If you’re as avid of a hiker as I am, you know that what you put on your feet makes a huge difference to your hike. I don’t know about you, but it bums me out when I have to hike with blistered, cold, or painful feet.
Choosing the right pair of socks for your hikes is a high priority for any adventurer. I have tried all different types of brands. I have settled on the understanding that Merino wool socks are the top tier in hiking socks.
Bombas socks and Darn Tough both make Merino wool socks, so they are both competitive contenders in the sock game. Follow along to hear the pros and cons of these companies to make a well-informed decision on what brand of socks is best from their ethical standards to the quality of materials.
| Feature | Bomba | Darn Tough |
| Materials | Cotton & Merino Wool | Nylon, Lycra, & Merino Wool |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
Bombas Hiking Socks
If you have listened to a podcast, you have probably heard an ad for Bombas socks. They are a relatively new company and provide high-quality socks for their customers.
My favorite thing about Bombas is the fact that they are a B Corp Certified company, which means they run their company while keeping environmental and sustainable considerations in mind.
They also donate socks for those in need every time you make a purchase. Plus, they make donations for Black Lives Matter and other notable causes. They’re one of the most ethical sock brands out there.
Advantages of Bombas Socks
1. The Comfortable
They are seriously obsessed with making the most comfortable socks out there. They have a 100% happiness guarantee to ensure that everyone receives socks that fit right and are perfect for your feet. Their socks were designed and went through R&D for years.
They were determined to pinpoint all of the issues we find with our socks, like, “… the painful toe seams; annoying piling; no shows that slip…” and so on.
2. High-Quality Materials
Perfection is the name of the game at Bombas. They make their socks with Peruvian cotton, which they state are designed to help your “feet stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.” They also offer Merino wool hiking socks. When you’re hitting the trail for a long hike, a good pair of reliable socks is imperative. No one likes to walk around with holes in their socks, especially when hiking. Bombas has you covered.
3. Easy to Clean
Because of the materials that make up the Bombas socks, it isn’t difficult to wash them and keep them looking and feeling clean! There are only a few simple steps that need to be followed in my recommended cleaning guide for Bombas.
Darn Tough Hiking Socks
Darn Tough is a sock company based out of Vermont. They exercise sustainable business practices while making their socks in the USA. So if you like supporting a smaller company devoted to their community, these guys might be your choice.
They like to focus on helping their local communities by supporting youth, veterans, homeless, and food scarcity in Vermont. They also offer a discount for first responders, the medical field, the military, and teachers.
They also have a lifetime warranty guarantee. Just send the socks in question to them, and you’ll get a new pair. No receipt is necessary. Darn Tough socks are totally a win-win situation.
Advantages of Darn Tough Socks
1. Long-Lasting
Darn Tough Socks are guaranteed to last a lifetime. If that’s not a promise for long-lasting socks, I don’t know what is. This family-owned business knits their socks using Merino wool, well-known for its ability to wick moisture from the skin, which is terrific for hiking in all-weather.
They “design, manufacture, sell and promote the most comfortable, durable and best fitting socks available in the market today.”
2. Available Styles
Darn Tough makes socks for men, women, and children. They come in different lengths from ankle, mid-calf, and boot length. They even have mountaineering socks that go up past the calf.
They have lightweight and mid-weight versions as well. Additionally, they have socks that come in many colors, and some have designs on them like flowers.
Differences Between Bombas and Darn Tough Socks
1. Durability
Both Bombas and Darn Tough guarantee durability. They both offer Merino wool socks, which are known to the hiking community to be the best material for hiking socks.
However, it is pretty much impossible for Bombas to compete with the lifetime guarantee that Darn Tough has.
2. Comfort
Bombas is the winner in the comfort department. Just solely based on their rigorous testing methods. They have genuinely made an enormous effort to ensure that common issues we have with our socks are addressed and improved.
That being said, my pair of Darn Toughs are my favorite pair of hiking socks, so while they aren’t testing as intensely as Bombas socks, they are extremely comfortable.
3. Price
The price of these socks is pretty comparable. A pair of Bombas hiking socks will run you anywhere from $16-$24. Darn Tough socks will run from $17-30.
I’d say Darn Tough would be a worthy investment, even though they cost a little more. You get that warranty.
Which Socks Are Better?
These two companies are truly remarkable in their own way. I love that they both consider the environment in their business practices. I also love that they both support worthy causes. This makes both of these companies pretty great.
However, Darn Tough is also family-run and has a long history of sock-making. I like this. And again, it is tricky for Bombas to compete with the lifetime guarantee that Darn Tough has.
From personal experience, my vote will have to go to Darn Tough. The pair I have is still like new. Even after extensive backpacking trips, including hundreds of miles hiked in them. I love their comfortability and durability. You can’t go wrong with Darn Tough socks.
Conclusion
There are many great companies out there specializing in hiking socks. Bombas and Darn Tough are definitely at the top of the high-quality list. While I may have made a decision here, you can wear any socks you like.
If you choose either of these companies, you will probably be satisfied either way. You just want to make sure you have comfortable socks for all of your outdoor adventures. Everyone deserves high-quality outdoor experiences. So, go get some new socks! Happy trails to you.
