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

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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.

Training to walk 35 Continuous Miles

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Walk participant in 2012.
Walk participant in 2012.

After Mark’s death, I organized an annual memorial birthday walk. This event would serve two purposes:

  1. To raise money for Mark’s foundation
  2. Put myself thru some pain to honor Mark and his sacrifice

So, it’s that time of year again that I’m training to walk a continuous 35 miles. Many people have said to me over the years, “I think I’m gonna walk with you.” I really appreciate it, but most people don’t realize the toll on their body and feet. Sounds easy to just walk. But, think again. If you don’t train, you will regret it. I don’t care if you’re an avid runner, CrossFit-er, or how good of shape you’re in, this is different. I will admit there are a very few people I’ve seen just show up and walk, without painful injuries.  You don’t want your feet looking like the picture above–he didn’t last.  This was a few years ago after about 11 miles.

There are only a few tips I can share for preparing for this walk:

  1. Train, Train, and Train.
  2. Get the right shoes and socks

Beginning in Feb/Mar, I walk every Saturday morning. I increase my mileage each week and wear the shoes, socks, pants, and backpack that I will wear for the actual event in May. And since the weather is getting warmer, I start going barefoot more often to harden up my feet. It’s important to get your feet prepared. I’ve seen too many people regret doing the walk–even after four miles–because they didn’t train. Some of them are tough guys and they think they can slip on some sneakers and walk. Trust me, this normally doesn’t work out too well.

Since Mark’s walk is mostly on paved roads, all my training is on pavement. The terrain in Haleyville, where the walk is held, is hilly so I train with hills. I also like to ruck with a weight plate in my GR2 backpack early on, then as the miles get higher, I remove the weight.

For shoes, I like to use hiking boots. I’ve used Scarpa and La Sportiva brands. I like the latter best. They are wider and lace up faster. However, the Scarpa are pretty comfortable and very durable, they are just narrower and lace up higher than I need for this event.  Wear whatever shoes you want, just train beforehand.  There are some people who prefer tennis shoes/sneakers, but just because they are soft and are great for around town, doesn’t mean your feet will like them after several continuous miles.

*Update: I started using GORUCK Macv-1 boots, then moved to GORUCK Ballistic Trainers.  As-of late 2023, I’m training with the new GORUCK Rough Runners.  I’ll determine if I’ll stick with them or the Ballistic Trainers.  Regardless, all the footwear from GORUCK is built for rucking long distances in any terrain.

For socks, I only use Smartwool Trekking (and have recently started to slowly implement Vermont Darn Tough hike/trek. Be aware these specific Smartwool’s are thicker than the Vermont hike/trek). When I get over about seven miles, I change my socks. I also apply some talc powder/Gold Bond directly to my feet to help keep them dry. Even if my feet feel good, I normally go ahead and change to a fresh pair of socks. For the actual event, I change at each rest stop, which is every 4-7 miles. Some years, I’ve opted not to change at the last stop b/c my feet feel good and there’s only 4 miles left.

There are other variables that are good to prepare for like rain, heat, cold, hydration, blisters, and chaffing.  We’ve had temps in the 40’s and raining to sunny and 80’s, with high humidity.  If you want to use a bladder system for hydration, train with it.  The day of the walk isn’t a good time to have to adjust your gear or find out it’s just not doing what you wanted.

Training for the walk is very time consuming. It’s also a great workout, especially with added weight. In addition, it’s a great time to listen to music, podcasts, or just enjoy the sounds of nature, mingled with cars driving by giving suspicious looks.

For more info on present and past walks, visit Mark’s site here.

For my GORUCK gear reviews, visit my YouTube Channel here.

Another walker after mile 30.
Another walker after mile 30.