Polyester socks...how can people stand them?

Shaolin

Talk Tennis Guru
I dont understand how they are so popular. Seems like all socks now are mostly polyester. Adidas offers no cotton sock options anymore for instance.

I have terrible heel slippage with them. They are very slick and my feet slide around in the shoe very easily which never happens with cotton socks.

You guys that wear poly socks, how do you do it? Are you cinching your shoes up super tight? Do they get less slippery with multiple washings?

Maybe I just have weird narrow feet but I think they are pretty standard. I cant be the only one having issues with poly socks.
 

innoVAShaun

G.O.A.T.
 

Kevin T

Hall of Fame
I've only worn merino wool socks for over 20 years. I get the everyday/office versions for work use Smartwool or Ridge Merino for running/tennis/squash. They last forever, never stink, offered in zero or targeted cushion options and do a great job wicking sweat.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
I wear poly socks from Thorlo with no slippage issues even when new. Cotton socks get wet and stay wet as I’m a heavy sweater making it not an option for me to play sports in them. Same with cotton underwear - I use athletics underwear made of poly for sports.
 

Chairman3

Hall of Fame
I just hate how quickly they die.
You have to restring so often, gets expensive. Reels make it a bit more cost effective, but still.
 

austintennis2005

Professional
I've only worn merino wool socks for over 20 years. I get the everyday/office versions for work use Smartwool or Ridge Merino for running/tennis/squash. They last forever, never stink, offered in zero or targeted cushion options and do a great job wicking sweat.
Darn tough brand?
 

sp1derman

Professional
I dont understand how they are so popular. Seems like all socks now are mostly polyester. Adidas offers no cotton sock options anymore for instance.

I have terrible heel slippage with them. They are very slick and my feet slide around in the shoe very easily which never happens with cotton socks.

You guys that wear poly socks, how do you do it? Are you cinching your shoes up super tight? Do they get less slippery with multiple washings?

Maybe I just have weird narrow feet but I think they are pretty standard. I cant be the only one having issues with poly socks.
I hate this problem also. However, I have long used the Nike Dri Fit plus cushioned are still mostly cotton, around 60%, and I don't have any slippage issues. They are a decent compromise between all cotton and all polyester.
 

puppybutts

Hall of Fame
I guess I am lucky not to be a very heavy sweater from the feet. my guess is people who wear fully synthetic socks need to for the moisture wicking.

slippage definitely an issue. i like cotton or wool blends. not for my shirts or hats though
 

austintennis2005

Professional
+1 on Darn Tough micro crew lightweight line - replaced nearly all my socks and they work for tennis, hiking, casual use, etc. Lifetime warranty and makes laundry that much easier.
Lifetime warranty means if they get holes u can send back? Have u sent any back
 

c-had

Rookie
I prefer wearing polyester socks for the moisture wicking. The slipperiness of them can vary widely. I have some Asics socks that are like ice skates, some Adidas that are somewhat slippery, some Nike, Head, and Puma that are close enough to cotton for me to not notice a difference. Not that those brands are better than others, but there is variability between the different models of socks out there.

That said, now y'all have me wondering about merino wool socks. Not cheap, but the are tempting.
 

Cyclone

Semi-Pro
I can't stand polyester socks. I would have to tie my shoes insanely tight because of the slippery feeling. Nike and underarmor make cotton/poly blend socks which have been my go-to for years. Wigwam sells 100% cotton socks, worth a try but they'd lose their shape too much for me.

Thorlos have the same slippery issue for me.

Also keep in mind the color of the sock, certain dyes have properties that make socks feel more slippery; white always seems to be the best choice.
 

travlerajm

Talk Tennis Guru
I have been wearing a wool blend sock inner with a cotton/poly 50/50 sock over it. The outer sock absorbs the moisture and gets damp but the inner one stays mostly dry and comfy, with that glued-into-the-shoe feel that you get from having enough cotton.
 

bigserving

Hall of Fame
I sometimes wear a pair cotton socks, to help absorb moisture, with a pair of polys over. Some slippage can be good and can keep ankles healthier.
 

mtommer

Hall of Fame
Has any tried any of Nike's nylon/polyester/spandex blends?
I have before. They're just socks to me. The thinner ones are nice in the summer geat since I'm a heavy sweater. That said, this is true of all brands with the same thickness and material that I've come across, which are numerous.
 
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