Men's Athletic Cushioned Crew 6-Pack Socks vs Men's Run Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks: which is safer?
Darn Tough Men's Run Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks is our pick, better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Adidas
Men's Athletic Cushioned Crew 6-Pack Socks
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFormaldehyde resin finishing agents
ReportedMicrofiber and microplastic shedding
PossibleAllergic reaction to synthetic fibers or dyes
Our pick
Darn Tough
Men's Run Micro Crew Ultra-Lightweight Running Socks
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleAntimony in synthetic fibers
PossibleMicroplastic shedding during wash
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Formaldehyde resin finishing agents, Microfiber and microplastic shedding and Allergic reaction to synthetic fibers or dyes on the Adidas and not on the Darn Tough.
- We flag Antimony in synthetic fibers and Microplastic shedding during wash on the Darn Tough and not on the Adidas.
- The Adidas is Cotton-blend athletic socks, no reported coating where the Darn Tough is Merino wool blend, synthetic fibers (nylon/spandex), which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More performance socks, see the full ranking