Socks

[jhfortier]

I'm hoping someone can help me out.

Hitting on the first R (reduce) I've been trying to cut down on all of the extra stuff that I buy, and to buy eco-friendly products when I need something, but I'm stumped when it comes to socks!

I've bought bamboo socks from Secret, but they've got nylon in them and they wear out after maybe two wearings.

Aside from thick cotton sweat socks, are there any socks (preferably organic cotton or bamboo?) that you've found to be more durable than the typical super-thin, too-tight socks? I live in Canada, but ordering online is ok.

[TheSilentChamber]

Theres serveral companies that offer organic hemp and organic cotten socks. I have some hemp ones, they feel just like cotton to me... I dont like real thin slippery socks either.

[Hecateus]

some have appeared on treehugger like teco
linky <
but be prepared to pay around $20 US per pair.

One would probably be better off learning to make one's own with some raw organic cloth and one of those networkable sewing machines. I have an interesting eventually making organic fundoshi (japanese traditional loincloth/underwear)

[Tracker]

Hi I am getting in some organic socks soon thigh high and over the knee if you are interested. I have in organic cotton and wool maybe I could have a hand kniter knit you some. How much did
you want to pay for made-to order, and I will see if I can do it. otherwise I could sell you some of my cotton and
you could go to your local wool shop and ask for knitters in your area. I only buy socks with 3% spandex. However I am not sure what is in the organic cotton over the knees etc are. They have pictures and stripes great under skirts dresses with boots I cannot wait to get them. Hope this helps. Tracker Australia

[tigerlily78]

Here are some organic cotton socks worth a try (not $20 a pair at least!)

http://www.goodhumans.com/Shopping/Bran ... c-threads/

Around my house we all like Smartwool socks. Not as green as some options I guess, but they seem to hold up to plenty of washes and wears. They do run about $15 a pair though. My local REI and the Walking Company carry many styles.

https://www.smartwool.com/default.cfm#

[Em.]

Well, here in Nebraska when its freezing cold (Probably not as cold as Canada, but nonetheless) I would just slip on shoes if I'm inside. Outside is the huge problem. All of the suggestions above me have taken most of my ideas except for one. Run fast.

[vikash]

These guys are doing something interesting and different - http://www.paihama.com in relation to socks.

[GreenintheBean]

I'm a big fan of Smartwool personally. Small company from Colorado, recently got bought by Timberland.

These socks are tough, can wear them a few times before I wash them and they are super comfortable and warm. Can be a bit pricy, but would suggest finding them at outlet stores like L.L. Bean's and you can get them for less as $5 for a good pair.

[talkingfuture]

I second Smartwool, they are very expensive but very very good.

[dnoonie]

I wear wool (the smartwool already mentioned and REI branded socks) and then recycle. I have a jacket made from 50% recycled fiber, it's fine. It's also my understanding that cotten is used for paper. My local thrift store/second had store not only takes good clothing but also has a bin for worn out cloths labeled for recycle, I'm not sure where it goes from there.

[paw]

I bought 100% cotton socks on line from Footsmart, it took me awhile to find them. They are thinner and nice for the workplace. Where did you get the heavy cotton socks from? I only wear 100% cotton which is very difficult these days to find, they all seem to be adding to all clothing some lycra or chemical treating for wrinklefree (thallium toxin).

[GNiessen]

I bought two pair of a hiking sock at Walmart some 5-6 years ago. They were a light hiking sock in a nice greenish tone. I probably wore them about once a week since then. And I just tore the bottom of one last year and have not been able to find a replacement. I have been very disappointed that I have never found a similiar sock in all of my searches.

[nangel78]

Thank you for posting these sites. I really liked http://www.goodhumans.com/Shopping/Bran ... c-threads/. I found a lot of useful information to get socks and cloths on there.

[Glavs]

I know this might seem like a solution that is a little out there, but you could try no socks at all. I spent close to a year living on a sailboat, and when I came back to Canada, I just couldn't wear socks. I wore flip flops until it snowed and then I found these closed toed sandals (sanuk or something) and that is what I wore through the winter. I put socks on for a wedding, that is about it I think.

I have a friend that is the accountant at a company called Naturally Advanced. They do some clothing with organic bamboo, cotton and hemp, but I am not sure if they do socks. They are based in Vancouver.

My two cents.

SG

[joeth]

Try searching for handmade socks on Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/

These one's are looking really good to me...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=12485092