I am making the case for buying good socks because I believe in their value. With that, I will be recommending socks I own and enjoy. Some of these socks will be recommended through affiliate links, which may provide me compensation if you make a purchase (at no additional cost to you).

I spent much of my life resolutely in favor of bulk packs of cheap socks. Socks are a wear item (as in, they require periodic replacement), after all, and what do they do besides keep your feet warm and clean?

I’ve changed my tune.

First off, our feet are sophisticated tools that require substantial training and care. Why would we want to cover them all day in poor-quality socks? I will discuss feet as tools in more detail with a future post, but, for now, I ask that you recognize their importance to everyday life and start treating them with respect.

More importantly (to our discussion of socks, that is), good socks make a difference. Let’s discuss:

Good Socks Last Longer

I used to buy cheap socks in heaps because I thought their job made them prone to falling apart. I would search for bundles of socks at the best discount and toss them out as the heels wore through or a snag led to a hole. It did not make sense to me to spend much on socks because I thought they’d all wear relatively quickly.

Good socks, like these from Darn Tough, feel indestructible. I am not gentile with my socks (sometimes you have to go outside in socks and don’t have shoes nearby), and brands like Darn Tough make socks that survive all the bulk pair killers. These socks can slide across carpets, walk up and down my driveway, and sustain toe nibbles from my puppy (though I wish he’d cut it out) without fear of my socks breaking down. The best part is, some brands (including Darn Tough) offer lifetime guarantees to replace their socks if they start to fall apart.

I have no metrics to report, but it feels more environmentally conscious to buy better, more durable goods (Do you have metrics? Send them my way!). I prefer to reduce the amount of things I purchase, unpackage, and eventually throw out by investing in quality. We can still find fun socks, classic socks, sport socks, and hiking socks that fit our needs and styles.

Note: I have no professional relationship with Darn Tough, but I love their socks. If they want to reach out to me, or if you, kind reader, have other recommendations, I am here for all feedback.

Good Socks can Reduce Odor

You ever take your shoes off after a long day of work only to be accosted by foot stink? Worse still, plan to meet at a friend’s house for a board game night, but fear you can’t take your shoes off because of the odor lingering beneath? It may be your socks.

Let’s not forget: you’re talking to G here, not a doctor. If you have some extreme condition going on, find a professional (though I’m not too sure how serious foot stank can be. Feel free to fill me in). However, I have found that switching to quality socks (especially ones made with merino wool like these or these) have kept my feet stink free even after intense workouts, full work days, and everything in-between.

These sock salesmen advertise that the odor resistance comes from the sweat wicking nature of merino wool. Along with my title as not-doctor, I am also not a materials scientist and cannot discuss the sweat wicking nature of merino wool as is compares to other fibers. I will say, however, that these socks do a good job of keeping my feet feeling less sweaty, making the socks more comfortable as well as less sweaty.

Good Socks are More Comfortable

We take thousands of steps each day. When our socks are more comfortable, each step feels better and presents a lower chance of blisters and other irritation. Good socks are more comfortable when they effectively handle sweat and stay in place.

Keeping Feet Dry

I cannot stand a wet sock. Every step in a wet sock tells you that you’ve made a mistake and asks you to change pairs.

Beyond stepping in puddles, we get wet socks when our feet sweat and the socks retain the moisture. My bulk-purchase socks used to be drenched by the end of a workout, leaving me with feet that looked like they spent the morning soaking in a pool.

Socks that keep sweat off my feet make for an altogether more pleasurable experience. Additionally, sweat-wicking socks help prevent conditions like athletes foot, which occur when our feet have prolonged exposure to dark, warm, and moist environments (i.e. sitting sweaty in shoes).

Staying in Place

Have you ever gotten partway into a run and felt your sock shift out of place? Have you ever worn low-cut socks and had them slide to the bottom of your shoe? Have you ever had your socks crumple up in your shoes, causing them to rub and irritate your toes?

Socks are useless to me when they do not stay where I need them. I find that higher quality socks do a better job staying in place regardless of what I do once they’re on (don’t worry — you can still take them off after!). I have also found that I get far fewer blisters on my toes in good socks and avoid the annoying feeling that something’s in my shoe even though I’ve shaken them out a dozen times to no avail.

I encourage you to do your research and try socks that will do the job better. Who knows, you might just follow my footsteps to the fancy sock aisle.

How to Find Good Socks

We each have own preferences when it comes to what makes a good sock, so it’s important to do your research and pick qualities you value. Here’s what I do when I pick out a new pair:

Prioritize Quality Materials

As previously mentioned, I am no materials expert. However, I tend to favor buying socks made from natural materials (especially those made from wool). It would not be appropriate for me to comment on various synthetic materials and their environmental implications, but I have heard enough about microplastics to know that I want to prioritize natural. That said, sometimes a good blend will make a good that lasts significantly longer than an entirely natural fiber. It is important that we shop mindfully and consider how our present choices impact the future.

Check for Reviews

In this extensive information market we occupy, it would be silly to avoid reviews before buying a product. Buying socks is no different. There are plenty of websites specializing in our interests (Outdoor Gear Lab for the nature lover, for example) that can help us identify the well-regarded socks for our application. Reviews can be helpful for screening products, but it is important to note that not all reviewers are the same and some may just be in it to sell whatever pays them the most.

Go to Local Shops

I tend to check local shops for a variety of reasons. First, shopping at a local store provides the opportunity to actually see and handle the product we are considering buying. This will provide a much better sense of the quality than an online review. Second, shopping at a store helps you see which brands are popular, what their marketing is like, and how the store treats them. A brand’s self-image and store presentation say a lot about what they make. Finally, local stores mean local people to answer your questions. You won’t always find a sock expert on your trip to the store, but you can often find someone who is informed about the products they carry and interested in their differences. More importantly, you give yourself an opportunity to enter your community and interact with people. We can never get too much of that.

Socks With a Mission

What is a mission if not a crafty advertising campaign that allows producers to justify larger margins?

I am all for doing good in this world, but I find that whenever things start getting advertised as mission-based, they tend to become ridiculously expensive (as if the socks I linked above are cheap).

It is most important to focus on the quality of good we are purchasing and how it comes into existence. I do not want to buy socks that purport to save the whales if they are excessively consumptive and poorly made. If you believe in a good, support the company’s goal and find that their approach makes sense, slip on their socks and join the mission. Otherwise, keep shopping with an end to buy smarter.

Any input? Let me know!

-G