You’re Darn Right They Are Tough

Living in Colorado means that you have to go outside no matter the time of year. Whether it’s for a run, bike ride, hike, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, etc. It’s part of being a resident of the state and member of the mountain west. With that comes the need for the right equipment all the way down to the socks which is one part of the ensemble that is often overlooked until its not. I can check this part off of my list as I have found socks that seem to be able to do everything and they’re made in America.

Darn Tough has been making socks for three generations in Vermont. All of the manufacturing still takes place there and if you ever wear your socks out while hiking the Rockies, they’ll replace them.

I bought my first pair earlier this year on a whim on Amazon. Temperatures were going to dip and another set of wool socks that I could also use for hiking sounded like just the ticket. They weren’t cheap as far as socks go but I figured if they were made in America then I was probably getting what I paid for and boy was I right. They were warm but not to the point of making your feet sweat and as comfortable as any pair of socks I’ve ever worn. I was so impressed that I purchased another seven pairs and five of those directly from the company.

The set I bought directly from the company came in a sustainable bag with a little humor that I think everyone would appreciate it. (‘A’ for creative guys!)

As I mentioned, these are not cheap but to the pros outweigh the cons. They’re comfortable, guaranteed, made in America and sustainable. Basically the company is putting it’s money where it’s mouth is.

Most companies pay a lot of lip service to climate change with goals like ‘zero carbon footprint by X date’ and yet there is little to no evidence that they are actually doing it. Darn Tough is. From the packaging to the material of the product to making sure that once you buy a pair they are good for as long as the company is in business. I for one appreciate that more than ever before.

Will buying socks from Darn Tough may not swing climate change in our humanities favor but every little bit helps and we have to all take responsibility for doing our part. And while I would certainly disagree with the political moniker ‘America First’, Darn Tough is great example of balancing manufacturing in America while also doing your part to save the environment. They should be held of as an example of how to do it right.