Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Are most socks rubbish nowadays?

60 replies

IcyPuddles · 04/12/2025 17:18

Lately, I seem to be having big problems with holes in my socks after only a few times wearing them.

I wear socks from retailers like Marks and Spencer, Next, etc.

Never had this before. Has quality dramatically declined or is there something wrong with my feet?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Atina321 · 06/12/2025 10:21

I often find Primark socks are better than the likes of Next and M&S!

I’ve got a few from sock shop that have lasted but they can be hit and miss, they either last for years or have a hole within a few months - even within the same pack.

Also, you need to keep your toe nails trimmed and wear good fitting shoes or they will rub and develop holes.

alcoholfreelife · 05/12/2025 22:25

Dr Martin socks are what you need, all their socks are thick, hard wearing, warm and stay up to the point of stopping circulation 😂 and whilst they aren’t cheap ( about £10 per pair) they really are indestructible! I’ve asked people to buy me them as gifts! They also do double doc socks which are like two pairs in one! High street are thin and rubbish at staying up, I’ve binned all my high street socks now as they are pointless

Testingthetimes · 05/12/2025 22:09

LamonicBibber1 · 05/12/2025 21:42

Aahh sorry I saw this literally one second after posting 😂

Well, thank you!

SqueakyDinosaur · 05/12/2025 21:53

Pantherella merino socks are great. I have several pairs that are between 5-7 years old and all still going strong.

LamonicBibber1 · 05/12/2025 21:42

Testingthetimes · 05/12/2025 21:27

Ignore my question.. found them!

Aahh sorry I saw this literally one second after posting 😂

twilightcafe · 05/12/2025 21:32

I buy my socks from Uniqlo. They've been wearing well - no holes or worn-out bits.

Nopayrise · 05/12/2025 21:29

Sorry to also hijack (clearly just shows how problematic sock searching is!) but I’m on a hunt for men’s socks that can be tumble dried and don’t shrink or go tatty… anyone found the holy grail? (If you’ve found women’s socks that meet the brief I’ll go looking at their mens version!)

Testingthetimes · 05/12/2025 21:27

LamonicBibber1 · 04/12/2025 19:38

London Sock Company "active" socks are the BEST. Seamless and they actually fit properly, with a slightly thicker terry cotton sole. I've walked hundreds and hundreds of miles in the first pairs that I've had for three years and they are still perfect. I balked at the price initially; but they are cheaper than replacing other socks 5 times in the same timeframe. They are honestly incredible quality.

Muji and Calvin Klein are also good quality, for a thinner sock.

Ignore my question.. found them!

SwirlyGates · 05/12/2025 21:25

MsAlignment · 04/12/2025 17:22

Oh my word, what a terrible website!

I typed "socks" in the search, and got 700+ results.... I can narrow it down by selecting, for instance, "sleeve length" - short, 3/4 etc (and no, they don't mean "sock length") Confused.

Then I tried "long socks" in the search. 256 results, the first page of which is mainly shirt dresses. Confused

Testingthetimes · 05/12/2025 21:25

LamonicBibber1 · 04/12/2025 19:38

London Sock Company "active" socks are the BEST. Seamless and they actually fit properly, with a slightly thicker terry cotton sole. I've walked hundreds and hundreds of miles in the first pairs that I've had for three years and they are still perfect. I balked at the price initially; but they are cheaper than replacing other socks 5 times in the same timeframe. They are honestly incredible quality.

Muji and Calvin Klein are also good quality, for a thinner sock.

I’ve trawled through their website - so many lovely colours! But can’t find
‘active’ socks. Are they ‘sport’ socks?

unsync · 05/12/2025 20:57

Bridgedale. Get them from Millets as they usually have some sort of deal on them. They last forever.

Papyrophile · 05/12/2025 20:45

Corrymoor socks. Perfect socks. Wash well. Comfortable. Just probably more money than you want to spend.

choccyscot · 05/12/2025 20:38

The wool socks from Finnisterre are fabulous and hard wearing- their classic or original range

Netcam · 05/12/2025 19:50

Buy something like Smartwool, they last for years

Swiftie1878 · 05/12/2025 19:43

bodyofproof · 05/12/2025 15:27

How are they ugly? Confused
they’re literally normal socks

Forgive me. I didn’t realise there’s such thing as normal socks, but I find those really ugly.
Wouldn’t ever wear them. There are much cuter socks to be found (cheaply).

EwwSprouts · 05/12/2025 17:22

@Koulibiak I am loving these as I work in a very cold warehouse https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08562573X?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1

Koulibiak · 05/12/2025 17:02

Apologies for the hijack, but if anyone has recommendations for knee high socks, please share 🙏 I have been searching high and low, and managed to find a couple pairs from White Stuff, but that’s it. When and how have tall socks disappeared from the market?

Ineedareplacement · 05/12/2025 16:41

I only buy men’s socks now for this reason! Women’s high street socks are rubbish.

shiverm · 05/12/2025 15:29

I bought a pair of “luxury” socks from a shop called Celtic & Co planning to give as a gift and they were some of the most poorly made socks I’ve ever bought. Stitching all loose and shoddy and won’t stay up! Plus customer service has been abysmal in trying to deal with it. Will never buy from them again!

best socks I’ve ever gotten (a gift from SIL) were Finisterre wool socks. I wish I could wear them every day. She bought be a 3 for 2 deal (they’re quite expensive but not as expensive as the shitty Celtic&co ones)

bodyofproof · 05/12/2025 15:27

Swiftie1878 · 04/12/2025 19:26

Wow! They are ugly socks!! 😂😂

How are they ugly? Confused
they’re literally normal socks

Faircastle · 05/12/2025 15:18

I discovered Bridgedale socks about a decade ago. They are expensive but I haven't needed to replace any yet. At this rate they're going to outlive me.

Justploddingonandon · 05/12/2025 15:16

I have thought bamboo socks, although I have finally had to replace the sets that lasted years and these ones don’t feel as thick.

Caerulea · 05/12/2025 15:00

ScaryM0nster · 04/12/2025 19:27

You need the SportsPursuit website in your life if you’re a stance fan and not fussy on colours.

On my way! Thank you :)

Swipe left for the next trending thread