Darn Tough Light Hiker No Show Review

Overview

The Light Hiker No Show is Darn Tough’s answer to the low-cut trail runner: a 43% merino blend sock with a terry-loop footbed, a mesh panel over the top of the foot, and a cuff that sits just above the shoe collar. It is aimed at three-season hikers and thru-hikers who wear low-profile footwear. The trade-off is the usual one for Darn Tough. The socks are pricey and a little heavier than the thinnest running socks, but they hold up and the company guarantees them for life.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Fabric	54% nylon, 43% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex (women’s); retailers list the men’s at 56/41/3
Height	No show (men’s averages about 3.5 in. from heel to cuff)
Cushioning	Light, terry loops under the foot
Venting	Mesh over the top of the foot
Construction	True Seamless toe closure, performance fit
Style numbers	1986 (women’s), 1990 (men’s)
Weight	45–60.3 g depending on version
Made in	Vermont, USA
Warranty	Lifetime guarantee
Price	$20 regular retail

Performance

Comfort and cushioning. The “light” in the name refers to the padding. Terry loops run under the foot and reach above the ankle bone, and reviewers describe the result as enough cushion to take the edge off a long day without adding friction inside the shoe. A Trailspace reviewer who has dealt with hammer toes and chronic rubbing called the sock as comfortable for running as for hiking. Owners describe the fit as firm without being tight. The performance-fit knit stays put and doesn’t bunch.

Breathability and moisture. The mesh panel on the instep is the sock’s main concession to warm weather. Owners say the merino blend doesn’t feel hot in breathable trail shoes and dries quickly when the wrong shoes make feet sweat. The wool also keeps odor down better than cotton or pure synthetics. Because nylon makes up more than half the fabric, these are not as soft or as warm as a high-merino sock. A Trailspace reviewer still found them warm enough for wet trails and cold rain. An REI buyer made the fair point that they are not a cold-weather sock.

Height. Whether these are actually no-show depends on the shoe. Women’s buyers on REI report that the sock rides higher at the ankle than the name suggests, and that it can poke out of low casual running shoes. A Moosejaw buyer made the same point, saying the cuff shows slightly at the ankle. With a standard trail runner the cuff mostly hides. With a very low-cut road shoe, a sock that is visible above the collar is likely.

Durability. This is the reason people pay $20 for a pair of ankle socks. Owners consistently describe Darn Tough as tough as they come, and the lifetime guarantee means a worn-through heel or toe is the company’s problem, not the buyer’s. Buyers also say the socks wash well, don’t stretch out and dry fast. Both men’s and women’s versions rate well at retail: REI shows 4.6 out of 5 across 76 men’s reviews and 4.8 across 52 women’s reviews.

Weight. At 45 to 60 g per pair, these are not the lightest socks available. Darn Tough’s own ultra-lightweight run socks are thinner. The extra grams buy the terry cushioning, and they are small next to what they do for blister prevention over a long hiking day.

Choosing a Version

The two versions are the same sock in different sizing. The men’s cut (style 1990) is listed at 45 g in the Men’s / XL version. The standard version is listed at 60.3 g. The women’s cut (style 1986) is sold in small, medium and large. Women’s and men’s socks are built the same way. One Moosejaw buyer, who bought a pair in each cut for himself and his wife, doesn’t believe they are constructed any differently. Buy by sizing and fit, not by features. Anyone between sizes should pick the size that keeps the cuff snug at the heel, since a sock that slides down is the quickest way to lose the no-show look.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Light terry cushioning under the foot gives padding without bulk
• Mesh instep panel vents well in warm weather
• Merino blend resists odor and dries quickly
• Lifetime guarantee, made in Vermont
• Holds shape through repeated washing

Cons

• Cuff rides higher than the “no show” name implies, especially on women’s sizes
• High nylon content means less merino softness and warmth than some alternatives
• $20 a pair is a lot for ankle socks
• Heavier than ultra-thin running socks

Who Should Buy This

Hikers, section hikers and thru-hikers in trail runners or low-cut hiking shoes should buy this sock. It suits warm to mild conditions, and anyone who has worn through cheaper socks in a single season. It also suits people who want one sock for trail and running. Skip it if you hike in cold weather, where a mid-weight crew with more merino will keep feet warmer. Skip it too if you want a sock that is completely invisible in low road shoes, or if you want the thinnest possible ultralight sock.

Verdict

The Light Hiker No Show is a durable, well-fitted ankle sock that does what trail runners need and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. It is not the lightest sock, and the cuff sits higher than the name promises. For most trail-runner hikers, though, it is an easy purchase.