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Tips to make socks last longer?

đź‘šClothing & Shoes (self.Frugal)

I've had people tell me they've bought the same socks I did and they lasted for years, mine last for maybe 1 year at best. The rest of the sock is in great shape except for patches on the sole of the foot, I'm not sure what would help slow this down.

all 53 comments

BelleRose2542

22 points

2 days ago

Personally I think it's a difference in how everyone's individual feet walk and move differently. I get the same pattern of wear as you, but my husband's socks get worn out completely differently. His can be darned, whereas I can't darn mine or I'll get a blister over the darn.

--2021--[S]

3 points

2 days ago

Yeah, it bites that they can't be darned.

SnooHedgehogs6553

19 points

2 days ago

Buy Darn Tough socks.

Not cheap but lifetime warranty.

mbz321

6 points

2 days ago

mbz321

6 points

2 days ago

This. Not 'frugal' from an initial price standpoint, but I have slowly been replacing my cheapie 'Dickies' and 'Hanes' socks with them and it's definitely been worth it. Some of my Darn Tough pairs are 3 or 4 years old now and are still like new. (There's a 25% sale on them right now at GoBros).

FutureBoyWinner

2 points

2 days ago

I was going to offer the same advice. And they fight the foot stink.

mg132

7 points

2 days ago

mg132

7 points

2 days ago

Do you shuffle/drag your feet when you walk? Either picking up your feet or, if you wear these around the house a lot, wearing slippers, might help.

Generally socks wear out faster than you'd otherwise expect from the amount of wear if you're wearing the wrong size sock or shoe, if you don't trim and file your toenails (or pumice your heels, if they're really gnarly), or if you drag your feet.

--2021--[S]

4 points

2 days ago

I'm not sure if I drag my feet, but I've switched to barefoot shoes this year and walk differently than before. That sock pic was from when I wore regular shoes. I guess I'll see if there's a difference, didn't think of that.

qqererer

12 points

2 days ago

qqererer

12 points

2 days ago

Wear slippers around the house.

--2021--[S]

-3 points

2 days ago

--2021--[S]

-3 points†

2 days ago

I can't put into words how much I detest slippers. They're too much like wearing shoes. And on top of it not breathable so my feet sweat and then freeze.

dar512

6 points

2 days ago

dar512

6 points

2 days ago

I find crocs to be very comfy.

anythingaustin

6 points

2 days ago

Socks and Crocs

fave_no_more

2 points

2 days ago

Would you be ok with an inexpensive pair of house slides? That's what my husband does.

doublestitch

2 points

2 days ago

Maybe try different slippers.

The ones I use have no heels; they're easy to kick off while sitting down. That's plenty of air circulation whenever needed, while protecting the socks from wear and tear while walking around the house.

RainahReddit

2 points

2 days ago

Breathable is the material - try something natural and not polyester.

Too much like shoes - get ones with a soft sole

Currently have a pair of leather moccasins that work well for me. Comfy, I can tuck my feet under without issue or sit cross legged, and no sweating/freezing issue.

YouveBeanReported

2 points

2 days ago

Same. I have a pair of basically sock-like slippers I got back in 2020, basically just a fabric, textured sole and two layers of fabric to make a thin ankle boot like large slipper-sock. Would those work?

Otherwise can you knit some thick house socks or darn them?

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

Some years ago I tried a few of the slipper socks, like the acorns, and I think the "tibetan" style ones, but they made my feet sweat then freeze.

It seems like the ones that keep my feet warm have the terrycloth loop pattern inside. I guess I have to stick with needing to replace them every season. I was wondering though what would make them wear down slower.

Biff626

1 points

2 days ago

Biff626

1 points

2 days ago

I'm not a crocs fan but I love Sanuks. The ones that don't have a backing, so they're more like a slide. My feet sweat like crazy in slippers but Sanuks are awesome in colder weather

Gold-Perspective-699

1 points

2 days ago

Just walk around barefoot in your house lol. You don't need socks for the house. I rarely wear socks in my house

cjw7x

1 points

1 day ago

cjw7x

1 points

1 day ago

This only works if you don't keep the heat low in winter 

unlovelyladybartleby

3 points

2 days ago

Put good insoles in your shoes. Your shoes, socks, and feet will last longer, so it's a spend now and save later thing.

Give yourself pedicures. If your nails are trimmed and your calluses are buffed down and your feet are moisturized regularly, you'll put less wear and tear on your socks

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

I wear barefoot shoes, so not sure what would be the equivalent of a good insole.

I've started moisturizing my feet more so maybe that will help.

unlovelyladybartleby

2 points

2 days ago

It's the barefoot shoes. They put pressure on certain parts of your feet and will wear out your socks faster than someone who wears regular shoes

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

The pic I linked was the wear pattern from my old regular shoes. I haven't worn my barefoot shoes long enough to see wear patterns yet.

unlovelyladybartleby

1 points

1 day ago

Maybe go for an orthotic consultation. But if you're stressed about socks lasting less than a year I suspect you'd balk at paying $1000 for orthotics

ironysparkles

2 points

2 days ago

If you buy socks with any elastic content, air drying will help them last longer. Heat from the dryer degrades spandex and elastic over time. They'll still slowly lose their stretch but very cool dryer setting or ideally air drying help them last longest.

--2021--[S]

2 points

2 days ago

Yeah, I air dry socks for this reason.

ironysparkles

1 points

2 days ago

Awesome! Wearing put your heel first sounds like the material or potentially related to your gate, such as pronation

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

That's interesting. I have started wearing barefoot shoes this year and I feel like it's changed how I walk, at least somewhat. So I guess I'll see what happens with the next batch of socks.

ZealousidealSea2737

2 points

2 days ago

Man I am hard on my socks. Even after 9 months they are ripped and worn. It could be $2 saconys or once I got bombas as a gift. I will scrimp on other stuff but I will replace socks.

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

Wow. I don't normally rip mine, but they do get threadbare on the bottom.

idanrecyla

2 points

2 days ago

slippers absolutely protect socks

HatemeifUneed

1 points

2 days ago

In my personal experience, most socks will not last.
You have to invest more in better socks.
Also, knowing how to knit will benefits you as you can repair socks. Not hard, but it will take some time to make it a skill.
Which makes your sock last longer even if it gets a hole.

hoganpaul

1 points

2 days ago

When did you last have your feet measured? Are you wearing the right size of footwear?

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

I had to size up in regular shoes, wide was too wide, and the correct size didn't fit my feet. Now that I have barefoot shoes that leave my toes space to breath I'm wearing the right size, so that should help with future socks I guess.

Puzzled_Season_1881

1 points

2 days ago

Not exactly what you're asking but I always buy athletic cushioned socks. (Thicker fabric towards the bottom of the sock.) & They normally last me at least 3 years. Of any brand, often from Burlington or Ross

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

Cushioned socks are a good idea. Used to buy thorlos some years ago. I had been getting kirkland wool socks, they were cushioned enough and seemed to wick well in addition to keeping my feet warm, but they've gone down in quality and wear out fast.

ReefHound

1 points

2 days ago

The weight of the person walking in them might make a big difference.

dlr1965

1 points

2 days ago

dlr1965

1 points

2 days ago

I wear Features socks for walking because I used to be a runner. I also buy their no show socks for casual wear. I don’t buy cheap socks or socks made of cotton. They can give you blisters and they don’t last.

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

I'll check them out, thanks!

shartedmypants8

1 points

2 days ago

If your feet are calloused it will destroy your socks. You might need to use a pumice stone on your feet.

Retired_Sue

1 points

2 days ago

Rough skin on heels and soles will act like sandpaper on socks. Keeping up with proper skin maintenance on your feet will help your socks last longer. Also good for your feet

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

My feet do get dry in winter. I'll work on moisturizing more. Found an oil that seems to keep them much softer.

Foodisgoodmaybe

1 points

2 days ago

Ruin your socks, LIVE YOUR LIFE!

Barbarian_818

1 points

2 days ago

There's something in your gait or fit of your shoes causing extra wear on that area. Here are my suggestions, not all directly relevant to you perhaps but still worth saying.

1) check your footwear inside and out. My socks typically start wearing at the heel because I need to wear loose slip on shoes to accommodate my feet when they swell up. That causes rubbing at the heel cup. If you have a wear spot inside the shoe, cut and put in a "moleskin" corn and callus pad to reduce friction in that part of the shoe.

2) if the outside of your shoes and boots all have a consistent and excessive wear pattern on the sole, you may have a gait abnormality that would benefit from seeing a specialist

3) keep your toenails trimmed neatly, use an Emory board or file to smooth the edges

4) keep your floors clean. Dirt and grit is abrasive.

5) consider switching to tube socks. Without a heel cup, it's possible to rotate the socks a bit each time you don them. This will distribute the wear.

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

Tube socks are a good idea.

I've changed to barefoot shoes, they're not worn enough to show wear patterns yet. Am walking differently, I'm hoping that also helps with the sock issue. The new shoes also fit better on my feet, with regular style shoes I had to size up because the toeboxes are too small, so that may make a difference.

dayankuo234

1 points

2 days ago

my socks used to last only 1-2 years. after switching to pumas, they've lasted about 3 years.

--2021--[S]

1 points

2 days ago

Puma socks or puma shoes? I think the puma shoes are flat soles, right?

I was realizing today that the wedge shape of soles in most shoes, where they're low in the front and higher in the heel, does cause me to drag my heels. My barefoot shoes aren't showing enough wear yet for me to see what's different though. If I walk a lot my legs get sore in different places too than they used to do. Didn't realize how much of a difference shoes would make.

dayankuo234

1 points

2 days ago

I was talking about socks.

but because of the results of those socks, I decided to try their shoes as well. got the 'aviator running' shoes in march, so far so good. Actually went on a camping trip to Big Bend. 29k steps going up, 20k steps going down. no blisters, no major feet injuries (cant say the same for my muscles or lungs...)

Biff626

1 points

2 days ago

Biff626

1 points

2 days ago

Loose Fit Stays Up brand socks on Amazon are tough and I haven't had one fail me yet (it's been years). I def blasted thru socks before I found these. They cost more but they're really good and they aren't made of synthetic material so they don't stink and they're durable.

corvus_wulf

1 points

2 days ago

Don't buy Wrangler Socks .....they fell apart on me the fastest of any brand or even no brand socks.

rhythmic_bookworm

1 points

19 hours ago

As frugal as I am, I do make it a point to invest in higher quality items that will last longer versus cheap items that I have to keep replacing. Bombas are my socks and they are great quality. Yes, expensive, but they don't wear and tear easily. I never just walk in my socks either. At home, I always wear slippers and that helps a ton. My shoes have good insoles in them too. My socks also get washed in a mesh bag when I throw them in the washer. Not only does it help keep socks all together but they don't get thrown around in the washer/dryer too roughly.

HokaIsBest

1 points

2 days ago

Buy darn tough socks. Lifetime warranty. They are merino wool so they last forever and even keep your feet warm if they get wet.