Running Diva Mom: Darn Tough Vermont Socks Review & Giveaway

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Darn Tough Vermont Socks Review & Giveaway

The folks at Darn Tough Vermont recently gave me the opportunity to review some of their run-bike socks.

Visit them online at: http://www.darntough.com/

I have been using strictly Under Armour socks since I started running in 2005. My socks have been worn right through to the point that they are see through. I have had about 10 pairs that I've rotated over that time and still have some of my original pairs! Can we say -- time for the garbage can?!

What I look for in a sock:

- My pet peeve with socks is that I don't like them to move, slide-down or rub. I hate nothing more than leaving for a run and my sock needs to be adjusted or my shoe needs to be tied. What a way to start off a run?!?

- I prefer low-cut socks, but not so low that they are "no-shows".

- I also prefer a little padding, but not bulkiness.

- I like my feet to be able to breathe a little bit and don't want them to get overheated or soaked.

So ... they sent me the Run-Bike 1/4 Sock + Cushion in Merino Wool to try out.

I wore these socks out on my "expected 5K loop" with Little Dude the other day. This is the run where I pushed him around in the cute pushable car! I felt so good, even after running a 13 mile training run the day before, and we went two extra miles in my new, spiffy socks!!

I wear a women's size 10 which puts me in the middle in between sizes. I was given both a size Medium and a size Large socks to try. I've tried both now and both seem to fit well. I do prefer the size Medium slightly, only because there is less bulk, as they are smaller. Their grid says I should probably wear a Large.

With other socks, I've been getting blisters on the outside of my big toes, from rubbing (obviously!). That's always my "hot spot". Blisters have been healing and then I'll get another one underneath the old one. It's been an icky process this Spring with my marathon training. With the Darn Tough Vermont socks, I felt no movement or rubbing and my feet actually feel much better and less sore than they were (after my runs). I don't know if this is from the socks or because my feet are getting use to all of the trauma I'm putting them through?! The packaging state that there is a zero-friction heel, that includes a deep heel pocket that eliminates blisters and hot spots. I also experienced the mid-foot support, no slipping and no bunching, as it mentions on the packaging.

I was a little curious about the merino wool fabric, wondering how they'd feel. I automatically thought of fuzzy animals and hot steamy feet!! But they were awesome and SUPER COMFY! They only use 100% fine guage Merino wool for highly breathable, itch free, next-to-skin comfort. Merino wool apparently naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool when it's hot and warm when it's chilly. It's fast drying and naturally antimicrobial.

If you'd like to give them a try, they offer an unconditional lifetime guarantee! Return them for your money back!

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