Socks

Do I go Merino? I mean, it keeps my feet happy out in the bikes and walking so I guess it could work. They’re on the expensive side of things for socks though. Is it worth it? Do they last being used daily?

They absolutely last being worn daily, I've not worn cotton socks (apart from the little trainer sock jobs) for years. Plus, cos they're merino, you don't have to wash them every day, which further extends their lifespan

I'm currently wearing some of these that I've probably had five years or more

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3-pack-merino-wool-rich-socks/p/clp60167434?extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_mw_ch__-_UK_-_-_bau&gclid=CjwKCAjw8symBhAqEiwAaTA__GGjQ8yNPLVg_v4SocZhGX6sGXaU_6GRAimVhXsDBTcjpuMS1Btd3BoC7dgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

or go crazy with polka dots

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3-pack-merino-wool-rich-socks/p/clp60167429#intid=pid_pg2pip48g4r7c2

I like bamboo socks for the feel, but they wear out really fast compared to regular socks.

My usual go to is whatever 5 packs tk maxx has in.. But they are not that great either.

Insoles from any of the high street shoe shops.
Happy Socks - or Duchamp, if stocked - from TKMaxx.

I’ve been wearing some New Balance crew socks for a while and been happy with them. I bought a new pack and they’ve changed the material and they’re sweaty and not very nice so I need an alternative.

This is going to be an issue with any recommendations you get - With raw material costs increasing (and poor cotton harvests) a lot of brands have had to cut quality to hit price points. If theres socks from any given brand you've had in the past that have been any good theres a good chance you'll feel let down buying them again. I seem to have had the best luck with Pringle (or the worst luck as I just couldn't find any) - they seemed to just stop selling socks for a while rather than do the bait-and-switch  that everyone else did, and once available again the seem to have retained their quality/longevity

I've been wearing half a dozen pairs of Pantherella  merino socks on rotation for about the last 5 years. They're on sale at the moment...

Plus, cos they’re merino, you don’t have to wash them every day, which further extends their lifespan

Minger.  Putting yesterdays socks on?  Bleurgh  🙂

I'm wearing some of these https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/2255134 as every day socks. They are by far the most comfortable I've ever had, and so far they seem to be lasting well.

Darn Tough socks are amazing, but the cost is prohibitive.

Right, I'll pick up some of the M&S ones and give them a whirl. Thanks @IHN

@suburbanreuben what's the sizing like on the Patherella? I'm an 8 or 8.5 in most shoes so that puts me right in the middle of their 7.5-9.5 size. If they size up small then we're good. If they size up a bit big then they might end up being a bit baggy?

Darn Tough on sale was the answer for me

£13.80 a pair for thin merino socks which comes with their “Guaranteed for life. Unconditionally. Every pair”

Minger. Putting yesterdays socks on? Bleurgh

Not just yesterday's, sometimes the day before's too 😉

"@suburbanreuben what’s the sizing like on the Patherella? I’m an 8 or 8.5 in most shoes so that puts me right in the middle of their 7.5-9.5 size. If they size up small then we’re good. If they size up a bit big then they might end up being a bit baggy?"

TBH, i forget. I'm a 10 1/2 and assume i bought their large (10-12_) size, which fit perfectly

Finisterre 'Last Long' wool ones for me.

Got a few pairs that are years old now, still good as new.

Swolo Panda do some funky design bamboo ones.

Best socks I've ever worn though cannot discuss long term review yet.

I’ve been wearing half a dozen pairs of Pantherella merino socks on rotation for about the last 5 years. They’re on sale at the moment…

Have you washed them? Asking for a friend?

OddBalls is my go to for socks and undies. Good product and also supports good charities.

https://bambooclothing.co.uk/shop/bamboo-cable-knit-socks-navy-rust/

Just buy em 🙂

Merino can slip down annoyingly if wearing chelsea boots (yes, I am very stylish).

Bamboo wear out way too quick.

Standard M&S cotton socks seem to last for years.

Standard M&S cotton socks seem to last for years.

Came here to say exactly that! I wear M&S Cotton Rich Sports socks. I always buy black ones, because they’re what I wore on the bike, and any other colour would stain from mud and dirt. Especially if riding around Bristol - there’s a lot of iron in the soil, it’s a rich red, and it stains like buggery, like blood, and is almost impossible to get clean. They’ve changed the actual weave or structure of the socks over the years, but I’ve got at least four pairs that are at least sixteen years old, if not older, actually those are likely twenty years old.

I wear one pair a day, and I’ve accumulated enough pairs, including thicker ones, to go at least a fortnight between washes, and still have more clean pairs. I think I’ve had two or three pairs wear through at the heel, but it’s usually one at a time, so I keep the non-holed one until another goes, then I’ve got a matched pair.
Another advantage of all my socks being black! 😁

I just buy Danish Endurance ones via Amazon (when they're on sale, which is often), prefer the cotton ones over bamboo and merino.

+1 for Danish Endurance. A bit pricey but excellent socks.

I favour a toe sock so pretty much everything I wear is Injinji. Avoid the nuwool ones though. Seem to wear through those in no time.</p>

...and I've just clicked a link to M&S socks out of genuine interest. Shoot me in the head.

Community Clothing - UK made socks at a sensible price

I quite like Coolmax socks for everyday stuff.

I've had Next ones for years, they seem to last much better than sports socks. They do ones with a thicker sole bit thinner on top for extra comfort without too much extra warmth