about Men’s Socks
Every day, you put on socks and forget about them — if they’re good. If they’re bad, you can’t help thinking about them. There are so many ways socks can go wrong: I hate when they don’t hug your ankle tightly enough, or when no-show socks slip off your feet and get all scrunched up at the front of your shoe, or when a single wash cycle turns them into an entirely different pair than the one you bought.
When I was younger, I considered socks to be an F-tier gift at best, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate the mundane pleasures of a good pair of men’s socks. I started paying more attention to socks once I started hiking, which made me realize the importance of certain materials.
Material: Anyone who considers themselves a sock enthusiast, sock-isseur, or sock-ologist will tell you that great socks come down to the material they’re made from. What’s in a pair of socks will vary depending on the occasion and the function they’re intended to serve. Cotton is used in many socks but is rarely recommended for sports activities because it can absorb sweat and dry slowly, which can lead to clammy skin and blisters on long hikes or a marathon run. Nylon or other synthetic materials are used to add stretch, especially to athletic socks, and to help socks hold their shape. Merino wool is used in some performance socks and can keep your feet dry and comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.
Sock thickness: If it’s an especially cold day you might opt for a heavier-weight wool sock; on an especially hot day you might pull out thinner, lighter-weight socks. Hiking socks usually have high-density cushioning and a snug fit to prevent bunching (which can cause blisters). Some athletic socks have additional padding for the soles of your feet. A combination of materials and thickness will affect the socks’ warmth; whether or not socks have cushioning or padding, you want them to have enough weight to keep you comfortable but not be so bulky they can’t fit inside your shoes.
Height: The ideal height of a sock depends on your preferences, style, and footwear. No-show socks are a poor match for hiking boots, for example, as ankle-cut athletic socks are for dress shoes. Perhaps you hate having your ankles covered or feel cold unless they are; if so, sock height will be an important consideration for you. Some types of socks come in a variety of heights, while some, like dress socks, tend to be more standardized (ankle-cut dress socks aren’t really a thing). No-show socks are usually hidden and pair well with loafers or sneakers. Ankle socks hit at the ankle, and crew socks are a higher sock that usually hit just below the calf muscle. Dress socks usually hit at the mid-calf or slightly higher, depending on the brand.
