Sock math (the case for buy it for life socks)

Submitted by Johnpecan t3_11qa2wv in BuyItForLife

I'm relatively new to this sub but I wanted to document my thought process on why buy it for life socks are worth it.

I like having all the same type of sock. It makes the entire laundry process so much easier, you never have to worry about pairs, just throw all the socks together. This makes it very easy for me to see how much I spend on socks.

So in May 2015, (as my various other socks were about done) I bought 102 Champion socks for 203.66 (17x 6 packs @ 11.98 each). Over the last 8 years, I've had to throw nearly all of them away because of holes in them. I have maybe 5 or so pairs left. I'm fairly active. So I started investigating better socks (which ultimately led me to this sub).

So let's round up say the socks I bought in 2015 lasted 8 years (which they almost did). Assuming I want to buy socks for another 8 years, I would have to buy another 17x 6 packs. The same socks I purchased in 2015 are now 18.03 for a 6x pack. So if I wanted to buy socks for 8 years, that would be 17 x 18.03 = 306.51.

Enter in Darn Tough socks (recommended to me from a friend). As soon as I found the right fitting athletic sock, if I want to spend the same amount of money (306.51) for socks, I could buy them at 19.08 each (after tax, assuming free shipping when spending $50 or more). So I could buy 16 pairs of Darn Tough socks for the same price as 100 champion socks.

I'm pretty excited about this (well as excited as one can be about socks) that for the same price as the (relatively) cheap socks I was getting before for 8 years, I was able to theoretically buy socks for life. Granted, there's no guarantee the company will last forever (no reason to think they will go bankrupt or anything but you never know). So ssuming they last at least 8 years I will break even with the potential for lasting much, much longer.

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anacreon1 t1_jc20p8b wrote

Your very thorough cost / wear analysis shows you have a deep passion for this topic.

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CookBaconNow t1_jc2fq47 wrote

That’s how the My Pillow Guy got started.

Do it better, Sock Guy.

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qkilla1522 t1_jc3i5v8 wrote

My pillow guy got lucky after 3 failed businesses (parent funded) and a drug habit to find an existing company with a quality product and purchase it.

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Alaska_Jack t1_jc3payn wrote

Sounds like a good lesson in persistence and resilience.

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cyclic_rival t1_jc3riqu wrote

And being from a rich family.

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SmartyChance t1_jc47myf wrote

I can't seem to master inheriting. I'm sure if I just pull myself up by my bootstraps, I...am still not inheriting jack.

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cannotrememberold t1_jcdaqum wrote

Me too. I stumble out of the blocks…or wrong vagina, depending on how you look at it.

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Yoda2000675 t1_jc3iu0z wrote

I thought he got started by the need to fuel his meth addiction?

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Shadeun t1_jc3fnw7 wrote

Each to their own. But I think they should stick a sock in it.

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60kvert t1_jc52sm4 wrote

“We appreciate your enthusiasm”

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No_Damage979 t1_jc5rv3c wrote

Your attention to his analysis shows you have a deep passion for those who have a deep passion for analysis.

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vrogers123 t1_jc296x1 wrote

The question that springs to mind for me is…..how long do you wear each pair of socks before washing?

Assuming that the champion socks got worn once a day, and if you moved to a new pair for the next day 😄 each pair would be worn just under 4 times a year. Or became useless after 32 wears and washes (4 x wears for 8 years). Which seems pretty bad. All ball park figures here :).

To make your new socks beat the “champions”, they’ll have to stand up to….182 wears each over the next 8 years. That’s 150 extra wears per sock.

Let us know how it goes :).

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chickenwing042 t1_jc2pri7 wrote

I'm pretty sure Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee, so even if they wear out through normal use, it'll get replaced

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IAmUber t1_jc38mf2 wrote

To finish out the sock math you should include shipping socks back to use the warranty.

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lump532 t1_jc3jm20 wrote

The trick is to wait until you have 4-6 pairs. The shipping is nearly the same more 5 as for 1.

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CalRal t1_jc34571 wrote

I have about 16 pairs of Darn Tough socks. I wear them exclusively, one wear per wash, and I’m going on six years with zero failures. I haven’t even noticed any significant wear points.

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Amyx231 t1_jc40pi5 wrote

I have accidentally ripped the ankle of one. Very minorly. Because their ankles are so tight! Putting them on can be a challenge. But I don’t plan to send it back until it has friends, shipping is $7.99 last I checked.

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Epsilon748 t1_jc47cia wrote

I have maybe 20 pair that I think all got bought together years ago. I used to wear each pair probably once every other week for 2-3 years. They all started noticeably thinning around the toes and heel. No holes but close enough to be nearly no difference. I switched to another brand of socks for work and these still get worn on weekends occasionally. This is all to say, I've definitely worn them out even if it takes a bit longer than dirt cheap ones.

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No_Damage979 t1_jc5s5w3 wrote

Y’all are making me feel dumb for my awesome socks club subscription. Thanks.

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BitwiseB t1_jc3he7s wrote

I have 8 pairs of Farm to Feet socks. I bought them five years ago. I wear them all winter, pretty much exclusively.

Not a single sock has worn out yet. There aren’t even any thin areas. They go through the wash and dryer like the rest of my laundry, I don’t baby them.

The math is roughly 1 wear per pair per week before washing, x 26 weeks (my feet get cold easily, so I probably wear them more like 3/4 of the year, but there are also 8 pairs so we’re rounding), x 5 years = ~ 130 wears each so far, and still going strong.

If Darn Tough is as good or better than that, then he’s gold.

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complywood t1_jc3if5l wrote

+1 for Farm to Feet. I found them the most comfortable of the 3 brands I tried (other two are Darn Tough and Cloudline). All brands had a fair amount of variability between different lines of sock (less for cloudline), I bought a couple different pairs to decide on my favorites.

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BitwiseB t1_jc3kakv wrote

I picked them up on clearance because the pattern was being discontinued. Even at a discount it still felt crazy to be spending that much on socks.

It feels a lot less crazy now.

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vanslem6 t1_jc46lug wrote

I have 2 pair of Farm to Feet socks, and I really like them. Unfortunately both pair developed a hole recently. Kind of bummed, actually. I like the fit better than the Darn Tough socks I have. I also had a couple pair of Smartwool PHD socks that got holes. Loved those socks as well.

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tvsux t1_jc4r6zb wrote

And both are American made!

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Mtnskydancer t1_jc2m857 wrote

Personally?

I think I get a max of five wears, BUT not consecutive days. In theory, I need two pair as I wash weekly. But I rotate five pairs. I look at this knowledge as a travel/packing cheat.

I do have two thicker just for hiking socks, and a few cotton “fanciful” socks I’ve kept for things like deep moisturizing my feet (wool drinks the lotion faster than my skin. I’ve had to line my wool buff, too) My exercise socks are a couple that look disreputable and I wear them for an hour, max, and hand wash after use. Two because they aren’t fully dry, something I could live with in sandals, but not closed shoes.

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vrogers123 t1_jc2qxwp wrote

Yeah, I’d say sock wear and tear is very variable, depending on the the person and their work and Life activities.

Some people, depending on the climate they live in, might get through a few months with no socks at all :).

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mcmaster93 t1_jc3h4oq wrote

when i read how much people go through socks it genuinely makes me feel like im either wearing them wrong or i just dont live a life of hardship and manual labor.i appreciate OP doing all the leg work for cost comparison and all but i buy a few packs of random marshalls/tj max sale socks, or just costco puma packs of socks like once a year if that. i actually havent even bought any new socks for the past 2 years because im still sitting on unopened packs of pumas

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ParcOSP t1_jcato00 wrote

Right??! I probably throw away two pairs a year of my most worn socks. My socks I buy for running and cycling last 5-10 years. I have socks I bought 12 years ago, going strong. Just basic nike athletic socks btw.

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Mtnskydancer t1_jc4xas8 wrote

Pro tip, barefoot on wood floors does a number on them.

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Amyx231 t1_jc40ikf wrote

$7.99 usps flat rate box to mail them back. Then get new free pairs. So it’s lifetime socks. But with a twist.

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LegendaryDaru t1_jc29zlb wrote

I'd also like to add that by purchasing a higher quality product you're cutting down on the garbage you produce. So, going by your same 16 vs 100 pairs, that's around 84 pairs of socks that won't be seeing a garbage bin. Good!

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DropsOfLiquid t1_jc2ltli wrote

From my experience with Darn Tough athletic socks it will be more than 16 in the bin unfortunately. Their thick hiking socks last forever for me but their athletic socks get holes regularly. They do replace them but you pay to return & it’s kind of just annoying.

I’ve actually moved away from Darn Tough for athletic socks because they last about the same as cheap socks for me. Maybe I’m doing something wrong & others have a different experience but I’ve been very underwhelmed with my DT athletic sock trials.

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bicycle_mice t1_jc305c1 wrote

I’ve had the opposite experience! I have developed some holes but only have several years of tough wear. I got a pair of Bombas as a Christmas gift and they started to develop holes after only a couple months. I wear through socks so fast because I walk and run a lot and have bony feet. DT outlasts everything else by several orders of magnitude. It’s all I wear.

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DropsOfLiquid t1_jc325ev wrote

That’s super interesting. What DT athletic sock version do you wear?

I was using these ultralight socks & they got the weirdest holes in places I’ve never even had socks fail. For how amazing their hiking socks are I was super disappointed in these.

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[deleted] t1_jc3e4ub wrote

100% agreed. I’ve got two pairs of those that I need to send in for warranty claims

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bicycle_mice t1_jc3ko48 wrote

I think I got those and maybe the CoolMax ones too? I run and walk 5-10 miles most days, but my feet generally don't sweat so that might make a difference. I also use the hiking socks for backpacking trips they've held up pretty well. The "fashion" socks with cute designs tend to not last as long, maybe 1-3 years for me.

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Teutonic-Tonic t1_jc3f5e2 wrote

There are multiple intangible benefits... you also arguably have a higher quality of life as you are wearing comfortable wool socks that breath better vs cheap poly blend socks.

The socks are also made by workers making a living wage in Vermont vs a sweatshop in China.

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FionaTheFierce t1_jc2lcyn wrote

Can we please be real here for a moment - socks are *never* BIFL. Under any "normal" use textiles will wear.

​

That you can send them back and get a replacement is sort of besides the point. It is not realistic to expect that socks will last forever. Even high quality socks will wear out, and this is really a "normal wear and tear" situation. More expensive socks will last longer, but they may not be a financial advantage if you compare them to the replacement costs of the cheap socks over time. There is a lot to be said, of course, of generating less waste and many good reasons to do that.

If you wear out your socks with use over 5-10 years it is, IMO, a bit of an overreach to expect a free replacement. The product has fulfilled its performance expectations at that point.

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2pet2 wrote

>If you wear out your socks with use over 5-10 years it is, IMO, a bit of an overreach to expect a free replacement.

But.. that's the appeal. Assuming the company still exists they have a pretty clear replacement policy as long as they're not missing or an animal doesn't destroy them. Sure, a shipping fee but I think local stores will send them in(from what I've read).

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quixoticdancer t1_jc37hzj wrote

Yeah, I think people are missing the point on these lifetime guarantees.

Nobody is truly expecting socks to last forever. Darn Tough knows fully well that their socks won't last a literal lifetime but the value the guarantee adds to the brand boosts their bottom line more than the small proportion of buyers who will ever ask for replacements.

It's akin to why gift cards are such a boon for retailers; a pretty significant portion of them will never be redeemed, meaning 100% profit for the store.

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onedegreeup t1_jc3lw3s wrote

I don’t understand, why’re you trying to take a moralistic stance on whether a product has fulfilled its purpose? It’s not at all an overreach when it is advertised as such.

Of course I don’t expect the socks to last forever. But I fully expect the company to honor their promise. I honestly don’t care what the point of the promise is for their bottom line - I bought the product as such and if I find myself needing to replace, I will do so.

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quixoticdancer t1_jc3rkyg wrote

I didn't mean to convey any moral judgment at all, not say that you should care about some company's bottom line. I'm just trying to say Darn Tough knows you can't truly expect a pair of socks to last your lifetime - and we shouldn't either.

The company plans to replace a certain proportion and that a larger proportion of buyers will never exercise the guarantee - not because they'd be wrong to do so but because many folks simply won't, for whatever reason. The fact that a larger proportion will not exercise their guarantee may well be what makes it economically viable for the company to offer the option.

Edit: To be clear, I'm not the commenter who called exercising the guarantee "overreach". Please direct your indignation that way.

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Mobile_Net2155 t1_jc37rzj wrote

Their business model is built on this premise. I generally agree this sub wants more than their money's worth but this company specifically built their business model on lifetime guaranteed socks.

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WillametteWanderer t1_jc28oot wrote

I know this is an Old School question - Have you thought about darning a hole in a good quality sock that does not have a lifetime warranty?

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Maenidmom t1_jc7a0a1 wrote

I'm darning some socks now. It is quite satisfying:)

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WillametteWanderer t1_jc7uvti wrote

It is. Did you teach yourself how to darn socks, or was it a skill passed down from family?

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2qagq wrote

Is "darning" a typo for "patching"?

I do a fair bit of athletics and normally the heel is the first to go, but the front part of the sock is close to done too. Very stretched and worn. I wouldn't want to patch that.

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chemistrywarden t1_jc2toh2 wrote

Not a typo, darning and patching are two different repairs

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2vma7 wrote

Interesting, never heard of that, will check it out.

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WillametteWanderer t1_jc34szu wrote

Most anyone over 50 may know how to darn socks. Patching is for fabric repairs, as in patching the knees of children’s jeans. Darning is repairing holes, or weak spots, worn in knitted pieces.

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spambearpig t1_jc21o2i wrote

Man I always wondered about the maths behind this. I’m delighted to see your experiment and workings.

I have been aware that I’m a victim of these economies for some time, only dabbled in solutions. Never bothered to knuckle down and do the science!

However my ‘sock game’ is complex, our weather is crazy and I need a versatile range of sock options. For months I’ve been mostly wearing thin breathable liner socks and a wool-hybrid over sock.

I’ve been wondering how the oversock changes the wear and tear on the undersock (or not) but dammit I’m too damn lazy to do the science once again.

I suggest you do your experiment in small-scale before you go out and spend all that money on the same sock.

I buy a lot of my wool socks from a variety of brands based on the blend, weave style and whether they are on sale. So maybe the most cost efficient way isn’t to buy them all from one place?

Complicated business and worthy of further study.

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dnalloHnosaM t1_jc2d5gq wrote

Cloudline socks is another great brand with a true hassle free (no need to return) lifetime warranty. They are a U.S. made and they offer 20-25% discounts frequently and always to military, teachers, etc. Other great socks brands with lifetime warranties to also consider:

Feetures

Point 6

Grip 6

Ice Breaker

Bombas

Swiftwick

Altera Alpaca

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fernspore t1_jc4tqpx wrote

Love icebreaker! I’ll have to check out cloudline. Thx

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ParcOSP t1_jcau4ol wrote

Swiftwick is where it's at. I've yet to see signs of wear on any pair after like 5 years. Better than Feetures for durability, in my experience.

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vagrantprodigy07 t1_jc2iy8p wrote

I've tried to do BIFL socks several times, and none of them fit me. I've got fat feet, and all of the brands are so damn tight.

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2pljw wrote

I think mine are similar, I could never wear Nike shoes as they were too narrow for my feet. I had to go up a size and they fit ok but I definitely see your point.

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vagrantprodigy07 t1_jc2utug wrote

Yeah, I've tried that with Darn Tough and Grip 6, and they don't really get wide enough, and then get way too long. regular cotton socks fit fine though. I'd love to find a brand that would work for me, I've been buying non-lifetime wool socks for winter for a while now, and they do last longer.

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CreativeGPX t1_jc26vp5 wrote

Wow. I buy a couple of packs of Walmart socks (probably about $20 as you said) and that lasts me about the 8 years even if I'm using them for running and such. I wonder if there is some other factor (shoe fit, toe nails, etc.) that is adding additional wear?

On their website, for the warranty it wasn't clear to me if they provide the packaging and postage to ship to them, only that they ship for free to you. In that case, that might add to your cost especially if you have to do it multiple times (plus the hassle of actually shipping). I guess it really comes down to whether these socks are so good that you virtually never need to replace them vs if you're going to have to keep using the warranty every few years.

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dnalloHnosaM t1_jc2duav wrote

Darn tough requires you to return them on your dime, although some retailers like REI will allow you to exchange on site. Cloudline is another great brand to consider that offers a true hassle free lifetime warranty. Fill out an the online form and wait for your replacements (no returning). They are US made and they offer discounts to military, teachers, and more. They send me 20-25% off discounts via email frequently as well.

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CookBaconNow t1_jc2fly5 wrote

Darn Tough have too much cotton for me and they feel too tight at the largest size. I wear a 12w.

Smartwool is all wear now. Comfy and stops foot odor like magic and dries quickly. Cotton does the opposite.

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2ptcg wrote

I did have to go up a size. I wear a size 12 shoe and I needed the 12.5-14 sock. My feet are also wide I think and the socks are a bit snug but still comfortable for me.

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complywood t1_jc3jcr9 wrote

Which Darn Tough socks have cotton? I only saw wool/nylon/elastine (aka spandex) blends, plus whatever synthetic Coolmax™ is.

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acarrillogu t1_jc3ukuo wrote

Sock math is exactly the kind of content I’m here for. 👏👏👏

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redvillafranco t1_jc2rcjx wrote

Are 16 pairs of Darn Tough socks really going to last 8 years? I know they have a good warranty. But warranties tend to be a hassle and should have some cost associated with them for your time and effort. Plus, you probably lose a sock or few over 8 years which will prevent some of the warranty claims.

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NesterGoesBowling t1_jc8iisd wrote

I got my first 7 pairs of Darn Tough wool socks in 2015. I washed them (inside out) once a week. Then I got another 7 pairs about a year later. Now each pair is worn once every two weeks.

They show no signs of wearing out. I will likely have these socks for another 8 years.

I think OP (/u/Johnpecan) would probably like to know that his plan is solid.

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norfizzle t1_jc3995o wrote

Yes they will depending on what you're doing. Warranty is a bit of a hassle, but most premium items are worth a little extra time.

Lose a sock? Buy another pair, wait to lose one, send the remaining two back!

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secretwealth123 t1_jc35qbv wrote

The biggest issue with this is that you’re underestimating how easy it is to lose socks. I also wanted to go with DarnTough’s but I think I lose sock more than I completely wear them out

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qgx t1_jc3ghy2 wrote

Pro tip: put them in a mesh bag before washing. No more bachelor socks!

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the_country_bumpkin t1_jcoyol4 wrote

This is a great idea. Darn tough socks are super durable and you can wear them 3-5 days straight without washing because they're merino wool. Then you only need to keep 2-3 pairs in rotation at a time.

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Johnpecan OP t1_jcp35xg wrote

I typically use them to workout so I'll give them a smell test after a workout but wearing them multiple days in a row was something I had never considered, thanks!

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Village_Spinster t1_jc21pki wrote

There are also grip6 socks. Far fewer options, but the same guarantee. They have discontinued and seconds sales where you can get a pair for $10.

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spqrnbb t1_jc239j3 wrote

You make a good point! As long as Darn Tough socks honors a lifetime guarantee on their socks, and assuming a similar amount of wear on socks, Darn Tough are a darn good deal.

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CreativeGPX t1_jc25hyc wrote

The other concern I have is that their website says you send them the old socks and they send you the replacement for free. So, it sounds like you might have to pay to ship the socks to them and for the packaging to do so. If that's the case, that should be factored in.

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dnalloHnosaM t1_jc2dy9t wrote

Darn tough requires you to return them on your dime, although some retailers like REI will allow you to exchange on site. Cloudline is another great brand to consider that offers a true hassle free lifetime warranty. Fill out an the online form and wait for your replacements (no returning). They are US made and they offer discounts to military, teachers, and more. They send me 20-25% off discounts via email frequently as well.

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spqrnbb t1_jc2eg85 wrote

That sounds great, tbh! As a teacher, I think I'll look into this.

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Wonderful-Matter4274 t1_jc2ni7l wrote

I'm just stuck on the idea of having a bunch of drawers full of 102 socks. How big is your closet?

It's like you're the dude from a middle school math problem haha

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2orau wrote

I kept most in storage and would just take out a pack at a time when I was running low.

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Stpbmw t1_jc2q0fv wrote

To maximize savings of the darn tough warranty, once they start wearing out do not send mail the warn out pairs individually. Instead wait for several pairs to wear out and combine to save on shipping.

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2qhgk wrote

Good advice. I also think there's a local store I can send them in, but not sure how much of a hassle that will be. Like if I have to drive to a store twice, might be easier to just send them in.

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Insanitychick t1_jc2t83d wrote

Do the darn tough socks have seams on the insides? I'm curious because I find inside seams uncomfortable.

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KerafyrmPython t1_jc2ygox wrote

Been using darn tough socks for several years now

They still get holes and are not bifl (still my preferred sock though!)

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graywoman7 t1_jc326ui wrote

I’m not sure it’s the socks. That’s not much wear per pair. Are you wearing them around the house instead of slippers and/or walking outside, even briefly, with them on?

I only wear socks when I have shoes on and 20 or so pairs of cheap ones last me a decade. I usually have to throw them away because the elastic wears out rather than they get holes.

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norfizzle t1_jc39hnz wrote

I just today got my credit back from Darn Tough for sending in nearly 10 years worth of socks, as I switched to them way back when.

$334. That's how much store credit I now have to spend. While any given pair of socks isn't BIFL, with this warranty program, Darn Tough socks pretty much are.

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PurpleFoxPoo t1_jc3dv5o wrote

I would add that you should always buy two pairs. The inevitable will happen and one will disappear or develop a hole. Then you can take one from the second pair and use that till one disappears again whilst still having a spare. It’s like 66% extra sock use.

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ollee32 t1_jc3gb86 wrote

Feetures are the best socks to buy. Period. They last an unbelievably long time and they replace them for free. It’s also very little hassle. Add to that I once emailed them about how my husband lost one of mine doing the laundry and I was really upset because they were about 10 years old and could I buy a single sock? And they emailed me back and said it cracked her up and she was sending me a free pair. I didn’t know what size to get (in between) so she sent both.

Lululemon also sent me free shorts when I emailed to say I forgot to pack underwear for a half marathon and had lost weight so the shorts were sliding off and it was quite a race. I had zero complaints about the quality and she still sent me a free pair.

Moral: good companies have good customer service. And Feetures are the most buy it for life product I know.

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NostalgiaInLemonade t1_jc3i8kv wrote

TL;DR: Darn Tough socks are ~6x more expensive than Champion socks. Some real number crunching here.

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rrfox31 t1_jc3l83i wrote

You don’t even need 16 pairs my friend. I was rocking the same 5 pairs for the last 2 years.

I recently added 3 new pairs to the mix because I needed a new particular style for work. So I bought two of the same pair, and a fun no-show style with a design on them for fun because they were on sale and brought me to the free shipping threshold.

The 5 pairs I originally bought look exactly the same as they did when I bought them, and I have worn them a ton!

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Fantastic_Salad_1104 t1_jc3nd9t wrote

You can math it out, and over any significant time table it may make sense economically, but even if it didn't I would still opt for darn tough. I have many staples in the BIFL as far as clothing is concerned. Don't get me wrong, I like things not failing annually, but for me the most important thing is fit and feel. Darn Tough socks are the only pair of socks I have ever actually enjoyed wearing, they breath well, they don't stink after a long day, and they are just super comfortable.

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Alaska_Jack t1_jc3p5tg wrote

This is really interesting to me, because every time a post comes up raving about BIFL expensive socks, I always have the same thought:

I wear quarter socks. I buy three kinds -- black, blue and brown. I have three milk crates on the shelf above my dryer that I keep them in. I bought the kinds that are come in packs and come out to about $1/pair.

And ... I couldn't be happier. It's a perfect system.

I've gotten rid of one or two here and there, but I will say that I can't fathom going through 100 socks in 8 years. That seems like a lot.

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DorianGre t1_jc3rn2s wrote

Gold Toe in black, thick and thin, 8x packs 6 of each. I have an entire drawer of socks and have thrown out 3 pairs in 6 years. I have spare socks in my car, daily backpack, gym bag, golf bag. It is awesome having too many socks. I recommend everyone do this once and try it. Socks for athletics is a different problem and needs its own solution, but for everyday socks and dress socks, its pretty awesome.

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adventure_in_gnarnia t1_jc3vcgt wrote

I’ve found dickies 60/40 poly/cotton socks to be good quality and last years for work and working out and they wick moisture well. Darn tough or other wool socks are only worth it for me for specific hard-use applications like skiing or long hikes. I think the best value lies somewhere in between. Cheaper good quality socks for everyday use, and high quality wool for specific uses. Having an abundance of normal socks is nice too when socks become unexpectedly soiled or wet. Running out of socks and having to put on a crusty pair because I haven’t done the laundry isn’t ideal. Some days I’ll wear 3 pairs… one for work, one working out, and then a fresh pair after showering. I don’t like the idea of having to “ration” my socks.

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Amyx231 t1_jc40dh7 wrote

Issue is, you sometimes lose single socks, and you pay to ship them back. I have…6 pairs of darn tough. Maybe 7. One pair is a single. 4 more I bought too large a size so rarely wear. 1 pair is perfect though.

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Hiei2k7 t1_jc41or7 wrote

I switched out of Gold Toes and went to find something American-Made. I found 2 brands.

Fox River Socks, made in Iowa. These are my all-weathers and thick socks for winter. https://foxsox.com/

Boldfoot Socks, made in North Carolina. These are my dress, patterned, and colored socks. https://boldfoot.com/

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fernspore t1_jc4t1ww wrote

Are people really sending darn tough socks back for replacements? I have a few pairs that are four years old and contemplated sending them back. Honestly smartwool socks held up a bit better during my puppy’s teething stage.

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3dddrees t1_jd8hmgv wrote

I do, but that’s why I bought them to begin with. Of course I wait until I have 3 pairs to send back to make it more economicall. I tend to like their thickest most cushioned socks T4033 socks which also are their most expensive socks and I have found these tend to wear out quicker for me. Currently they are $31.00 a pair so returning them are a no brainer as far as I’m concerned. Since I’m retired I also wear them inside the house a bit as well which might help account for some of that wear.

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CapnLazerz t1_jc544zb wrote

Socks are primarily a fashion accessory -for me, anyway. The exception is athletic type socks, which need to be functional above all else.

I have so many dress and casual socks in all kinds of colors and patterns. I buy a new pair or 7 whenever I go clothes shopping. I only wear each pair maybe once every couple of months. As such, I probably never need to buy another pair again, lol.

But even at my infrequent wear cycle, there are some socks that have begun to wear out, whether it’s a hole, fraying or loss of elasticity. Sometimes the matching one just disappears into the sock dimension.

I just don’t think socks can ever be BIFL. They can’t be designed to be that because you wear them on the part of the body that gets the most action. BIFL, to me, implies something you only have to buy once and it will last forever and you certainly can’t do that with a pair of socks.

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farmerbsd17 t1_jc5sp56 wrote

I have six or 7 pairs of Darn Tough socks they’re great

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blubbyolga t1_jc6ck1x wrote

Use clogs, sandals and crocs most of the time and you won't need socks as much. Saves on laundry too. Just make sure to clean the shoes and your feet often as to avoid stink 🦨

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ParcOSP t1_jcasye3 wrote

Try Swiftwick socks. I've used these for serious running/cycling (at least 3-4 days a week) and just anything generally active and have never thrown a pair away. Probably had them for 5 years, at least. Plus they do wool, hiking, and more casual socks as well.

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Ready-Scientist7380 t1_jcnw98l wrote

I have fibromyalgia and diabetes so I have to take extra good care of my feet. I wear only Darn Tough socks or Farm to Feet socks. I have found them to be durable, warm, non-irritating and very good quality. Darn Tough says you can wear their socks several days in row. Yep. You can. They don't stink, get soggy or get looser. I wore one pair two weeks just to see how long I could go on one pair of socks and have them be comfortable. I buy one pair of Darn Tough socks, on average, per month. I love having lots and lots and lots of pairs of Darn Tough socks.

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deus_explatypus t1_jc2mr9h wrote

How do you go through socks so quickly?

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Johnpecan OP t1_jc2oyxo wrote

Run ~5 miles about 4x a week and play a bunch of tennis. Also, might just be an issue with the sock design. The heel would often stretch out and mostly break there.

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deus_explatypus t1_jc2rko3 wrote

I play 5 hours of video games a day and my socks never break down 😂 just kiddin

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BellzaBeau t1_jc5gr2p wrote

Just don’t wear socks. Problem solved. Summer = flip flops. Winter = uggs

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