WARNING: Don’t Buy Cheap Merino Wool Socks!

In this video, I compare expensive Merino wool socks vs cheap ones. I purchased a lot of different affordable Merino wool hiking socks to see if I could find a viable alternative to my expensive Merino wool socks. And I noticed that I get a lot fewer blisters when wearing my expensive Silverlight and Darn Tough Merino wool socks.

▼ THRU-HIKING POSTERS (MADE BY ME & MY GF)

▼ EXPENSIVE SOCKS MENTIONED IN VIDEO (affiliate links)

▼ CHEAP SOCKS MENTIONED IN VIDEO (affiliate links)

▼ TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Testing
01:38 - Thin Fibers
03:02 - Materials
04:25 - Compression
04:58 - Padding
05:22 - Toebox Shape
05:50 - thru-Hiking vs Dayhiking
06:42 - Affordable Socks
08:22 - Final Words

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▼ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
In some of our videos, we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking our affiliate links, we might get a small commission from the total purchase, at no additional cost for you. We participate in the Amazon Associates affiliate program and other affiliate programs.

[Buffenmeyer]

Wow, what a great channel. I appreciate the way you address topics simply and efficiently. Will definitely be following along! Cheers from USA!

[mdecwpm]

Thanks for the overview. I have had the Silverlights for a year or so and they are going strong, both myself and my partner use them and no issues, no holes, they are so worth the price. I do wish they came in lighter colours but we wear them year round for day walks/ hikes and travelling.

[axmad]

great, thanks for the recommendation. I've never had hiking socks before. Been using regular only, but it's time get them finally

[Jorditoms]

It's so nice to see you back again!!! yeahhhh

[annoyedok]

I've bought the Kirkland wool socks for $2-$3 a pair at the end of winter. They make good gifts and I think they would make a good option for handing out to homeless people.

[wildweeds]

I'm wearing a pair of Time May Tell Merino wool socks at this moment. I've hiked in them and haven't noticed any issues. I have a couple Darn Tough socks, but not the Merino wool ones. I'll get a Merino wool socks from Darn Tough to see how good they actually are. Good info!

[Marche_Nco]

hi Oscar ! Yes i have the danish, some models are great and some are really cheap ! The best are for me the darn tough Midweight Hiking Sock . Thanks for this video, very interresting ( and sorry for my bad english )🙂

[kimaegaii]

Very good quality content, keep up the good work, i think you will get more subscribers and even if you didn't it is such great quality for people to learn from. Well done!!

[archiearchie]

I binned the contents of my sock drawer about 3 years ago and bought 6 pairs of Darn Tough socks for daily use, 3 for 2 deal total spend £104. In 3 years the socks have increased to £32 each. Super comfy, almost no wear. I don't expect to buy any more socks for at least 10 years.
A little disappointed that the Warranty is pretty much worthless outside of USA is the only downside.

[There-Is-No-Virus]

*A wool sock over a tight silk sock eliminates friction on your feet entirely by making the silk sock essentially a second skin layer.

[Templar]

Also worth mentioning Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee. If you wear a hole in them, for example, they will replace your pair free of charge.

[markpescatrice]

Thank you for this video, Oscar. This is a very informative video with solid information.

[BackcountryTreks]

Great video! I use injini toe sock liners under my darn toughs. My issue is my pinky toe is smashed against the other causing friction. So I pre tape that problem spot and it seems to help a lot.

[carpepedes]

I learned lots i didn’t know about merino sock types and brands. it’s kinda like cashmere for feet, heh. Nice seeing each sock on foot (foot lovers rejoice 😅). Very informative great vid.

[juandavidmunoz]

Excellent video! Ordering the dainish socks now

[listenerererz]

Hi! Nice to see such a detailed overview.
Pls make one for underwear or pants, if you can. Sadly I'm jusf z beginner into hiking, but socks issue so far was easy to solve - I just kept rotating my socks on each smallest stop - one pair outside backpack to dry, dry ones on my feet. But the thighs were itching and then aching on 3rd day of my hike - my underwear was rubbing on my legs as I'm not as skinny.

[RAGERPLAYS]

very informative videe my guy! appreciate the time you took to make this bad boy video

[plakor]

I just purchased my first pair of Darn Tough socks the other day. So far, so good. They are really nice, as they should be.

[johnharris]

All you need to do is make sure your boots and/or shoes are big enough and buy any socks you want. I wore them in construction for years and never had the first blister.

[Raven]

I got a $30 pair of smart socks and a $9 pair (Mark's) on the same day same place. I wore one of each for a couple days switching feet etc... I honestly couldn't tell the difference. I went back to the store & bought the last 4 pair of the $9.... it has been about a month that i have been wearing them.... they are all holding up great. Also the cheap ones have 4% more wool - 66 vs 70.... less expensive isn't necessarily a bad thing. Ballston is another less expensive great product....