Sock repair...

[jessmarimba]

I've worn through a couple pairs of Smartwool (the compression ones! ) and Teko socks lately. The next size up is definitely too big, though I'm on the large end of the spectrum for the mediums. It's aggravating. For now, I'm just wearing them so the hole is on the other foot (not on my big toe anymore) and no longer running in them but I'm pretty exasperated with the Smartwool compression socks. Wore those on one run and ripped through the left big toe in the first six miles (and my left foot is my smaller foot, for pete's sake). I can still wear them for recovery but wanted them for running, and the next size up isn't compressive enough. Grr. Those cost way too much to wear through like that.

[SFLiz]

If you're going to try other socks, I really like my swiftwicks, in all varying styles. They have been durable and comfy.

[Crankin]

I would try the thinnest Tekos. I wear them for running/gym, and they are awesome.
Also, no cushioning. Ever. My feet are exquisitely sensitive to padding and so are my hands. I have ultra thin wool, thin wool, medium wool, and my thickest are Woolie Bullies. I also can barely close the velcro on my shoes, or my feet swell. I leave the ratchet pretty loose, too. The shoes fit, the next size is definitely too big. My feet do much better with the wool; Saturday I wore regular socks as it was warm and they were burning after 30 minutes.

[pll]

Just a clarification on my earlier post: my smartwools wear down in the heels.

[malkin]

I'd mend them with some fine wool & nylon blend from the yarn store, and try a bigger size next time.

[Catrin]

I'd mend them with some fine wool & nylon blend from the yarn store, and try a bigger size next time.

The thing is, the larger sizes are just so big in my heels...

[OakLeaf]

Even the women's specific SW socks? They don't do that to me, even with my men's EEEE forefeet and women's B heels...

You might give the wool Injinjis a try too. They're a little bit too thin for me, but if you prefer a thinner sock anyway, they could work. I'm very unimpressed with the SW toe socks.

[malkin]

Agree about the QC, especially for the lighter weight ones.

The thing is, the larger sizes are just so big in my heels...

They might not stay big if you wash 'em and wear 'em a few times. I sometimes get brewer's hand-me-downs when they don't fit him anymore. You could start out wearing them for slippers or something. For me, I'd want bigger shoes, especially if the shoes are not leather, with its friendly give and take.