Micro crew, 21.6 cm (8.5 in) on average. Cushion: underfoot, ankle and Achilles.

When you want targeted padding in a light knit

Darn Tough Men's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Cushion

A lightweight micro crew with cushion underfoot and around the ankle and Achilles.

Keep in mind: Padding is targeted underfoot and around the ankle rather than full terry throughout. Choose a full-cushion sock if you want padding all around.

Check price on Amazon ↗Compare this sock

£28 list price at Darn Tough’s UK shop, checked . Amazon sets its own price; check it on the listing.

Closest in Darn Tough’s range: the Men's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Cushion. They differ in weight, cushion and blend; the cuff and size chart are the same.

This sockMen's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Cushion
Weightlightweightmidweight
Cushionlight cushion, underfoot, ankle and Achillescushion, underfoot
Blend43% merino wool, 54% nylon, 3% lycra61% merino wool, 36% nylon, 3% lycra
List price at Darn Tough£28£29

Compare the two side by side

micro crew · 21.6 cm (8.5 in) on averageunderfoot, ankle and Achilles · Standard sock

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

Materials, padding and sock type

Standard sock · light cushion

None
Light
Full
Extra
Padding shown schematically. Brand labels do not share a thickness scale.
43% merino wool54% nylon3% lycra
Exact model
Darn Tough Men's Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Cushion
Style number
1972
Size chart
Men’s / unisex chart
Cuff height
micro crew · 21.6 cm (8.5 in) on average
Weight (maker’s term)
lightweight
Cushion (maker’s term)
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 fibre
Facts from
Maker’s US product page

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

XS
S
M
L
XL
XXL
2.5691216

UK

Bands follow this chart’s published ranges. XS: 2.5–4.5 · S: 5–7 · M: 7.5–9 · L: 9.5–11.5 · XL: 12–14 · XXL: 15–16

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 21.6 cm (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 fibre (wool or alpaca). Padding: “light cushion” here, “cushioning rating 3 of 5” there; check each brand’s size chart.

Bridgedale Men's Lightweight Merino Performance 3/4 Crew 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 Men's Chasing Waterfalls Micro Crew Lightweight

micro crew · 21.6 cm (8.5 in) on average · cushion. Your Darn Tough size carries over.

Compare side by side

Same cuff height

Smartwool Hike Mid Crew Light Cushion

Smartwool · mid crew · light cushion.

Compare side by side

Same padding

Falke Men's TK5 Wander

Falke · light padding · calf.

Compare side by side

Find similar socks

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.guide has not tested this pair itself.

Product sources

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