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Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew vs Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight

The Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight is the better pick for hikers who want one sock for trail, work and gym. Its midweight cushioning and fine Merino wool earn strong marks from GearLab and owners for comfort and longevity. The Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew is a lighter, more casual crew with a virtually seamless toe and Shred Shield reinforcement at the toes, but it has far fewer reviews behind it. Both use Merino blends and hold up well; Darn Tough's lifetime guarantee is the clearest edge.

  • Choose the Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew if you want a soft, low-key crew sock for errands and everyday wear with a seamless toe and reinforced toe cap.
  • Choose the Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight if you want one cushioned Merino sock for hiking, work and the gym, backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Prices

  • Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew: $23.00 at Zappos.com (last seen Nov 9)
  • Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight: $24.95 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew is $1.95 cheaper than the Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight at the latest prices (Nov 9)
Smartwool
Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew

Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew

$23.00at Zappos.comChecked 21 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Zappos.com
Pros
  • Virtually Seamless toe reduces rubbing
  • Shred Shield reinforces the high-wear toe area
  • Comfort welt keeps the sock from sliding down
  • Soft Merino blend resists odor and regulates temperature
Cons
  • Thin public review record
  • No lifetime guarantee
  • Lighter cushioning than a dedicated hiking sock
Darn Tough
Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight

Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight

4.6(19 ratings)
$24.95at eBayChecked 20 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Midweight cushioning suits long days on trail
  • Fine Merino wool rated highly for comfort by GearLab
  • Lifetime guarantee replaces worn-through pairs
  • Versatile enough for work and gym
Cons
  • Costs more per pair than casual socks
  • Only three sizes, so fit depends on shoe size
  • Green colorway may not suit everyone

What separates them

Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line CrewDarn Tough Micro Crew Midweight
HeightCrew, about 8 inches overallMicro crew, sits just above the boot
CushioningCushioned, everyday weightMidweight, lightly cushioned for hiking
Fiber blend57% Merino wool, 38% nylon, 3% elastane59% Merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex
Toe constructionVirtually Seamless toe plus Shred Shield wear reductionStandard reinforced toe
WarrantyStandard manufacturing warrantyLifetime guarantee, replace when worn through
Review baseVery few public ratings4.6 out of 5 from 19 ratings plus independent gear tests
Best useCasual wear, errands, light activityHiking, work, gym, three-season outdoor use
SizingS through XLS through L, mapped to shoe size

Price history

$26.00$16.50
Nov 3Nov 9
  • Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew: lowest $16.50 on Nov 9 at Campmor.
  • Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight: lowest $25.95 on Nov 3 at Backcountry.com; $26.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew

  • Zappos.comNew

    In stock

    $23.00Free shippingChecked 21 h ago
    Visit Zappos.com
  • CampmorNew

    In stock

    $16.50+ $8.99 shippingChecked 21 h ago
    Visit Campmor
  • REINew

    In stock

    $22.00+ $7.99 shippingChecked 21 h ago
    Visit REI
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $18.22+ $4.99 shippingChecked 21 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 15 stores and price history →

Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by CPGIOReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $25.95Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by gtruevaluehardware (100% positive, 27,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $24.95Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • Backcountry.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $25.95Checked Nov 3
    Visit Backcountry.com
  • The Vermont Country StoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $25.95Checked Nov 3
    Visit The Vermont Country Store

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSmartwool Everyday Anchor Line CrewDarn Tough Micro Crew Midweight
ColorBlackGreen
SizeSize S, Size M, Size L, Size XLL
BrandSmartwool—
TypeApparel—
Washing InstructionsDo Not Bleach—
PatternSolid Color—
Size (Small-Large)M—
Age GroupAdult—
MaterialMerino Wool, Wool—
GenderMale—
Sportswear GarmentYes—
Sport / ActivityHiking—
Show all 25 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSmartwool Everyday Anchor Line CrewDarn Tough Micro Crew Midweight
StyleCrew—
SeamlessYes—
Height—Micro Crew
Weight—Midweight
Materials—59% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, 2% Lycra Spandex
Product Weight—0.225 lbs
Dimensions—8.5 x 3.75 x 1.5 in
Small Shoe Size—4.5-7 Shoe Size
Medium Shoe Size—7.5-9.5 Shoe Size
Large Shoe Size

What reviewers say

Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew

Owners generally like the comfort, warmth and odor control of the merino blend, and many wear them daily. The most common complaint is durability at high-wear spots after months of use.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedOwners describe the merino blend as soft and non-itchy against the skin.
  • Moisture and odorPraisedReviewers say feet stay drier and smell less than with cotton socks.
  • DurabilityCriticisedSome owners report thinning at the heel and toe after months of regular wear.
  • CushioningMixedComfortable for daily wear, but some hikers want more padding underfoot.

Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight

  • 4.6 / 519 ratings

Reviewers rate the Micro Crew Midweight among the most comfortable and versatile socks they have tested, crediting its fine Merino wool. Owners say it holds up for years, which softens the sting of the higher price per pair.

What people mention
  • ComfortPraisedReviewers call it one of the most comfortable socks tested, with cushioning that suits long days on foot.
  • Merino woolPraisedThe fine Merino is described as soft and breathable, and it keeps odor down between washes.
  • VersatilityPraisedOwners wear it for hiking, the gym and work without feeling out of place.
Reviews
  • The Best Socks for Men
  • The Best Socks for Men - Reviews You Can Rely On
  • 10 Best Socks - Reviews You Can Rely On
  • The Best Socks for Men
  • The Best Socks for Men - Reviews You Can Rely On

Questions and answers

Which is better for hiking?
The Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight. Its midweight cushioning and taller micro crew height are built for boots, and GearLab rated it among the most comfortable socks tested.
Which lasts longer?
Darn Tough has the edge on paper because of its lifetime guarantee, which covers replacement when the sock wears through. Smartwool's Shred Shield toe reinforcement helps, but it carries no comparable guarantee.
Is the Darn Tough worth stepping up to?
Yes if you hike or wear one pair hard across work, gym and trail. The guarantee and cushioning justify it. For light everyday wear, the Smartwool is the simpler choice.
Which is softer for casual wear?
Both are Merino blends and feel soft. The Smartwool has a virtually seamless toe, which some people prefer in thin everyday shoes.
Do both resist odor?
Yes. Both are roughly 57 to 59 percent Merino wool, which naturally resists odor and regulates temperature.
How do the sizes compare?
Smartwool runs S through XL. Darn Tough runs S through L and maps each size to a shoe range, so check your shoe size before ordering.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best everyday socks for adults
—
10-11.5 Shoe Size
Clothing Size—L
Actual Color—Green
Multipack Quantity—1
  • DurabilityPraisedReviewers say pairs last for years and keep their shape.
  • A reviewer's verdict
    • GearLab

      An uber-comfortable sock that performs well across all metrics thanks to its fine Merino wool.

      Read the review