Cheap wool socks
Equipment
Contributors to this thread:
Has anyone tried the cheap wool socks on places like Amazon, 4 pair for $25
Yeah, I get it, the expensive ones are great- I have them.
Just looking to get opinions on the cheaper ones and how they hold up.
Check the wool content. Some may have a very low % of wool.
Another vote for the Costo version. Can't seem to wear them out.
I will check Costco thx. My problem is finding them to fit size 14’s
Love the Costco wool socks but my size 13 feet end up with the toes bumping the sock ends. I pull to stretch them longer after every washing. Not sure I could stretch them to comfortable size 14 though but worth the try. At under $5 C per pair.
When I looked at the Costco ones, I seemed to remember thinking that the wool content didn't seem all that great and I passed. Maybe I'll check them out. I have to wear socks 24/7 in the winter up here and I end up changing out cotton socks several times a day or else my toes get cold because of sweat and I'm too cheap to wear my expensive wool socks on the daily.
That's me: about to drop $3500 on a new pair of binos, but won't wear $12/pair socks daily because they get holes in them too fast...
Avoid any socks sold by WalMart right now. Their supplier is having QC issues
When I find a sock I like, I buy four identical pairs. That way as they wear out, I've still got plenty of the same to match up.
Bought eight midweight hiking socks decades ago, still have three of them. (They're getting pretty thin, only wear them for Summer use.) 75/25 wool-nylon last a long time.
Jenny's Link
When it comes to affordable wool socks, paying attention to the material composition is key, as many options on the market contain only a small percentage of actual wool. Costco is a popular choice for those seeking durable and cost-effective options, though some users with larger feet, such as size 13 or 14, have mentioned that their socks might feel a bit snug. On the other hand, stores like Walmart offer budget-friendly alternatives, but reviews often highlight inconsistent quality, making it essential to choose carefully.
For those who prefer value without compromising on quality, purchasing bulk socks can be an excellent solution. Bulk packs not only save money but also ensure you have extra pairs for long-term use. Whether you’re gearing up for outdoor activities or simply looking for everyday comfort, exploring bulk socks from trusted brands can provide both convenience and reliability.
Bruce, at least you don't have to use snowshoes!
DanaC's Link
I like the Redhead midweights from BassPro/Cabelas. Not the cheapest or the most expensive. I like a blend so they wear better over the long haul.
75% Merino wool/17% nylon/7% Kyorene nylon/1% Lycra spandex
I love my Woolpower socks Lewis
Darn Tough socks is the only socks I wear year around. From summer blend to winter blend. At roughly $20 a pair Yes they are expensive but are guaranteed for life. Just return IF you ever get a hole in them and they will send you a new pair. My entire family wears them and have only had to return a few after years of wearing them.
The biggest threat to my quality wool socks is my wife and the dryer.
ALWAYS, wash in cold water and hang to dry. Hot water and the dryer will take the life out of wool.
I tried to look up those Costco wool socks and the only thing that pulls up are "Wigwam" socks... At $20 a pair, doesn't sound cheap to me?
In all honesty, I prefer polar fleece socks over wool, except they don't last as long...
The cheap wool socks from Sam's are not good. Darn tough are expensive, and the fit is too tight. I wear a size 10-1/2 so that shouldn't be an issue. REI socks are not too expensive and have been holding up pretty good. All the cheap ones I try don't last.
Yes. I wear the Amazon brand for work. I like them a lot. The only problem I could see someone having is sizing. They are a bit smaller than other wool socks I’ve tried. If you have over a size 12, you might not like them. I wear a size 12 and have no issue. However, if my feet were longer I could see a potential issue with them being pulled off by your boot.
The pros of the socks are they still fit great after 6 months of washing and wearing. They hug your feet well. So, no bunching up in your boot. And, I started them in a brand new pair of meindl boots. And, my boots still smell brand new after 7 months of wearing them daily for work. No stink at all.
I wore these socks hunting too until November. There is no negative to them. Buy with confidence.
Coop is SPOT ON! Listen to what he's sayin
Good wool socks will have a higher stitch count.. spi. If you have to pair socks, same blend but different stitch count they won't hold the heat the same.
Does anybody know what Area Code Jenny is in? I’ve got the other 7 digits…..
So, socks…. I only wear wool or wool blends. I can stand some synthetic in there, but how much a given person can stand will vary by the individual.
I really like my knee-high Smartwool heavy hikers when it’s really cold out. With those under gaiters, you’ve got a LOT in your favor.
And I have become a Darn Tough fan. Those things wear like iron. I have been adding those to my drawer as the Costco Head (ski brand) socks that I bought (ages ago) are wearing out. In fairness, I have had help in wearing them out from my boys.
I also have quite a few pairs of Goodhue socks that I got from Sierra Trading Post, so that should tell you how they’re holding up.
I still like Smartwool when I can score a deal on them. I have worn out most of my running/cycling socks, because we have sand here, and there’s no such thing as a sock that can withstand a little sand in your shoes….
Check out SierraTrading Post, they are owned by TJX, the company that owns TJ Maxx Marshalls, and Home Goods. Bought a few on close out recently, Name Brands like SmartWool and “other” wool socks for as little as $4/pair. They Have a store near me, but you also can order online.
These are very good socks...I got some new again this fall in the store and they were a bit cheaper in-store than online here in Canada, $5 or so per pair:
"Kirkland Signature Men's Merino Wool Blend Full Cushion Sock, 4-pair".
57% Merino, 40% nylon, 3% Spandex. We wash them hot and dry them in the dryer. I stretch the heck out of them before putting them on. Typically will get 3 or 4 years out of 8 pair...expenditure of $12 CAD/year is cheap, especially with 12 months of winter up here, haha.
I try to get army surplus. It is always a crapshoot . I buy any I can get in the 15-17 range. They often keep the big ones in stock until I buy them out.
Get a pair of Buffalo Wool company socks and never look back. They are the exact opposite of what this thread is asking but they sure are warm
Yeah, those Kirklands exceed my tolerance for synthetic content….
STP is no longer what it was, but if you’re not too picky about colors, yeah, they’re still good for name-brand goods at a steep discount. Just always take into account the fact that everything they sell is stuff that someone couldn’t move, or Seconds.
Cosmetically Disadvantaged socks are not on my list of Significant Hardships, so I do pretty well there….
I know you want wool but I really like the alpaca hollow fiber socks. I also own wool but have recently been wearing the hollow fiber socks.
From about 4-7 years ago I had a discount of 30% on clothes at Cabelas and bought all the Darn Toughs I need for life. As they wear out I send them in and get new pairs back. I literally looked after the rest of my life on socks. I've prob got 12-14 pairs. As long as they keep doing what they do I'm never buying socks again. They're fantastic socks.