Thad Forester's official site

GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks vs. Smartwool vs. Darn Tough – Who Wins?

By

After 28 mile ruck in the pouring rain. Never took off my shoes or socks.

Over the last 14+ years, I’ve regularly rucked in hot, cold, wet, and dry weather. I learned quickly in 2011 that hot spots and blisters can form very early into a ruck (or walk or hike) and socks are critical. Here I list the socks I’ve used and what I’ve decided are the best for all-around rucking for me.

First, here is a video on these socks:

There are lots of options when it comes to socks–for every occasion. I hope my video and article help you at least narrow down your choices; but regardless, find what works for you. And if that means it’s different socks than what I’ve mentioned here, great. Please tell me about them.

rucking socks I've used
L to R: FITS, Smartwool, Darn Tough, GORUCK Challenge Socks
  • Smartwool. This is a very popular brand and the first socks I bought when I started training for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck after my brother was killed in 2010.
    • Facts:
      • wore for training and all long rucks for 11 years
      • breathe well
      • I always had some hot spots on my feet by the end of 28 miles (very few blisters).
      • my ankles broke out in a rash that lasted a few days
      • used the trekking version (not sure they still call them trekking on their site)
      • I always changed to fresh pair every 4-7 miles
      • Hot spots/blisters were probably b/c they aren’t tight enough on my feet
    • Opinion:
      • good for cold weather activity
  • Vermont Darn Tough. Another popular brand with great reputation.
    • Facts:
      • wore for training as I prepped for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. I really wanted to switch to these b/c they are thinner than Smartwool.
      • wore to work and everyday on cold days
      • feel good
      • had hot spots on my feet after medium-distance rucks (7-14 miles)
    • Opinion:
      • great for everyday wear, including hiking and rucking
  • FITS Socks.
    • Facts:
      • wore for less than 5 rucks (of 5-10 miles) and had hot spots, so I quit wearing them
      • wore these the least of all the socks
    • Opinion:
      • not much to say b/c I quit using after a few uses
      • don’t breath as well as Darn Tough, aka hotter
      • feel good for everyday wear
  • GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks. Newest to the market of the three listed above. I treated these like all my GORUCK gear and clothing–tested them many times before this review.
    • Facts:
      • Wore them for 28 miles in March 2024 in GORUCK City Ruck and never took them off until we finished 9.5 hours later. Zero blisters or hot spots.
      • Wore them for 28 miles in the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck in May 2024. Never took them off and we were poured on for a few hours. Zero blisters or hot spots.
      • I ruck in them multiple times/week and have since purchasing them in April 2023. Additionally, I wear them as everyday socks for home and work.
      • Material: 54% Merino Wool, 42% Nylon, 4% Spandex.
      • Cheaper than Smartwool and Darn Tough socks.
    • Opinion:
      • feel good for everyday wear–in hot or cold climate
      • the absolute best socks for long distance rucking, walking, hiking, etc.
      • my experience with these socks is also dependent on the shoes. I use good shoes for rucking on pavement: GORUCK Rough Runners
      • they don’t need washed after each use. They have high tolerance for stink-ability. I wear them multiple times before washing.
      • Negative:
        • they are a little higher on my calf than I prefer. I wish the crew cut were a little shorter. That’s it. They now offer ankle socks in the Merino wool too, which I also love, but I haven’t used them for long distances.
    • Sizing:
      • I wear size 11.5 in shoes, including all GORUCK shoes, so I wear size large in the Challenge socks. Large is for men’s sizes 9-11.5. These have obviously done me well, so I haven’t tried another size.

Early in my rucking days, I even tried wearing thin “liner socks” under my Smartwool socks to prevent blisters. Didn’t like them. If you have good socks, these liners aren’t needed.

My nephew is serving as a full-time missionary in Brazil for two years. He walks everywhere–they aren’t allowed to ride bikes or have cars–so his mileage is anywhere from 5-25 miles/day on his feet. I asked him recently what socks he wears. His dad got him 3 pair of GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks before he left for Brazil 1 year ago and he said they are the best–he wears them all the time and washes them… rarely. The climate he’s in is hot and humid always, but his feet don’t get hot in those socks, nor do the socks stink after multiple wears.

Max with his GORUCK Challenge Socks in Brazil

Let me know your experience with any of these socks or which ones you’ve put to the test and approve of: jag28@markaforester.com

You can buy 2 pair and get a 1 free. It’s a very good deal: https://www.thadforester.com/grsocks


I’ve heard good things about MudGear Ruck Socks, but haven’t used them.

GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks Review: Are they Legit?

By

After 28 mile ruck in the pouring rain. Never took off my shoes or socks.

Over the last 14+ years, I’ve regularly rucked in hot, cold, wet, and dry weather. I learned quickly in 2011 that hot spots and blisters can form very early into a ruck (or walk or hike) and socks are critical. Here I list the socks I’ve used and what I’ve decided are the best for all-around rucking for me.

First, here is a video on these socks:

There are lots of options when it comes to socks–for every occasion. I hope my video and article help you at least narrow down your choices; but regardless, find what works for you. And if that means it’s different socks than what I’ve mentioned here, great. Please tell me about them.

rucking socks I've used
L to R: FITS, Smartwool, Darn Tough, GORUCK Challenge Socks
  • Smartwool. This is a very popular brand and the first socks I bought when I started training for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck after my brother was killed in 2010.
    • Facts:
      • wore for training and all long rucks for 11 years
      • breathe well
      • I always had some hot spots on my feet by the end of 28 miles (very few blisters).
      • my ankles broke out in a rash that lasted a few days
      • used the trekking version (not sure they still call them trekking on their site)
      • I always changed to fresh pair every 4-7 miles
      • Hot spots/blisters were probably b/c they aren’t tight enough on my feet
    • Opinion:
      • good for cold weather activity
  • Vermont Darn Tough. Another popular brand with great reputation.
    • Facts:
      • wore for training as I prepped for the JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. I really wanted to switch to these b/c they are thinner than Smartwool.
      • wore to work and everyday on cold days
      • feel good
      • had hot spots on my feet after medium-distance rucks (7-14 miles)
    • Opinion:
      • great for everyday wear, including hiking and rucking
  • FITS Socks.
    • Facts:
      • wore for less than 5 rucks (of 5-10 miles) and had hot spots, so I quit wearing them
      • wore these the least of all the socks
    • Opinion:
      • not much to say b/c I quit using after a few uses
      • don’t breath as well as Darn Tough, aka hotter
      • feel good for everyday wear
  • GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks. Newest to the market of the three listed above. I treated these like all my GORUCK gear and clothing–tested them many times before this review.
    • Facts:
      • Wore them for 28 miles in March 2024 in GORUCK City Ruck and never took them off until we finished 9.5 hours later. Zero blisters or hot spots.
      • Wore them for 28 miles in the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck in May 2024. Never took them off and we were poured on for a few hours. Zero blisters or hot spots.
      • I ruck in them multiple times/week and have since purchasing them in April 2023. Additionally, I wear them as everyday socks for home and work.
      • Material: 54% Merino Wool, 42% Nylon, 4% Spandex.
      • Cheaper than Smartwool and Darn Tough socks.
    • Opinion:
      • feel good for everyday wear–in hot or cold climate
      • the absolute best socks for long distance rucking, walking, hiking, etc.
      • my experience with these socks is also dependent on the shoes. I use good shoes for rucking on pavement: GORUCK Rough Runners
      • they don’t need washed after each use. They have high tolerance for stink-ability. I wear them multiple times before washing.
      • Negative:
        • they are a little higher on my calf than I prefer. I wish the crew cut were a little shorter. That’s it. They now offer ankle socks in the Merino wool too, which I also love, but I haven’t used them for long distances.
    • Sizing:
      • I wear size 11.5 in shoes, including all GORUCK shoes, so I wear size large in the Challenge socks. Large is for men’s sizes 9-11.5. These have obviously done me well, so I haven’t tried another size.

Early in my rucking days, I even tried wearing thin “liner socks” under my Smartwool socks to prevent blisters. Didn’t like them. If you have good socks, these liners aren’t needed.

My nephew is serving as a full-time missionary in Brazil for two years. He walks everywhere–they aren’t allowed to ride bikes or have cars–so his mileage is anywhere from 5-25 miles/day on his feet. I asked him recently what socks he wears. His dad got him 3 pair of GORUCK Merino Challenge Socks before he left for Brazil 1 year ago and he said they are the best–he wears them all the time and washes them… rarely. The climate he’s in is hot and humid always, but his feet don’t get hot in those socks, nor do the socks stink after multiple wears.

Let me know your experience with any of these socks or which ones you’ve put to the test and approve of: jag28@markaforester.com

I’ve heard good things about MudGear Ruck Socks, but haven’t used them.

GORUCK 24.7 Commando Pullover Review – Merino Wool Hoodie

By

The GORUCK 24.7 Commando Merino Wool Hoodie is a simple, lightweight and versatile pull-over that is great to wear by itself or as a base layer. I often wear it as a base layer under the GORUCK Polartec Grid Fleece if it’s under about 40 degrees and especially if it’s windy.

GORUCK has added a layer of their Indestructible training fabric to the shoulder and elbow area that won’t pill under any circumstances. Along with abrasion resistance, this layer also provides additional structure to help the shirt hold its shape under long periods of stress, like with a ruck sack. It’s not stiff or rough feeling.

For more details, see my YouTube video review here:

I’ve loved wearing the Merino Wool Hoodie this winter. I wore it as a base layer while rucking a steep incline in 35 degree weather. By the time I got to the top of the 500′ climb, my hoodie was a little wet from sweat. By the time I descended to the bottom, it was dry. Merino wool is surprisingly warm considering how thin this hoodie is.

It’s comfortable b/c it’s thin and has incredible stretching ability; additionally, it looks good.

Wearing as a base layer under the GORUCK Polartec Grid Fleece-Half zip

Sizing:

I wear a large in almost all tops, and this one seems to be the same. I have a large and it fits well, only a little snug. I’m 6′ 1″ and the torso length is good.

You can read more about it here and/or purchase.

And it comes with the GORUCK Scars Lifetime Guarantee. There is no better apparel guarantee out there. Period.

More on Merino Wool from GORUCK’s site:

Merino wool is a natural material, it doesn’t come from man made plastics or synthetics. It’s lightweight, breathable and soft to the touch. It wicks away moisture and odors, and it helps regulate body temperature. Merino wool shirts are the best answer to base layer and travel clothing in the world – they’ve been in use for hundreds of years and have proven themselves over and over again.