Darn Tough Women's Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight

Quarter, 5.5 in on average. Cushion: underfoot.

quarter · 5.5 in on averageunderfoot · Standard sock

The footwear outline is schematic. Check the cuff with your own shoes.

$22 list price at Darn Tough, checked .

When you want padding underfoot in a low cuff

A quarter hiking sock with what Darn Tough simply calls cushion, a lightweight knit and a 44% merino wool blend.

Keep in mind: A quarter cuff stops around the ankle bone; check it clears the collar before you wear it in boots.

Closest in Darn Tough’s range: the Women's Light Hiker Boot Lightweight. They differ in cuff and blend; the weight, cushion and size chart are the same.

This sockWomen's Light Hiker Boot Lightweight
Cuffquarter · 5.5 in on averageboot · 10.5 in on average
Blend44% merino wool, 52% nylon, 4% elastane44% merino wool, 53% nylon, 3% elastane
List price at Darn Tough$22$27

Compare the two side by side

Materials, padding and sock type

Standard sock · cushion

None
Light
Full
Extra
Padding shown schematically. Brand labels do not share a thickness scale.
44% merino wool52% nylon4% elastane
Exact model
Darn Tough Women's Light Hiker Quarter Lightweight
Style number
1987
Size chart
Women’s chart
Cuff height
quarter · 5.5 in on average
Weight (maker’s term)
lightweight
Cushion (maker’s term)
cushion
Cushion location
underfoot
Sock type
Standard sock
Layers
1
Material blend
44% merino wool, 52% nylon, 4% elastane
Wool-free
No, contains wool or alpaca fiber
Facts from
Darn Tough’s US site
Made in
Vermont, USA
List price at Darn Tough
$22 (checked )

What Darn Tough says about it

“Light Hiker socks have cushioning underfoot, atop the ankle, and up the Achilles to keep feet comfortable for miles and miles.”

“We close every toe seam using our True Seamless™ Toe technology for an ultra smooth, undetectable feel.”

“These hiking 1/4 socks feature soft terry loops underfoot and targeted protection over the ankle and Achilles - our most popular cushion style.”

The maker’s own words from its product page; not tested by HikingSocks.guide.

Cushion and weight labels are this brand’s own terms. They are not a shared thickness or temperature rating.

S
M
L
4.5681011.5

US women’s

Bands follow this chart’s published ranges. S: 4.5–7 · M: 7.5–9.5 · L: 10–11.5

Check the size and the shoe together

Start with the women’s chart for this exact model. Use the size lookup or the whole Darn Tough size chart 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 5.5 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

Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle with socks inside-out. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on low or hang dry. Do not dry clean.

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). Padding: “cushion” here, “medium cushion” there; check each brand’s size chart.

Sockwell Women's Ascend II Quarter uses its own size chart. Compare the two socks to see where their height, material, cushioning and care differ. Matching specs don’t mean they will feel the same in your shoes.

Three socks to compare with it

Same size chart

Darn Tough Women's Celeste Micro Crew Midweight

micro crew · cushion. Your Darn Tough size carries over.

Compare side by side

Same cuff height

Falke Women's TK2 Explore Short

Falke · high ankle · medium-strong padding.

Compare side by side

Same padding

Bridgedale Women's Lightweight Merino Performance 3/4 Crew

Bridgedale · cushioning rating 3 of 5 · 3/4 crew.

Compare side by side

Find similar socks

Product sources

For source limits and matching rules, read how this guide works.