These days it seems company and product names are conjured up out of thin air, with macho-sounding verbs or adjectives that ultimately are supposed to make up for the actual product's failings. Not Darn Tough.

I have a lot of pet peeves, including socks that sag, lose elasticity, and wear out at the toes. You can imagine, I'm often disappointed. Or at least, I used to be. These socks hug your calf all day, over hundreds of washings. They stand up as tall as your boot, and stay there whether you're sauntering through the grouse woods or crunching up a scree slope after chukars.

Terry loop cushioning provides just enough warmth (I wear them throughout the season in all types of weather). Darn Tough says they manufacture their goods differently, and I agree. From more knit stitches per inch to form-fitting toe boxes, to sculpted heel pockets, these socks rock.

They stay where they're supposed to stay, too, thanks to elastic at the arch. No heel scrunching down toward your toe as the day turns into night. They are a blend of shrink-treated Merino wool, Nylon and Lycra Spandex that is machine washable and — take my word for it — they won't shrink.

Have you ever seen a lifetime guarantee on a sock? Darn Tough offers one. I doubt if you'll ever have to take them up on it though.