A mum friend of mine at Kitty’s school asked me about socks the other day.
“I just want some socks,” she said, “that are warm and also not hideous.”
I pondered the enormity of how my friend could possibly not already own, as I do, socks in a million different shapes, sizes and textures. But she doesn’t! I saw her yesterday in a pair of black ankle socks and I went “Are those your fucking socks, mate?”
And she stuttered, (I am a bit alarming when I am on the attack at pick-up): “These are just because I’ve been working out!”
And I went “But are these basically your socks?”
And she went “Well yeah. I mean, I’ve got some Falke ones…” And I went “RIGHT I see, okay yes you need my advice about socks…”
These are the socks that everyone ought to have in their wardrobe, come winter:
1 Bridgedale walking socks. Ignore, if you can, that these are walking socks. These are the best warm socks ever made. They have a cunning elasticated grip thing around the arch of the foot that means the socks don’t slide off your goddamn feet when in boots. Also brilliant for padding round the house in. I had two pairs when I trekked through Namibia when I was 19 and they saved my feet. Best socks ever.
2 Long black knee-high socks. Not to be worn actually over the knee, but ruched down around the top of any given boot or trainer. A nod to Fame, here. But only a nod. I’ve got some from TopShop – these from John Lewis are very similar, for £10.
3 I love wearing boys’ sports socks. I sometimes wear a pair of my husband’s football socks when he’s away. They are bright yellow and they are fabulous when worn with trainers and some junky old joggers tucked in and, like, a denim jacket. The louder, stripier and more colourful the better. These cute ones are from John Lewis again, £8.
4 An alternative to the Bridgedale walking socks are these nice Norwegian ones from Burlington, by Falke. Reassuringly expensive at £16.
Thank you for the Sockfest!
I love the walking socks was just about to buy as need some new socks but can’t because of those revolting flower designs – what a shame they put them on!
There are other designs available!
When we lived in Germany, there was a hideous supermarket called Norma (never buy food there), but every now and then they had “snow week” (like Lidl and Aldi do) and they’d get a bunch of cold weather clothing in – including these freaking amazing and cheap snowboarding and skiing socks that never got holes in them, or ever fell down inside your boots when you were walking. I bought about 10 pairs, but they’re all dying now, and have never been able to find anything like them again. Would love to find something high that doesn’t fall down inside boots, might try the Bridgedale on your recommendation, fingers crossed for no wrinkling in a boot.
I love my Bridgedale walking socks! They are the best but have never mentioned to anyone as thought they were a bit niche and geeky… but now you’ve given them your seal of approval I will harp on about how good they are and you MUST have a pair to anyone who’ll listen!
Jesus. I thought black ankle socks that fell down was just something I had to put up with. Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
How thick are the walking socks? I have thick hiking socks but they are so thick that they make putting my boots on difficult.
I also have skiing socks but I’m wary of wearing them day to day because then they’ll fall apart and I need my skiing socks to be in good shape.
not TOO thick, I don’t find them a problem. I mean, you couldn’t wear them with high heels… but otherwise fine
For good prices on Falke and Burlington socks, and lots more besides: https://socksfox.com – I LOVE the Hanro underwear. They often have sales where they offer even better prices on regular stock.
Thank you for a timely sock reminder. My husband is a sock dandy; fine woollen knee socks in a multitude of gorgeous colours with some stripes and polkadots ‘for the weekend’, he eyes up that website where you can buy Italian Cardinals’ socks (I kid you not – it’s amaaaaazing) whereas I am certainly in the “are these your fucking socks, mate?” category. The slogan for this Christmas will be Stockings for my Stocking!
Meschaussettesrouges.com, fyi.
Anyone know a good website for the bridgedale socks ? Really like the look of them. Believe it or not I live in Kingston Upon Thames (massive centre of shopping) and cant find anywhere that bloody sells them!
They sell them on Amazon.
Oh thats good as linked to my husbands bank account and not mine and Ive got school fees coming out of my account today (sobbing face emoji) Many thanks! X
Go Outdoors online have Bridgedale in different designs 3 for 32 quid. Free delivery over £50 so chuck in a fishing rod and you’re there.
Thanks Cindy been wondering what to get my husband for Christmas …
When I first went for a proper “walk” with my now husband I just couldn’t believe it when he just wore shit cotton socks in walking boots. Bridgedale forever. For sort of everyday warm step up from shit cotton socks Uniqlo heattech is great. The women’s section have great colours and winter patterns the men’s is pretty boring tho.
I am on a major sort-out-my-socks tip this season so this is v timely and welcome. You lost me though at the tracky bottoms tucked in socks but….
It is a full-on look, it’s true
Esther, you’re a Leg, but I’m afraid that your friend still hasn’t got any non hideous warm sock options in here 😉
beauty is in the eye of the beholder, matey
I didn’t realise I needed sock advice … but I do. I’m wearing black ankle cotton socks right now. It feels like you’ve also pointed at my feet and screamed “are those your fucking socks mate” . Which is great – my feet are always bloody freezing.
GET SOME NICE WARM SOCKS YOU WILL BE SO HAPPY
I love all the sock info ⭐️ I’m having a sick day and this will keep me busy ☕️
Reading the comments here is NEARLY as fun as reading the actual blog! Sorry,Esther! I have one huge sock problem, it seems someone (God?) forgot to provide me with ankles. I actually think my husband got my share, he has long, elegant ankles whereas my feet are attached smack on to sturdy legs. Totally unfair. So my problem w socks is that they are ALWAYS too effin’ tight around the ‘ankle area’. Living in Norway (ha! We got snow this morning. Again.) good warm socks are a damn necessity. Anyone w advice for socks for ankle-deprived people?