirkland, and Thorlo. It's important to note that while some people prioritize durability, others prioritize moisture-wicking or cushioning properties.