darn tough

Your feet take a lot of abuse from all the pounding, stomping, kicking and leaping you do. It is a fact that if you are on the move, your feet are too. This means they get hot. This means they get sweaty. All that extra moisture can cause some nasty blisters. Cotton socks stay wet, so you need socks made out of merino wool, which wicks. The wool pulls moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and comfy.

Here are some of my favorites made by Darn Tough and Smartwool. You can choose the amount of thickness and cushion you need, and the height of sock. All the pairs come in some wonderful colors too, many more than the ones shown here.

Summer is a great time to hit the hiking trails. Having a great pair of hiking socks is just as important as a solid pair of hiking boots. You can't just wear any old sock, since hiking is so demanding on your poor tootsies. You've got to wear a sock that will be durable enough to take the pressure of your pounding steps. Plus it needs to be made out of a material that will wick sweat away from your skin to prevent blisters.

That's where merino wool socks come in. Check these out, made by a company in Vermont called Darn Tough. They make some excellent socks for outdoor activities, and you can trust their designs since they're tested in the mountains and trails of VT.

These boot socks offer high density cushioning around the entire foot where you need it. They're made out of pre-shrunk merino wool, and the ribbing above the ankle ensures a proper and snug fit. The toe and heel are reinforced so you won't have to worry about holes in your socks.

I know you're wondering, "Aren't these socks itchy?" Not at all. Merino wool is extra soft and these socks are also made of nylon and spandex. You can order them online from gearX.com for $20. Since they're so durable, you'll know they'll last.

Nothing beats the feeling of running or biking outdoors - the fresh air, soft breezes, and beautiful scenery make you feel so energized and alive. Now that the air temperature is heating up, you're going to find that as soon as you step outside, you're going to begin to sweat.

I'm sure you're sporting a wicking sports bra, underwear, and tank top, so what about your feet? They're stuck inside your sneaks, and they probably get more hot and sweaty than the rest of your body. You need a good pair of socks that will wick moisture away from your feet, so you can stay dry and prevent blisters.

When you're active, cotton socks just don't belong on your feet. There are plenty of options that are just as soft but the material will keep your feet more comfortable when they get hot.

These are one of my favorites made by Darn Tough called the Back Road Series. They're made with 71% merino wool so they wick sweat away from your skin and into the wool fibers. The heel and toe are reinforced where you need it, and there is elastic support around the arch. I also love the mesh knitting on top of the foot to keep your tootsies even cooler.

Fit's Tip: You can order them from backcountry.com for $12.95. They're more expensive than your basic cotton sock, but they'll last longer and keep your feet cool and blister-free.

Merino wool really is the way to go when it comes to active wear, and socks are no exception. I just found this sock company named Darn Tough. They're a small company - they make all of their socks in their mill in Northfield, VT.

Their socks are made with a combination of warm and breathable merino wool, and soft and strong Coolmax fibers. They insulate to keep you warm, and the wool is great at wicking moisture away from your foot when you sweat.

Plus, they're on-mountain socks to cover your entire calf and shin, keeping them warm and cushioned from the pressure of your ski boots.

These socks, although made from wool, aren't the slightest bit itchy. They also make shorter socks for running and hiking.

I'm a huge fan of Darn Tough (as are a ton of other people) mostly because they make one awesome, comfy and durable sock, but also because I like to support smaller companies. Find a pair nearest you and I'm sure you'll agree.