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The Best Socks for LDS Missionaries | Elders & Sisters

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Why GORUCK Merino Wool Challenge Socks Are the Best for LDS Missionaries and Humanitarian/Disaster Workers

When it comes to missionary work—especially for LDS (Mormon) missionaries and humanitarian aid workers—your feet are one of your most important assets. Whether you’re walking city streets, rural roads, or jungle paths, your socks need to be just as tough, reliable, and versatile as you and your shoes are. That’s where the GORUCK Merino Wool Challenge Socks come in. Simply put, these are the best socks you can wear for your mission.


Built for the Long Haul

Missionaries walk a lot. Many Elders and Sisters log 6–10 (and oftentimes more, especially outside North America) miles per day on foot. That kind of mileage demands socks that don’t just survive—it demands socks that perform. GORUCK’s Challenge Socks are made for endurance. Originally designed for Special Forces-level rucking and GORUCK events, these socks are built to last in the harshest conditions. You won’t find a better option for daily wear over 18–24 months of mission service.

My son wears his GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks to church and school regularly.

Merino Wool: The Gold Standard

At the heart of these socks is Merino wool, which is naturally:

  • Moisture-wicking – keeps feet dry and reduces the risk of blisters
  • Thermoregulating – keeps you cool in the heat and warm in the cold
  • Odor-resistant – perfect for long days without laundry access
  • Soft and non-itchy – far more comfortable than regular wool

Whether you’re in the humid heat of Central America or the freezing winters of Eastern Europe, Merino wool adjusts to your environment—and your foot’s needs.


Designed for Hard Use–Outside or in the Office

The GORUCK Challenge Socks include reinforced padding in high-wear areas—heel, toe, and sole—to provide comfort and durability on concrete, gravel, or uneven terrain. They also have a snug but non-restrictive fit that prevents slippage and friction, which is critical for preventing hotspots and blisters after long days of tracting or walking village to village, house to house.

hiker with merino wool socks and goruck jedburgh boots


Minimalist But Mission-Approved

Let’s face it: missionaries don’t need or want flashy gear—they need reliable gear. These socks are simple, understated, and pair perfectly with your proselyting or service attire. Available in black, charcoal and ranger green, they’re mission-rule friendly while being anything but ordinary in performance.

My bro-in-law and I happened to both wear the same GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks at work

Long-Term Value

Yes, they cost more than a 3-pack at the department store. But over the course of your mission, you’ll spend less replacing worn-out socks. GORUCK socks are designed to endure heavy use and repeated washes, saving you time, money, and frustration. GORUCK challenges you to wash them sparingly and wear them out. If you wear them out, they’ll send you a new pair,–I want to know! They’re unconditionally backed by their SCARS Lifetime Guarantee and proudly made in the USA.


Ideal for Humanitarian and Long-Term Aid Workers Too

If you’re doing humanitarian work—whether digging wells, distributing supplies, going door-to-door or teaching children in remote areas—your environment is likely harsh and unpredictable. These socks will be one of the best investments in your comfort and effectiveness. When your feet stay healthy, you stay effective.

man in merino wool sock in Brazile
My nephew in Brazil as a missionary, proudly wearing his GORUCK Merino Wool Challenge Socks daily.

Sizing

If you worry how far up your leg/calf these socks go, they are boot height and GORUCK offers sizes Small thru XXL, so you don’t need to worry. I wear size 11.5 and 12 in all shoes. I get Large in these socks, which are for men’s sizes 9-11.5 and they are perfect. They are currently $17.50/pair and have a special offer of buy 2 get the 3rd free (this has been going for a long time, so hopefully it last a while).

GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks packaging

Final Word: Whether you’re preparing for an LDS mission, a service project, or long-term humanitarian work, your gear matters. Don’t overlook your socks. The GORUCK Merino Wool Challenge Socks offer unmatched comfort, durability, and versatility for wherever your call to serve takes you. Shoot, I wear them to work too–especially when I travel so I don’t have to take as many socks (b/c I wear them multiple times w/out washing–they don’t stink). Don’t fall for cotton, poly, or silk socks. Thinner and smoother doesn’t always mean cooler.

goruck challenge socks and jedburgh boots in snow


Here is an article I wrote comparing GORUCK to Smartwool and Darn Tough. This may help you decide on what socks you want. You can watch my review video too:


Because when you’re walking in the Lord’s service, every step counts. Make sure your socks can keep up.

GORUCK Christmas in July Sale – My Favorite Items

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compilation of goruck items for review


Direct link to GORUCK’s X-mas in July Sale 2025

GORUCK’s Christmas in July sale covers men’s and women’s footwear and apparel, so below are links to some of my favorite items. You can watch the YouTube video as well:


Jedburgh Boots/All Terrain Rucking Shoes

Men’s ToughStretch Training Shorts/USA Training Shorts

Rough Runners

Men’s Half Zip Polartec Grid Fleece

Simple Shorts – Lightweight ToughDry

Men’s Performance Tee – ToughMesh

Merino Challenge Socks – Crew

Performance Tac Hat – ToughDry

male in goruck toughmesh shirt lifting sandbag.

Note: I am a GORUCK affiliate, so I get a small percentage commission with each sale if you purchase GORUCK products from my links. This does not cost you any additional money–the prices are the same for buyers. I do this b/c I have a weird obsession with good gear and clothing. I have used GORUCK products since 2015 and have been impressed with their quality and versatility. I don’t do this to make a living, only to help support my habit of buying high-quality items from GORUCK and other American companies.

GORUCK TOUGHMESH Performance Tee Review – Sweat, Rinse, Repeat

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male sweating with goruck toughmesh tee and sand kettlebell


You can watch my 4 min review here too:

After 14 months, here is what I like about this GORUCK Men’s Performance Tee – ToughMesh, and a couple minor cons:

  1. Extremely lightweight, therefore takes up minimal space when packing (and wrinkle free). I’ve not had another shirt that was this lightweight intentionally.
  2. Extremely cool. This ToughMesh is actually mesh, so it breathes well and helps wick moisture/sweat
  3. Dries fast. As with most GORUCK apparel, this doesn’t weigh you down while wearing if it’s soaked and air dries very fast
  4. Stretches, so moves easily during my workouts
goruck toughmesh material
Close up of the ToughMesh

Reinforced Stitching

The only minor issues I’ve had with this shirt:

  1. The neck stretched out a little
  2. Gray color in the artic camo faded after only 1 year.

These are minor and don’t affect it’s purpose not me wearing it regularly in the summer.

Learn more about it and purchase on GORUCK’s site here.

Other notes:

  1. Sizing: Mine is a large and the right size for me. I’m 6′ 1″, 210 lbs.
  2. GORUCK used to call it Indestructible Performance Tee – Arctic Camo when I got it in April 2024. There is a good chance they’ll change the name again.
  3. I got the red one in June 2025, in the top picture, and the only difference in it and mine in the video is the back side is a little longer than the front. What I’m saying is it’s longer than most Large shirts from GORUCK. But this isn’t a negative, just a small feature I noticed.
  4. As of this post, it’s $45.
male in goruck toughmesh performance tee

male with goruck toughmesh shirt and sandbag

goruck toughmesh tee tag
The ToughMesh Tees released in 2025 are Polymide and Elastane and made in Vietnam

GORUCK ToughMesh Tee
This ToughMesh Tee from 2024 is Polymide, Elastane and Polyester and made in USA


Other GORUCK gear in this video:

–Indestructible Training Shorts – ToughStretch

–Training Sandbags

–ToughDry Tac Hat

-Sand Kettlebells

GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker Review – Indestructible for Ruckers?

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You can also watch my 6 min review video here:


I was glad to see GORUCK release this jacket again because I’ve been wearing the GORUCK Indestructible Challenge Windbreaker for rucks, workouts, travel, and rainy errands with my family since 2020, and it earned a permanent place in my rotation—several years ago. This isn’t just a jacket; it’s a tough shell that adapts to nearly every environment you throw it into—without sacrificing comfort, packability, or good looks.

Let’s break down what makes this windbreaker worth your money.


Built for Abuse, but not Bulky

Made from GORUCK’s ToughDry® fabric, originally designed for Special Forces-level punishment, this windbreaker is incredibly durable while remaining lightweight and breathable. If you’ve ever worn GORUCK’s Challenge Pants or Simple Pants, this is that same fabric in jacket form. It’s abrasion-resistant, dries fast, repels water and resists snags—so you can drag it through the woods, scrape against concrete, or throw it in the bottom of your ruck without worry.

If you use it for a GORUCK event (or are crawling thru feet of water for the fun of it), the outside pockets have a drain hole.

And unlike traditional tactical jackets, this one is streamlined and low-profile. No loud logos, only the small GORUCK spearhead logo on front. No bulky padding. Just purpose-built gear that feels just as at home in the woods as it does at a Little League game or in the office.

Fit and Function

The fit is athletic without being restrictive. It moves with you. I’ve worn it during workouts, fast-paced rucks, and camping multiple days in the rain. It layers easily over a base layer or under a heavier shell.

rucker with goruck challenge windbreaker


One of the best features? The subdued zipper pocket on the front chest. Perfect for EDC essentials—wallet, ID, cash, phone or even a small fixed-blade or multitool—without adding bulk.

phone in goruck challenge windbreaker


It also packs down small, which is great for travel or tossing in a go-bag.

For EDC Use

Quiet, light, and tough—it won’t tear up in the brush, and it sheds wind and light rain like a champ. It’s not fully waterproof, but that’s not its purpose. It’s built to breathe while giving you an outer layer of protection and mobility. For EDC folks, it offers enough concealment and storage without drawing attention. It’s gray man-approved.

Final Verdict

If you want a windbreaker that actually lives up to the “indestructible” claim, the GORUCK Challenge Windbreaker is it. It’s simple, functional, tough, lightweight, and looks good doing it. It’s a buy-once, use-forever kind of piece—and for ruckers and outdoor workouts, EDC enthusiasts, and busy families alike, it’s worth every penny b/c it’s going to last and is versatile.

Only knock: I wish there was a zipper pocket on the inside.

Stay ready. Stay comfortable. Keep rucking.

Also mentioned in the YouTube video:
Sternum Pouch
Performance TOUGHMESH Tee

Why I Ruck

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beautiful scenery for rucking for fitness and mental health


How Rucking Benefits Me

When someone asks what my hobbies are, rucking is one that I normally mention. For me, it’s more than just throwing on a weighted pack and going for a walk. It’s about purpose, discipline, and the benefits that come with it—physical, mental, and emotional.

man rucking with weighted backpack in mountains of utah


Here are a few reasons why I ruck:

  • Fitness with Function
    Rucking builds real-world strength and endurance—no machines or fancy gear needed.
  • Mental Toughness
    Walking with weight on your back is sometimes uncomfortable or tiring. It reminds me that growth comes from discomfort. Plus, I often think of what my brother went thru in his CCT training and while deployed to Afghanistan.
  • Connection to Service
    As a tribute to my brother Mark and others who served, rucking helps me stay grounded in gratitude and purpose.
group rucking with weighted backpacks for community, fitness and honoring Mark Forester
2024 Participants of The Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck
  • Community and Camaraderie
    Whether it’s a GORUCK event or a casual local ruck, there’s always a shared bond among those who show up and move. At least 50% of the time, I ruck alone, but I also often do it with my young sons and with our local F3 men’s group.
    • Further: for busy folks, this is a very good option for catching up with friends. It’s the fitness version of “talking on the phone”.
kids rucking with weighted backpacks for fitness and community, wearing GORUCK KR1

father and sons rucking in nature

men rucking with weighted backpack for fitness and mental toughness
Old friends catching up while rucking 28 miles

group of people rucking with weighted backpacks to honor SrA Mark Forester

  • Time to Think
    Rucking gives me space to reflect, pray, and reset without distractions. Bottom line, it helps keep me sane since my life is busy and loud.
peaceful scenery for rucking with weight to improve physical and mental health, Huntsville, AL

  • Minimal Gear, Maximum Impact
    All you need is a backpack and some weight. Simple, effective, and accessible. Normally I keep mine in my truck, but sometimes leave it by my home office door for easy access to mid-day rucks. It’s a great and convenient way to break up a busy or stressful work day.

If you’ve never tried it, start light and short. You might be surprised what it does for your body—and your mental health.

Why Rucking > Walking (and Easier on Joints than Running)

If you’re wondering how rucking stacks up against other forms of cardio, here’s the short answer: it gives you more with less.

  • Burns More Calories Than Walking
    Rucking burns about 30–50% more calories than walking at the same pace. That’s because the added weight increases resistance without requiring speed or high impact. For more details and backup facts, see what Michael Easter says about it.
  • Lower Impact Than Running
    Rucking is a low-impact alternative to running, making it easier on your knees, hips, and ankles—especially over long distances.
  • Better Posture and Core Engagement
    The weight forces you to engage your core and maintain good posture. It’s a hidden benefit that improves everyday movement and stability.
  • Sustainable for the Long Haul
    You can ruck for years without the joint wear-and-tear that often comes with high-mileage running.
group of people rucking with weighted backpacks to honor SrA Mark Forester CCT


Want to see what rucking shoes I prefer? Click here.

And, if you’re interested in what I’ve found to be the absolute best rucksacks, CLICK HERE.

Related article:

City Ruck Nashville. If you want to join me on my next City Ruck (Huntsville, AL, March 7, 2026). Register here for the 12 miler and let me know.

I’ve been using GORUCK products since 2015. And yes, I am a GORUCK affiliate–b/c I tested their gear for 8 years before becoming one. I trust what they produce–all of it.