Article by Renee Krusemark
Wide Open Socks by Darn Tough
Socks. The unsung hero of our daily lives.
I’ve been a fan of Darn Tough socks for years, once I finally realized that $25 for a pair of socks was worth it for the quality. For casual use, I can understand the cost seems high, but the Merino wool maintains temperature, reduces odor, and wicks away moisture. At RoadTrailRun, we receive a lot of items at no cost, but I’ve never received free Darn Tough socks. I have a few other brands that I rotate through, but these are my go-to socks, and I find them worth the price.
Speaking of Darn Tough, Wide Open’s packaging and product look very similar, and there’s a reason for that. The company was created by Cabot Hosiery Mills, the Vermont-based textile manufacturer of, you guessed it, Darn Tough socks.
[Image from Wide Open: women’s cushioned micro crew sock]
The biggest and most obvious difference between the two brands is in the name: WIDE Open. Wide Open socks are supposed to stretch to 4E and were created to offer the same quality as Darn Tough socks for individuals with wide feet and legs.
I don’t have wide feet or legs, but I understand how Darn Tough socks fit only a select shape and size. They are tight. I like that tight feel for outdoor activities, especially trail races in muddy or wet conditions. I wore Darn Tough socks for the 2023 (very muddy) Black Hills 50 and for the 2024 Bighorn 52 miler (two pairs as I switched
I received my first pair of Wide Open socks at The Running Event in 2023, which was the cushioned “no show” sock with 59% Merino wool. A women’s small fits sizes 4.5-7 and a medium fits sizes 7.5-9.5. For running shoes, I wear a 7.5 or 8, usually an 8.
My size medium in the no show sock was a bit loose around the ankles and although I wear the socks casually, I didn’t find them as comfortable for running as compared to my Darn Tough socks. However, that’s all in the sizing. If you don’t have wide legs or feet, a size down might be useful. The no-show sock’s ankle/foot opening will be loose for anyone with average to narrow width ankles. Of course, that is the point of the product: to be wider than Darn Tough.
[Photo: Wide Open women’s cushioned micro crew]
Wide Open sent a women’s size small of the cushioned micro crew sock, and it was a much better fit for me as compared to a size medium in the no show sock. The micro crew foot opening has some stretch to it, but it didn’t slide down.
The Merino wool is 65% as compared to the no-show sock’s 59%. The socks don’t specifically seem “wide,” rather they are softer and stretchier as compared to Darn Tough socks. The wool pils quicker and more easily, but I have not noticed the long term durability being affected, just the appearance. For comparison, I have a few pairs of Creepers brand Merino wool socks, which have a soft, stretchy blend of fabric. Both brands pils the same, which is on par for wool that has some stretch.
My first outing with the micro crew socks was through an ungroomed trail in lots of nettle and weeds. I had burrs stuck to my socks and pulling them out caused some visible piling of the wool. While I often wash my Darn Tough socks on warm and put them in the dryer, Wide Open socks will last longer by carefully following the recommended care for washing.
If you like Darn Tough socks but need something that is not so tight, then go with Wide Open. People without wide legs/feet might consider a size down especially if you are between sizes in running/hiking shoes.
For fit, the “wide” comes from the stretch of the material itself, not necessarily the circumference or size. While running, I prefer my Darn Tough socks because of the tight fit. For hiking and other outdoor activities, I like the softer, more stretchy Wide Open.
For those who need wide sizing, and not simply a stretchier material, I am not sure Wide Open offers what you need. The product is great quality, just not an answer for those who are looking for a much larger, wider sock than what’s already on the market. I think it’s worth trying though, especially given their return policy, which offers free shipping on returns for 90 days from your date of purchase. They also give a Military, First Responders, and Medical Professionals discount.
Wide Open Socks are available at
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