A while back, prior to my departure upon the Pacific Crest Trail, I wrote a post about KEEN and they’re supplying me with socks for my upcoming adventure.
I was excited to be providing feedback on my equipment used out on the hike, and even more excited to be receiving free gear.
However, like most good things, my time spent dealing with KEEN was short-lived. After only 180 miles on the trail, BOTH pairs of socks I had begun the PCT with were no longer suitable for hiking (so we can call that ninety miles with each pair or approximately five days).
Each pair was riddled with holes and my feet were covered with blisters.
I attempted to contact KEEN multiple times, to both provide feedback and solicit the disbursement of new socks, but my emails were never met with a response. I can now only assume that what KEEN disguised as an attempt to gain real-world feedback on their products was merely a cheap marketing gimmick to get their brand out in the thru-hiking community.
Moving Forward: Darn Tough
As my relationship with KEEN and their socks ended I began my search for another companion to keep my feet clean and comfortable (and to keep that stank locked away); as it would happen the town of Idyllwild would provide me with just the match: Darn Tough Socks.
Made in Vermont and backed by a lifetime guarantee, Darn Toughs proved to be a truly amazing sock. It was not until the Oregon border that I finally noticed the smallest of holes forming in each of my two pairs (that is almost 1500 miles from Idyllwild).
So what did I do?
I mailed those suckers into Darn Tough (yes, washed – it was required – and got two brand new pairs in return.
No gimmicks here, folks, the people at Darn Tough stand behind their products. At the present moment, I find it hard to believe that I would ever own another company’s socks again (especially since my socks are now guaranteed for life).
So if you need a pair of thru-hiking socks, running socks, or even just lounging around the house socks, then give Darn Toughs a try (and you will never have to buy another pair of socks ever again).
Interested-er? Read my full Darn Tough Socks Review.
I’ve never used their socks, but I love my Keen boots. In fact, they fit and feel better than any shoe/boot I’ve ever owned or tried. The only contact I’ve done with customer service was to e-mail them about broken laces. They got back to me within a day and they sent me three new pair of laces for free.
Sorry you’ve had such bad experience with them.
BTW, I use the Darn Tough socks too. They rock!
I always see their boots and think to myself, “If I didn’t hold a somewhat unreasonable grudge against this company, I may very well like to try their boots.”
Perhaps one day I’ll give them another chance. Just definitely not their socks.
Yeah, never got any response from them. Don’t know if I’ll have to live with this grudge forever.
I do love me some dinosaurs.
100% agree with your comments about Keen customer service.I started the AT last year with Keen boots and they started to break up , after weeks of getting no where, emails taking over a week to be answered and then no helpful answers, I gave up and swore I would never use Keen again. Enjoying reading your posts as I prepare for the PCT in April
Taz
Good to hear that I am not alone in my disdain for shameful customer service. Good luck on the PCT!
Good to read that these hold up. We had them “sponsor” a bike messenger event here in Oregon and a bunch of us received free pairs. I loved them right away(ended up wearing them the whole weekend and was impressed by the lack of funk, sweat, etc that usually go with a 4 day weekend of booze and riding bikes in 90 degree weather). Just recently picked up some for work and hiking. Glad to hear they will work great for long distant hiking as well.
They are one of my favorite brands now, and despite them having yet to get back to me regarding their willingness to replace socks internationally, I will continue to use, buy, and support their products.
Glad to hear you had a similar experience!
Agreed. Those socks are the best!