• Overall Rating

  : 5 out of 5

The Darn Tough Men’s Mountaineering Micro Crew Heavyweight Hiking Socks look to be a plain and traditional sock, but there’s more at (ahem) foot here.

The fabric has a high merino content which gives excellent comfort and temperature regulation, along with excellent odour control between washes. It deals with moisture well, wicking sweat away fast and staying comfortable when damp or wet, although drying time is a little slower than a more synthetic sock. There is a nylon component for durability and to help retain shape.

Construction is quite simple with a lightly ribbed foot and thicker ribbed ankle, topped by plain elastic cuff which holds its place well with no pressure. The toe and heel have flat seams to eliminate potential rub spots. Insider, there’s a very dense terry-loop throughout which is very comfortable indeed, and also promotes insulation and moisture management. It’s a feature that has also proven very durable with the loops bouncing back after washing and even just drying overnight in the tent.

These were the only symmetrical socks I tested in this test and they fit well. The Darn Toughs fit fine and the fit settles after just a few seconds each time. Toes won’t be in the same place in the sock as with asymmetrical design, so I wonder is there better durability with symmetrical socks? Certainly, the Mountaineering Micro Crew’s are lasting well with very little bobbling so far.

The comfort is excellent, especially in the colder weather where I’ve been using them in light boots, and with winter boots and crampons, when I’ve appreciated the extra cushioning and warmth. They are more expensive than the other socks I reviewed and at first glance they look like plain old pair of socks, but the detail in the construction, the fabric and the performance are all excellent and these were the (ahem) standout socks in this test.

How we tested

Peter has a size 9UK foot with low-ish volume, a wide forefoot and a narrow heel and ankle. He tested throughout the year from hot summer days in trail shoes to the winter Munros wearing boots and crampons. Weights are from his own scales.