These Über-Soft All-Terrain Darn Tough Pacer Crew Socks Are This Road Runner’s Favorite Pair

The Pacer Crew Sock is for the trail and the road.Merino wool keeps your feet dry and provides soft ultra-lightweight cushioning.The arch has some compression to prevent foot fatigue.Darn Tough is known for its lifetime guarantee; if they don’t last, you can send them back for another pair. But the brand’s outstanding customer service pales in comparison to its durable—and cute—products. It’s way too early for me to know if my Pacer Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight will last forever, but what I do know for sure is that these socks are darn adorable with their hare and tortoise border. They’re darn comfortable to wear on my runs, too.ProsSoft, quick-drying merino woolLightweight cushioningCuff stays upClosed seams prevent friction by toesConsSlightly thick for hot weatherCuff HeightCrewCushioningMediumA Trail Sock for All-TerrainThe Pacer is intended for the trail, but this road runner doesn’t discriminate her socks or silo them. (Seriously, check out the mess in my sock drawer.) What makes the Pacer road-ready is its ultra-lightweight cushioning. It’s thick enough to shield your ankles from brambles, and yet, the soft merino wool material is thin and sleek enough that your feet don’t feel crowded in narrow-fit shoes.Winston ZhouDon’t be fooled—these socks can withstand long mileage and gnarly trail runs.Merino Wool for the WinJust say no to cotton. It collects moisture, feels raw on your feet, and collects stink. Not merino wool. The material draws moisture away from your sweaty feet and dries quickly. The arch also has some compressive support to help with foot fatigue.The socks don’t bunch or have a pesky seam that feels like a pebble by my big toe. But the biggest draw is the cuff length. You can’t go wrong with above-the-ankle crew socks, especially when they stay up without digging too much into your skin. (You know those indents I’m talking about; the kind you scratch after pulling off your socks the end of the day.) This also means blister protection on your heels and ankles; no heel-collar rubbing like when you wear no-shows.Winston ZhouThe socks pay homage to Aesop’s fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare.”The Tortoise and the HareIt took me a hot second before I realized the border of my Pacers gave a nod to that Aesop classic. The hare and tortoise look like they’re racing around your leg. Depending on how you look at it, either is winning. Something that isn’t open to interpretation? The overall comfort of the Pacer for all kinds of runs on or off the road, fast, slow, or sexy pace.Shop Men’s at darntough.comShop Women’s at darntough.comAmanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.Reviewed byCat BowenSenior Editor for Commerce, ReviewsCat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.