DeFeet Wool-E-Ator vs. Darn Tough Merino Wool 1/4 Sock Mesh

I used the darn toughs this spring and summer, for probably 150-200 miles or so, and blew holes in them. I suppose wearing them soaked or damp for a lot of that didn't help much. For the record, I mostly wore them in inov 8 roclite 320's and for a few short runs in mt101s. The balls blew out on the trail, and I just switched feet and went another 50 miles. Thankfully, I didn't get any weird blisters, and I do plan on mailing them back. I liked them a lot, except for the blow outs.

I've only used each type for a hundred or so miles, so my impression of them could change. The darn toughs have been more durable for me, but they are also much stiffer. Both socks get very crusty for me after one day of use without washing. Not that crusty socks are entirely uncommon on longer trips, but the super thin socks just seem to get that much faster and to a higher degree than my thicker socks.

The DeFeet Wooleator fit my feet better and I prefer having the option of a slightly higher cuff at the ankle. Both are quality socks and, for me, have proven to be very durable. Having said that my preferred sock is the DeFeet Aireator for summer trips.

Does anyone have the weight of the Darn Tough's? My DeFeets are 1.65oz per pair.

Bradford,

I use both. In my experience, both are comparable in terms of durability, I'd give Darn Tough the slight edge.

I prefer the feel of the Defeet socks (Blaze and WoolEator), but appreciate the durability of the Darn Toughs (1/4 sock merino cushion and 3/4 crew merino). My single bad experience with Darn Tough socks was with the 1/4 sock MESH model, after 2 days of river crossings they left me with holes in the achilles area of the sock from sediment, the socks were brand new at the start of the trip, trash by the end. Probably wasn't a fault of the socks, combination of the heel cup and the sediment likely to blame.

Get a pair of both, I think you'll be happy either way.