I am reviewing Darn Tough and Teko socks, which I used on my 1,200 mile Land’s End to John O’Groats and 3 Peaks walk.
During the walk I alternated the socks and rinsed them daily, allowing them to dry hanging on my pack. I was walking for 62 days and camped wild most nights, so I was not able to machine wash the socks. They were mainly rinsed in rivers or public toilet sinks using soap leaves. I was wearing a pair of light weight walking boots: the Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX.
Teko Hiking Socks
The Teko socks were good and lasted well, but after they had done around 400 miles they felt a little rough underneath so I binned them. I purchased a pair of Bridgedale Hikers instead, but these were looking and feeling rough within a few hundred miles.
Darn Tough Hiking Boot Socks
The Darn Tough socks were by far the best socks I have ever used. I walked about 600 miles in them and as long as they are rinsed out regularly they felt soft and comfortable. I have washed them twice at home and will happily wear them on another walk, they still feel and look in really good condition.
General thoughts on socks and long distance walking
The socks with merino wool in felt better when wet than the synthetic socks and I didn’t notice a difference in drying times.
After a long day’s walking, all the socks smelt really bad, but by morning, the socks with a high merino wool content seemed to smell less than the others.
I think my Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX boots staying so smooth inside are the reason the socks lasted so long. I normally wear liner socks to help stop blisters, but the boots were so good that the liner socks were not really needed.
On long distance walks I find my feet spread, so I have to wear a bigger size boot than I would usually.
I will definitely take Darn Tough socks on any future long distance walk that I do; I am seriously impressed with them.
Further Reading
Inov-8 Roclite Pro G 400 GTX boot review
My 1200 mile Lands End to John O’Groats walk
My 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk
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I have used Darn Tough socks for the last few years and they are probably the only bit of kit I have ever had that I am 100% happy with. I didn’t realise how inadequate other socks were until I started using these. You wouldn’t think it would be difficult to make comfortable socks but it seems it is!