Holes Are Rarely Bad Luck
They usually come from friction, pressure and washing. Here is how to find the cause and make your socks last.
The Usual Suspects
Toenails
Long or rough toenails wear holes through the toe in no time.
Loose or tight shoes
If your heel slips, the sock rubs. If the toe box is tight, your toes press into the same spot all day.
Rough insides
Worn insoles, rough seams and grit in the shoe all act like sandpaper.
Hot washes and tumble dryers
Heat and tumbling weaken fibres and thin out the knit over time.
Thin, loosely knitted socks
Cheap multipacks are often made to a price. The yarn is thin and the knit is loose, so wear shows quickly.
Where Is Your Hole? A Quick Guide
| Hole in the... | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Toe | Toenails, tight toe box, shoe too short | Trim nails, check shoe fit |
| Heel | Heel slip or rubbing in a loose shoe | Check size and lacing, use a better-fitting sock |
| Ball of foot | Worn insole, hard floors, lots of standing | Replace insoles, choose more cushioning |
| Side of foot | Rubbing on a seam or narrow shoe | Check inside the shoe for rough seams |
How to Prevent Socks Getting Holes
- Keep toenails trimmed and smooth.
- Check the inside of your shoes. Run a hand over the insole and seams.
- Get the fit right. The shoe, and the sock size, should both fit properly.
- Rotate your pairs. Socks that rest between wears recover their shape.
- Wash at a gentle temperature - turn them inside out, and use a mild wash.
- Skip the tumble dryer. Dry them flat or on a line.
- Mend early. A small thin patch is easy to darn. A hole is harder.
- Choose a sock built to last. More on that below.
What to Look For in a Sock That Lasts
- A dense knit. Tighter stitches resist wear.
- A resilient fibre. Mohair is known for being strong and springy, which helps socks keep their shape.
- Good cushioning where you need it. A padded sole takes the strain off high-wear areas.
- Made well. Our socks are knitted in Leicester and dyed in Leeds, with durability the priority.
Which Capricorn Sock for Which Job?
Many people think of us as walking-sock makers, but our best seller is an everyday sock with a loose top. Over the last twelve months we sold more than a thousand pairs of the Sussex, this is our most popular style of socks.
| Sock | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex | Everyday wear - loose top, comfortable all day | £16.45 |
| Derbyshire | Walking and the outdoors | £25.95 |
| Yorkshire | Wellington boots | £22.95 |
| Yorkshire Short | Boots or shoes - warm, padded sole | £13.95 (seconds) |
| Surrey | Smart and everyday wear | £15.95 |
| Ayrshire | A medium-thick, warm everyday sock | £21.95 |
| Skye | Summer - lightweight, low-cut | £15.45 |
| Northumberland | Long sock with a turnover top | £19.96 |
| Dalkeith | Anklet length | £9.67 |
| Bed socks | Warm feet at night | £18.45 |
Our "seconds/ end of line" are a good way to try a style for less.
Darn It or Bin It?
If the hole is small and the rest of the sock is sound, a darn is worth doing. If the fabric around it is thin, it will tear again.
A good rule of thumb: mend a hole at the first sign of thinning. After that, it is time to replace the pair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get holes in the same place every time?
It usually points to something in the shoe, such as a seam, worn insole or poor fit.
Do mohair socks last longer?
Mohair is a hard-wearing natural fibre, and a dense knit helps. Care also matters.
How often should I replace socks?
Replace them when the fabric thins or cushioning flattens, rather than by date.
Can you darn mohair socks?
Yes. Use a matching yarn and darn early, before the hole grows.
Does tumble drying cause holes?
Heat and tumbling can weaken fibres over time, so drying flat is kinder.
Are seconds as durable as first-quality socks?
Yes they are, often our seconds due to the dyeing process.
Look after your feet, check your shoes and choose a sock made to last.
