Ali in OR Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 (edited) I love my Bombas calf-height socks that I wear most days between October and May (navy, black, tan, gray). But they get holes on the top of my big toe in maybe 2 years time. The Costco Kirkland ones seem to last a bit longer but I heard here that last year's version were not as high quality (I didn't get any last year) and the colors/patterns aren't always a great match for work outfits. How about Smartwool? Never had any--how long do they last? Bombas are typically 20% off over the holidays and I either need to get more or find a good replacement. What are your favorite socks like this? Update: I did place an order to try some Darn Tough Socks (they're not here yet and they aren't a Christmas present--I'll use them immediately). Then today I got an email that Bombas are 25% off until midnight. I placed the Christmas order (the cat gives everyone socks for Christmas--very generous of him). The cat got me the usual 4-pack: calf-height merino wool in black, navy, gray, tan. I'll wrap them for him and put them under the tree. Edited November 13, 2022 by Ali in OR 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 I can’t really speak to Bombas or Kirkland since I’ve never tried them. I have several styles of Smartwool, I like my hiking styles. I dislike my trouser and no show styles, they slip around my foot. Since you specifically have difficulty with holes, I would suggest Darn Tough, they have a lifetime guarantee and will be replaced if you get holes. I have one pair that is 5 years old and just now showing wear. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 4 minutes ago, Rachel said: Since you specifically have difficulty with holes, I would suggest Darn Tough, they have a lifetime guarantee and will be replaced if you get holes. I have one pair that is 5 years old and just now showing wear. I also recommend Darn Tough. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 I love Bombas, although I too get those big-toe-holes after a couple of years. I've only had one pair of Darn Tough socks, so my experience is very limited and I could have gotten a dud, but I was hugely underwhelmed by the (lack of) quality. Just nowhere near what I'm used to with Bombas and Feetures. My pair didn't develop holes, but they didn't wear at all, nor did they wash well. They looked like old socks after just a couple of wearings. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 Another vote for Darn Tough. Mine wear like iron and still look new--I've had some pairs for several years. All of mine are the thinner styles with no extra padding. Full disclosure: the only other brands on your list we have tried are the Smartwool socks (they were a gift), and my kids put holes in them in short order. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 I guess I'd figure socks that lasted 2 years were doing great. 8 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 My Smart Wool ones get holes in the big toe area. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 In general I think Smartwool has gone down in quality at least compared to a decade ago, though I do love their ankle socks for summer. For winter socks I’ve switched mostly to Darn Tough, they last me for years and years without any wear. I’ve not tried Bombas. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSera Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 My smart wool ones don’t last long enough to be worth it. I prefer Darn Tough, Farm to Feet, and Costco for cheaper ones (I don’t know that the Costco ones last longer, but at least I didn’t pay so much for them). I don’t ever get holes in the toes though, mine are all on the heels. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 50 minutes ago, vonfirmath said: I guess I'd figure socks that lasted 2 years were doing great. I think so, too. Like I usually only have five or six pairs of Bombas at a given time, and I wear them probably at least 360 days a year. So by the two year mark each pair has been worn and washed many, many times. Plus I sleep in mine, too. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vonfirmath Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 22 minutes ago, Pawz4me said: I think so, too. Like I usually only have five or six pairs of Bombas at a given time, and I wear them probably at least 360 days a year. So by the two year mark each pair has been worn and washed many, many times. Plus I sleep in mine, too. That sounds NICE So little space in the drawers given over to socks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 (edited) I used to wear Smartwool, but they seemed to not be as good quality and were constricting on my calves, so I switched to Darn Tough. I really like this brand - I've had them for about 8 years now - and no wearing thin on the heel or big toe (two places I did have trouble with after 3-4 years with the Smart Wool). I do wear them two days at a time before washing -but it's regular wash/dry with the other clothes. I wear them probably 6-7 months out of the year, and I have some light-weight shorter ones that I wear regularly in the summer if I'm wearing tennis/hiking shoes. But I love good socks, so I tried the quarter top Bombas socks. They are nice. But they are not as warm as the Darn Tough. I've have them less than a month, so I cannot speak to their longevity. I do not find them more comfortable than my Darn Tough socks - probably about the same. They are a little softer feeling - but they are made from mostly cotton vs. wool too. But I must admit they are very attractive. Edited October 28, 2022 by Bambam 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 (edited) I have smartwool hiking socks that are 25 years old. I think my newest pair is probably 3 years old. DH is constantly stealing them from my laundry basket. I don’t think the costco ones are as high a quality, but this has more to do with them being less stretchy than anything. They feel baggy on my feet so I don’t wear them as often. I have one pair of Darn Toughs, they’re great as a summer or workout sock but are really too thin to compare in terms of warmth or blister protection. ETA; never had a hole in smartwool. One pair of Costco socks unraveled at the toe but that may have been a laundry problem not a sock problem Edited October 28, 2022 by Katy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlsdMama Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 Darn Tough are better than Smart Wool, imo, and I’ve owned several pairs of both. Kirkland are not remotely the same. I love them for what they are - fuzzy cushy socks with wool content and a low price point. But I will say, even in high rotation with other socks, you won’t see 2 winter seasons with them unless you wear shoes a lot. Favorite colors wear out in one. That doesn’t happen with Smart Wool or Darn Tough. I find Smart Wool has more stretch. I have long skinny feet and DT socks fit snug. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terabith Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 I love Bombas but my new favorites are Nordic Naturals. Sooooo soft and so comfy!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted October 28, 2022 Share Posted October 28, 2022 I got some Costco ones last year and, compared to previous versions, they feel too squeezy. My feet are 7 1/2 and I have thin ankles and calves. They should not be cutting off circulation to my toes! After this thread I may try Darn Tough. I’ve never heard of them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forget-Me-Not Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 (edited) The Costco ones last year were very rough compared to previous years, but I feel like the ones this year are better and much softer. Not *quite* all the way back up to what they were previously, but MUCH nicer than last year. I’m glad they improved them. I basically live in those socks all winter. I haven’t tried Bombas or Smartwool so I can’t comment on those. Edited October 29, 2022 by Forget-Me-Not 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 (edited) 52 minutes ago, Forget-Me-Not said: The Costco ones last year were very rough compared to previous years, but I feel like the ones this year are better and much softer. Not *quite* all the way back up to what they were previously, but MUCH nicer than last year. I’m glad they improved them. I haven’t tried Bombas or Smartwool so I can’t comment on those. I agree. I am wear testing this year’s Kirkland wool socks and they are comfortable. They are producing more lint than usual in those first few washes, but they are so much more affordable than the name brand socks that I stocked up there. The men’s socks are still horrible. They fuzzed horribly and are rough four washes in. They are not going to be used for hiking. I also have Smartwool and Darn Tough. If I was hiking a trail, I would pack Darn Tough for the reliability as my spare socks, but for everyday wear, I go for Kirkland ones. (I wear wool socks year round.) Edited October 29, 2022 by prairiewindmomma 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 I really like my Boombas. I got them for Christmas 2020 so I’m just coming up on the two year mark. I haven’t had any issues with holes, but I also don’t wear them as often as some of you do. I may ask for more for Christmas. One of the things I really like about them is the arch support and another is the quality of the yarn - I’ve had no pilling and no runs at all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsie Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 I live in a warm climate and never owned wool socks until a purchased SmartWool socks. I loved them, but then got some Bombas for a gift and like them even more. I find the Bombas to be softer. I haven't had either wear out but I am not wearing them daily. I also have some wool REI socks that I like just about as much and they are cheaper. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 Listening along.... I bought some fleece lined Columbia socks a couple of Christmases ago and I've got holes in one pair and the other pair nearly has holes in it. I'd like some nice thick warm socks for the winter. I've got some wool blend scout socks that are ok but not as warm as the fleece lined were. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resilient Posted October 29, 2022 Share Posted October 29, 2022 I had Kirkland wool socks for a few years. I'd buy them again (they wear out but they don't wear out that much faster than SmartWool and they are a LOT cheaper). Then Kirkland stopped selling Women's wool socks so I got Men's. They were too big, so I washed them on "sanitize" and dried them on the "hot as hell" setting and they fit perfectly. I got three pairs for less than I'd spend on a single pair of smart wool. SmartWool is prettier. I did not know about Bombas being wool; we also get Duluth (I think that is the name if I am remembering correctly) socks and they wear a bit better than SmartWool but they are a bit pinchy for DH. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted November 13, 2022 Author Share Posted November 13, 2022 Update: I did place an order to try some Darn Tough Socks (they're not here yet and they aren't a Christmas present--I'll use them immediately). Then today I got an email that Bombas are 25% off until midnight. I placed the Christmas order (the cat gives everyone socks for Christmas--very generous of him). The cat got me the usual 4-pack: calf-height merino wool in black, navy, gray, tan. I'll wrap them for him and put them under the tree. 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted November 13, 2022 Share Posted November 13, 2022 51 minutes ago, Ali in OR said: Update: I did place an order to try some Darn Tough Socks (they're not here yet and they aren't a Christmas present--I'll use them immediately). Then today I got an email that Bombas are 25% off until midnight. I placed the Christmas order (the cat gives everyone socks for Christmas--very generous of him). The cat got me the usual 4-pack: calf-height merino wool in black, navy, gray, tan. I'll wrap them for him and put them under the tree. I need a cat. My youngest will be here with her cat for Christmas! I guess I need to start shopping for the presents that cat will be giving out! 3 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucy the Valiant Posted November 13, 2022 Share Posted November 13, 2022 If you need yet another wool option to consider, we've also appreciated Farm to Feet socks. (Order of preference: Darn Tough (for hiking / outdoor in cold), Smartwool or Farm to Feet (for around town, or indoors, daily wear). I've also had excellent luck shopping "irregular" socks from the men's rack (women's are more expensive here, though sometimes do have better design options, LOL). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted November 14, 2022 Share Posted November 14, 2022 Just an update for anyone interested in trying Darn Tough. GoBros is having a sale - 25% off Darn Tough socks with free shipping. I've gotten all of mine from them when they offer 25% off. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted November 14, 2022 Share Posted November 14, 2022 1 hour ago, Bambam said: Just an update for anyone interested in trying Darn Tough. GoBros is having a sale - 25% off Darn Tough socks with free shipping. I've gotten all of mine from them when they offer 25% off. Same 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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