Cotton socks get damp, bunch up, and wear through. Merino wool stays dry, comfortable, and lasts 10 years.
Why Not Just Buy the Cheap One?
Cotton socks absorb sweat, stay damp for hours, get compression marks that cut off circulation, and thin out in the heel after 30 wears. Darn Tough Merino wicks moisture, maintains cushioning for 10+ years, and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee—seriously, if they break, they send you new ones free.
The Buy-Once Math
Cotton socks last 1-2 years; you'll buy 50+ pairs over a decade at $150+ total. Darn Tough costs $20 per pair but lasts a decade—buy five pairs ($100) and you're set for life. The lifetime warranty means you're actually making money if they ever fail.