Why Do Socks Get Holes in Them? August 30 2019, 0 Comments

It seems to happen far too often: You buy a brand-new pack of fresh socks. For a little while, you feel like you’re walking around with pillows on your feet. Then, one day, when you’re doing laundry, you notice those perfect pillows aren’t so perfect anymore. Your finger goes through a giant hole in the big toe, signaling that it’s time to go back to the store and replenish your sock supply yet again.

 Why do some socks get holes in them so often? And what can you do to extend their lifespan? Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons socks wear out and what you can do to prevent those pesky holes.

Stay Off Your Toes!

Some of us have more of a “pigeon-toed” walk than others, and this can cause those troublesome holes in the front of our socks that allow our toes to poke out.

If you’re concerned about the way your gait affects the longevity of your socks, your best bet is to invest in high-quality socks that don’t wear down so easily. It’s very difficult to change the way you walk, as it results from the way your entire body is built. But if walking on your toes causes problems for your socks and other parts of your body, maybe it’s time to put some effort toward staying off them.

Trim Your Toenails!

The longer your toenails grow, the sharper they become. If you let them get too far out of control, they can poke holes in your socks and potentially cause pain by getting jammed in your shoes or becoming ingrown. Experts recommend trimming your toenails at least every six to eight weeks.

Wear Shoes!

Walking around in only your socks increases friction on their fabric and causes them to wear out faster. This is especially true (and especially painful!) if you’re walking on concrete, brick, or stone. But even less abrasive surfaces like tile or hardwood flooring can wear out your socks over time.

 

The downside of wearing shoes more often is that it’s more difficult to show off your socks, but crew socks, knee-high socks, and baseball stirrups are a great way to keep your shoes on and still express yourself through your choice of socks!

Stay Away from Cheap Socks!

The cheap, generic athletic socks you find in department stores might seem like the wise option, but if you’re an athlete or your job requires long hours on your feet, those low-quality socks aren’t serving your needs. Opt instead for custom socks made from high-quality fabrics designed to support the most dedicated athletes. Not only will your socks’ performance improve, but you’ll also get to have fun choosing your own colors, text, and more!

 

Holes in your socks are a pain, so we hope you feel better prepared to protect your socks and your feet by keeping them hole-free. Stay tuned to the Socks Rock blog for more on how to choose the best socks for your lifestyle and make them last.

At some point, virtually everyone has pulled on their favorite pair of socks only to find that they're not wearing their beloved, toastiest socks anymore; they're wearing drafty socks with holes in them. It seemingly happens in an instant: One day you're wearing pristine socks. The next day they have holes the size of Minnesota.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Socks Last?

It depends heavily on how they are being used. The normal lifespan is between six months to a year.

What Causes Sock Holes?

Holes in socks are caused by:
  • Long toenails
  • Unbalanced step patterns
  • Not wearing shoes
  • Improper laundering
  • Improper folding
Unfortunately, you might not be able to avoid socks with holes created by the way you walk. Other causes are preventable.

How Do I Prevent Holey Socks?

You can prevent holey socks by purchasing quality socks, trimming your toenails and allowing the socks to dry flat. Hanging them to dry or using a clothes dryer can cause the elastic to wear out faster. You can also use fabric softener to help protect your socks.

What Are Some Other Uses for Socks With Holes?

If cleaning out your sock drawer has left you wondering what to do with old socks, here are some popular suggestions:
  • Use them as rags
  • Make sock puppets
  • Cut the toes out and use them as fingerless gloves
  • Pack breakables with them

What Kind of Socks Last the Longest?

High-quality cotton and wool socks last the longest, as long as you treat them right. Although any sock can develop holes, thinner nylon socks are usually the first to break down. Remember, even expensive socks can end up being socks with holes.

Good socks mean happy feet no matter how hard you work or play. Trust Socks Rock to fulfill all of your quality sports and custom socks needs.