Sock Hacks for Better Living – Simple Tricks to Make Them Last Longer (and More)

I bet you’re wondering, how can a person “hack” socks to have a better life?

The title may sound like pure hyperbole, but let me tell you… a good pair of socks can make all the difference in the world. In fact, as I’m about to tell you about, there’s a certain type of sock that can actually make you feel more energetic.

So with that in mind, here are a few simple sock hacks to increase your energy during the day, make your minimalist shoes stink less, and your socks last a whole lot longer.

Not all socks are created equal

Have you ever heard of diabetic socks? No, they aren’t socks with poor insulin sensitivity, but instead a type of compression sock that encourages circulation. They’re great if you’re diabetic, but they’re equally awesome if you want to feel more energetic – especially for those of you that sit on your ass all day. You can sometimes find them locally, but they’re usually hideously ugly, so I suggest a specialty sock retailer like H J Sock Group Ltd as a more stylish alternative.

Just trust me on this one.

Next up, if you’re not wearing minimalist shoes, then you should be. If you are, but you’re not wearing “toe socks”, then I highly recommend it, especially if you’re into Vibram “Five Finger” style shoes. It’s nice to go sock-less sometimes, but I can tell you from experience that your shoes are going to stink something fierce after a few wears. I’m a big fan of wearing Injinji socks with my minimalist shoes.

Tired of wearing out your socks after just a few months? Here are a few things you can do to make them last much, much longer.

1. Cut your damn toe nails! Depending on how fast they grow, about once a week would be wise. Mine are as sharp as razors, and as strong as diamonds, and cut through socks like a hot knife through butter if I don’t keep them trimmed.

2. Stop putting them in the dryer. I know, the dryer makes them all soft and warm, but dryers also severely reduce the life span of clothing, socks included. Some socks (like the Injinji brand I mentioned) fare especially poorly after being tossed in the dryer. They have a molded heel which tends to get messed up.

Instead, hang them out to try. You should be doing this with the rest of your clothing as well. I mean, unless you like wasting money of course.

And speaking of wasting money, I would like to wrap up by suggesting that you stop buying your socks (and anything else) at places like Target or Walmart. Sure, you’ll save a bit of money on that George brand pair of socks, but if you can look me in the eye and tell me that said pair is going to last even 1/4th as long as something decent made out of combed cotton or Merino, well… I’ll eat a pair of socks.

So my final piece of advice is to buy higher quality socks, and less pairs. Believe it or not I do follow my own advice, and I can’t even remember the last time I had to toss out a hole riddled pair.

(Photo by Doug Sparks)