The merino socks of stw yesteryear – equivalent

ulvang socks and on one thickies were my sock of choice for CHEAP day to day warm merino socks

What are the contemporary version?

Oh god yes, I need an On-One thicky replacement.

All of mine are on their last legs, in both senses 😭

Try Galibier fire feet. recommended

These are my every day merino socks, after being a total convert following early Ulvang/P-X adoption. Not cheap, cheap, but last really well.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3-pack-merino-wool-rich-socks/p/clp60167434?extid=ps_ps-pla-pmax_ggl_mw_ch__-_UK_-_-_bau&gclid=CjwKCAjw-eKpBhAbEiwAqFL0mvkWtbOqhgQdvBqvXHQtNopDdY69pMJxl5jFKxaA6_7ztlom7xq4vxoCargQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

or, if you want to go crazy pattern-wise

https://www.marksandspencer.com/3-pack-merino-wool-rich-socks/p/clp60167429?color=GREYMIX#intid=carousel_FUNH_AT_PHOENIX-SIMILAR_END_PDP_16_2:42ba03b5-096c-4ff2-8028-9986fcbf0c0d

For thicker/warmer duties, these. again, not cheap, but really, really good quality and really warm

https://www.thegoatcompany.co.uk/mohair-socks.html

I use the Madison stripy ones that were on sale recently, they’re under a tenner each and while the do need a cooler wash (other wise they tend to shrink) they are amazingly long lasting, I’ve a pair that are at least 7 years old, and no sign of wearing out yet. 

I have some madison argyle merino socks, bought three pairs at about £3.49 per pair and wish I’d bought more.

I started a thread a couple of years ago looking for a replacement for the Ulvang Spesials that must now be about 10 years old and have been worn daily for general use, work, cycling and running. Still going strong but was getting ready for a restock.

I’ve had eBay and other online shopping alerts set up for about 5 years.

The best place I’ve found is Alpinetrek.co.uk who have them for about £10.50 a pair.

Obviously more expensive than the original STW approved 6 pairs for £12 eBay seller from 2013ish, but I still think that they are great value at £10.50 a pair.

I’ve just ordered another 6 pairs before posting the link.

https://www.alpinetrek.co.uk/ulvang-spesial-merino-socks/

I’ve been wearing Danish endurance socks for the last year, comfy and lasting well. Sportpursuit have them reasonably priced.

Defeet Woolie Boolie

I always recommend Darn Tough socks

If you search online you can often find Darn tough merino socks for less than £15 a pair which come with their incredible Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life

Judging by the number of posts above, you would all be eligible to get free replacements by simply posting your worn Darn Tough socks once they develop a hole

Defeet Woolie Boolie

+1

I picked up a good few for £5/pair in a sale a few years ago. Probably set for life for thick merino socks now.

Troy Lee Camber are excellent too.

Ulvang +1

I’ve got relatives in Norway and I’ve made it clear they’re the only relatives allowed to buy me socks for Christmas 😂

Also stocked up on aldi cycling socks in summer, cold weather and waterpoof versions.

I’m still wearing my Sock Guy merino blends from years ago. No sign of them givving up the ghost yet. The 100% merino though, went years ago.

Woolly Boolly for when its down to -10…

I gave up on the on one merino wool socks. I was fed up of them developing holes, thin spots or just ripping when I put them on. Buy cheap, buy twice.

I’m currently wearing some trespass socks I bought in the sale that have been excellent. I like them that much that I stock up everytime they are on offer.

I am however, interested in the darn tough socks linked above. I might add them to my Christmas wish list. Fed up of being bought cheap thin socks with a bike on them. Got loads of them that I’ve never even taken out of the packaging.

I think some socks and merino, acrylic and lycra blend to help with comfort and longevity issues

From the people who brought you on-one socks.
Bundle £30

I gave up on the on one merino wool socks. I was fed up of them developing holes, thin spots or just ripping when I put them on. Buy cheap, buy twice.

+1

Wouldn’t be rushing to buy socks from whoever supplied them.

Just rechecked my op – £12+ socks aren’t cheap for day to day wear for me

Just rechecked my op – £12+ socks aren’t cheap for day to day wear for me

But if you never have to buy a pair of socks ever again then they are!

theres some 3pack of ISOBAA Merino socks at sportpursuit for £20, 20% off if you buy 3 today, and i get a discount if you use that link.I dont know what theyre like though
I have an isobaa merino top which i really like even though it seems thin its kept me warm
I got a few pairs of Karrimor merino walking socks from a major sports shoe shop ,2pairs for a tenner,most soon had holes in, but i love the ones that dont

+1 for Woolie Boolies.

+1 Woolie Boolies but don’t be tempted to wear them around the house with no shoes on. I wore a hole in some in a matter of hours doing that. In the shoes, zero problems with wear.

These from Mountain Warehouse are really good, I wouldn’t buy em for £12.99 but they’re often on discount or 3 for 2. They’re an acrylic/merino mix but ime that usually works better than straight merino

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/merino-explorer-mid-calf-mens-socks-p43906.aspx/charcoal/

Woolie boolies are maybe a wee bit warmer, but they’re not as good with sweat and they do wear out a bit fast

I also like the Darn Tough socks.  Smartwool feel better at first, but don’t last so well, disappointing as they ain’t cheap.

Never pay rrp for socks

The new howies socks are good

For value however you can’t beat more miles wool socks on eBay from start fitness

Costco merino wool blend.

6 pairs £26.

warm and last well

Costco metino wool blend.

6 pairs £26.

warm and last well

The one thing I miss no longer having a Costco card

Just rechecked my op – £12+ socks aren’t cheap for day to day wear for me

I know but … I’ll third darn tough socks…although the upfront cost (really) isn’t cheap they last years longer than others.

hadn’t noticed the guarantee that’s linked above…but looking at mine none qualify. Think I got my first pair 7 years ago and they’ve been worn through all the winters since.

Still riding short and calf length Chrome merino socks. They’ve been excellent. Calf length go under the 3/4 bibs when it’s cold. 

just noticed these socks and bought some, no idea what theyre like, but £4.99 pair

Those SportPursuit Isobaas are relatively thin but seem good quality – the everyday ones anyway.
None of my first batch have holes yet – unlike my Enduras that were downhill fast – but I bought a second batch ‘cos I liked them.
Good socks I reckon.

+4 Woolie Boolies

Woolie Boolies

I couldn’t bring myself to spend best part of £20 on socks.
Just don’t see how they can outlast 5 or more pairs of On One thicky that used to be about £4 a pair.

They don’t even compete on looks. My On Ones had a skull and crossbones on them. You cannot beat that.

My sock longevity versus cost expectations have been skewed.
Sad times 😔

I’ve just learned of these which have good heritage (previous big brand designer). I’ll be trying them out with any birthday or Christmas money.

Loomi Merino Trail Sock

Just don’t see how they can outlast 5 or more pairs of On One thicky that used to be about £4 a pair.

TBH on-one used to be my sock supplier of choice,I did like the orange ones 🙂

I tend to go for whatever decathlon have in the reasonably priced range nowadays.

Dhb and Nukeproof merino socks are good quality/last long and currently half price on wiggle.

Thanks @kuman

Just ordered 10 pairs for £20

https://www.wiggle.com/p/dhb-aeron-ultra-socks?color=blue&sizeStandard=L

Just ordered 10 pairs for £20

Just done the same – how bad can they be ?

A plea for the canoe-footed, any big socks around? I find even the ones that give an XL size are tight and wear through at the toe very quickly.

@weeksy sock buddy

Bought 10 pairs also