Darn Tough Vermont 1/4 Sock Mesh Run Bike Sock Review
Great socks are one of those things that you don’t always appreciate until you have them. Darn Tough Vermont has been making premium socks for over 30 years and the 1/4 Sock Mesh Run Bike sock is one of the latest incarnations of their years of experience. Darn Tough offers two versions of this sock in two different fabrics; Coolmax and merino wool. The version tested in this review was the Coolmax fabric. While they are marketed as a running and biking sock, they make an excellent daily sock as well. Over the review period, I have worn these on distance bike rides in the mountains, a couple of 5k runs, on a 7 mile hike with my Merrel Trail Glove shoes, and as a daily sock. They performed exceptionally in all of these circumstances.
Loved it:
- Ultra light weight makes them fit well in all footwear
- Mesh venting along the top of the sock allows increased airflow in between the toes
- Fine gauge knitting creates a secure fit that hugs the foot and offers less bulk than other socks
- A basically seamless design eliminates the abrasion you often get at the front of the foot
- The heel pocket is designed in a way that minimizes friction and helps prevent blisters
- Coolmax yarn wicks moisture away from the foot and dries quicker
- The mid foot is made tighter in order to avoid bunching in that section; Darn Tough refers to this as “mid foot support” but I wouldn’t say it actually offers much actual support
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE on the socks! Right from the packaging: “If our socks aren’t the most comfortable and durable socks you’ve ever owned, return them for your money back.” Can’t beat a company that stands behind its products like that!
- Very little to complain about with these great socks
- The only element I would suggest looking at is deciding between the Coolmax and merino wool version; I found the Coolmax to dry well but not offer the smell-resistance you get with merino wool
In this heat the Darn Tough coolmax mesh socks are my go-to sock for both road and mtb riding. Never have I had a sock that is so durable yet the air just travels right through it. I often say that the best gear on my bike or on me is the gear you don’t even think about during the ride – well these Darn Tough socks are IT!