Published by Andrew on 7 March 2019
Enough can't be said for a good pair of socks whether on or off the bike, here Richard Peace reviews a rugged pair from Darn Tough.
Darn Tough cycling socks
From: Various online outlets
RRP: £14.70, US$19
Compare other cycling socks
Do you really need socks made especially for cycling? I never really thought so before, but after trying out these very lightweight and skin hugging Micro Crew Ultra Light socks from US company Darn Tough, I’m much more in the cycling sock camp now.
To my mind they’ve got three plus points you probably won’t get with any old sock. First off, for cycle tourists they are indeed ultralight and compact, and every gram and every little space in your pannier counts if you like to travel really light. Secondly, they are skin-hugging yet comfortable and this gripiness means they won’t slip about in your shoes. Thirdly, they should last and last and last, so much so Darn Tough offer an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
I’ve been wearing these on the bike for a few months now and they show no sign of stretching or wear (apparently the socks are reinforced around the heel and toe where socks normally wear out), so the blend of Merino wool, nylon and spandex seems to be doing exactly what it should.
With the advent of cheaply made, cheap-to-buy ‘consumable’ modern clothing, it is refreshing to see a brand making a product that should last a lifetime. Note Darn Tough also do trekking and running socks as well as socks for other activities.
Darn Tough cycling socks
From: Various online outlets
RRP: £14.70, US$19
Compare other cycling socks
About our reviewer
Richard Peace is the author of the official English-language guidebook to the Veloscenie Paris-Mont-Saint Michel bike route and the Sustrans guide to the London-Paris Avenue Verte. He also contributes to A to B magazine, Bike Europe and Eurobike Show Daily.
