We’ve posted about work boots before, but socks? What’ll we talk about next – underwear? Hmm, there’s an idea!
But in all seriousness, I sat down, and my post this evening was going to be about a must-have tool that everyone should buy. A lot of people are still looking for gift ideas, or ideas on how to splurge on an end-of-the-year treat for themselves.
My mind drew a blank. I posted a flashlight deal recently, and a gift guide on folding and work knives, and a quick gift guide on great hand tools. What next? *Blank*
About to give up, I looked down at my feet. I’m wearing a pair of Cloudline wool socks, ankle-height. For the work I did today I probably should have worn crew socks, but that doesn’t matter.
There is only ONE reason I can think of, why you shouldn’t buy these socks. Maybe there are more, in which case please discuss it in comments. Here’s the reason:
They’re pricey, but so comfortable you risk not being happy with any other types of socks ever again.
I wear wool socks 360 days of the year, or maybe 299 out of every 300 days that I leave the house.
This is my cousin’s fault. Back in 2015 or so, or around then, she got me a pair of thick fluffy wool winter socks. I kind of liked them. I somehow ended up with two other pairs of socks. They were great for those times I needed a half inch of insulation around my feet.
And then I bought my first pair of Smartwool socks, before they were trendy. And then another. And more a few months later when I found good deals and sales. And then more.
After a few years, I stopped replacing cotton socks.
Now, I have some dress socks, maybe some synthetic blend athletic socks, and a bunch of wool socks.
I’ve purchased different brands over the years – Smartwool, Darn Tough, and some other brands. I bought a couple of Cloudline socks starting in 2017, and have placed a total of 9 orders for more since then.
Cloudline might not be the best brand out there, but it’s what I like best at the moment. If you want to shop around, look at Darn Tough too.
I like wool socks because they offer great cushioning, comfort, and moisture wicking. Do you know the wet-feet feeling because your socks are wet from sweat, rain, or whatever? I forgot what that’s like.
Here I was, trying to thinking of a good holiday must-have treat-yourself tool idea, and… socks.
If you’ve never worn wool socks before, try just ONE pair. They’re pricey. Next time you need to replace your socks, if you like them buy one more. See how it goes.
It’s probably not the best idea, but I sometimes (often) wear fewer than 7 pairs of socks per week. It’s a bad habit that’s hard to break. How did this start happening? Well, there was a time when I didn’t have enough wool socks to wear every day between laundry cycles, because they are quite pricey. So I’d wear a pair more than one day.
That’s another benefit of wool – it doesn’t smell like other types of socks, at least in my opinion.
I like the “medium cushion” best. Sometimes thinner socks are okay for around the house.
Wool socks do wear out, but surprisingly slowly, at least for me. That’s also why I stopped buying Smartwool, I had a couple of bad experiences and it was time to try a different brand. I still do have some smartwool socks in my drawer, even though the last time I bought them was in… 2011. Wow. I checked my inbox, and that’s what it says – my last smartwool socks were purchased in 2011. I have other orders going back to 2007.
Cloudline socks are made in the USA, as are Darn Tough.
I like ankle-height socks for everyday use (1/4 crew), but full crew/hiking length socks when I’ll be working outside a lot or wearing taller work boots.
“No show” socks are comfortable too. I like Cloudline’s better than others because they don’t fall into my sneakers while wearing them, something I’ve experienced with other brands.
Buy Now: 1/4 Crew Cloudline via Amazon
Buy Now: Crew Cloudline via Amazon
Buy Now: Darn Tough Socks via Amazon
Most brands, Cloudline and Darn Tough included, use a wool blend. The Cloudline crew socks are 63% merino wool, 33% nylon, 4% spandex. The Dark Tough socks are 64% merino wool, 33% nylon, 3% lycra.
These socks are often marketed as athletic socks. I have worn them for entire days (and nights) in the workshop, but I can’t guarantee they’ll hold up to YOUR jobsite demands and wearing habits.
These socks work for me, and I swear by them.
I converted my wife over to wool/wool-blend socks a few years ago, and now it’s all either of us will wear (with some exceptions, such as dress socks, but I do have more formal-looking wool socks too).
C’mon, give ’em a try (mwahahaha).
And if you don’t like them, Amazon usually has a great return policy on clothes, socks included.
