Ok, this is a quiz. Of all the socks in your sock drawer, how many should have been tossed months ago? I’ll bet you have two to three pair of socks that should have been aimed at the wastebasket a long time ago. Maybe even more. So how do you know when to toss out a pair of socks?
Actually, it’s fairly easy. After washing socks, put your hand inside and feel around. Then turn them inside out and check them again.
1. Can you see your fingers through the weave of the fabric?
2. Can you see threadbare areas, typically on the heels?
3. Are their holes in the toes, or anywhere else for that matter?
4. Is the inside starting to unravel?
5. Are any areas thinner in cushioning than the rest of the fabric around that area?
6. Is the top cuff around your ankle starting to come apart?
7. Is the toe seam bothersome?
8. Is the top cuff no longer supportive, hanging down your ankle?
If you can answer “Yes” to any of one or more of these eight questions, toss the socks. Socks are relatively inexpensive. Sure, some cost upwards of $15.00 to $20.00 but just like other gear, there comes a time when it’s necessary to clean out your drawers.
Here’s an added tip. Don’t just check your old socks. Check them all. I recently ran in a fairly new pair of brand name socks and developed a hot spot on one heel. I discovered the sock was defective and the weave on the heel had separated. I had no more than 60 miles on the socks—but saved them for when I do foot care clinics as an example of a sock to toss.
