Darn Tough Men's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Cushion

Materials, padding and sock type

Exact model

Darn Tough Men's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Cushion

Style / model code

1972

Chart basis

Men’s / unisex chart

Cuff height

micro crew · 8.5 in average

Brand weight label

lightweight

Cushion label

light cushion

Cushion location

underfoot, ankle and Achilles

Sock type

Standard sock

Layers

1

Material blend

43% merino wool, 54% nylon, 3% lycra

Wool-free

No, contains wool or alpaca fiber

Market

US

Cushion and weight labels describe this brand’s construction. They do not establish a shared thickness or temperature rating.

Check the size and the shoe together

Start with the men’s / unisex chart for this exact model. Use the brand size lookup to find the published range, then check the heel position, toe room and cuff in your footwear.

The published average heel-to-cuff height is 8.5 inches. Compare that measurement with the collar of the footwear you plan to wear. See how sock heights differ.

Try the selected size with the shoes and insoles you plan to use. Added cushioning should not crowd the toes or distort the heel position. The footwear-fit checklist explains what to check.

Care for the exact pair

Wash inside out on a cold, gentle cycle. Use low tumble heat or hang dry. Avoid bleach and dry cleaning.

Use the care lookup for this model’s wash and dry directions. A general wool routine should not override instructions for a membrane, a two-layer construction or a specific treatment.

Another sock to compare

Both constructions contain animal fiber (wool or alpaca). Compare their light cushion and light cushion cushion labels, then check each brand’s size chart.

Smartwool Hike Ankle Light Cushion, SW001611 uses its own size chart. Compare the two socks to see where their height, material, cushioning and care differ. Similar fields do not establish an identical feel in your footwear.

What an independent reviewer found

OutdoorGearLab: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew review, published October 20, 2022.

They found the thinner upper and underfoot cushion useful for active warm-weather use. They also reported pilling after washing, slippery fabric, and insufficient warmth when stationary in cold conditions.

How they used it: The reviewers describe a month of use and roughly 50 trail miles, including hiking, running and backpacking, plus washing and drying checks.

Version reviewed: The reviewed Light Hiker Micro Crew uses the same stated 54% nylon, 43% merino and 3% Lycra blend as this 1972 record. The article does not name a style code; its observations describe that reviewed construction, not proof that every current color or production revision is unchanged.

This is useful context for low footwear and active walking. Check cuff clearance and your own fit; do not use the article’s drying experience as the drying-hours input for a different trip. HikingSocks has not physically tested this pair.