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Why socks
get holes.
Heel, toe, sole: where holes come from and how to prevent them.
Most holes appear at the toe and the heel, where the sock rubs most inside the shoe. The most common causes are a size that is too small, toenails that are too long, shoes that pinch or let the foot slip, and washing or drying too hot, which weakens the fibres. A sock in the right size, washed at 30 or 40 degrees and air-dried, lasts considerably longer.
At a glance
Where do the holes come from?
Most holes have a clear cause. Where they appear often gives it away.
| Cause | Where you see it | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Toenails too long | Toe, above the big toe | Cut your nails short and straight |
| Sock too small | Toe and heel | Choose the right size range |
| Friction in the shoe | Heel and sole | Shoes in your size, insoles in good condition |
| Heat when washing or drying | Heel and toe wear thin | 30 to 40 degrees, air-dry |
| Always the same pair | Favourite pairs wear out quickly | Rotate several pairs |
| Walking around in socks | Sole and heel | Wear slippers at home |
Prevention
Six habits that make your socks last
None of them takes much effort, but together they make a big difference.
- Trim your toenails regularly
- Choose the right size so the sock does not slip under your heel
- Wear shoes in your size and replace worn insoles
- Wash at 30 or 40 degrees, inside out, without fabric softener
- Air-dry rather than tumble-dry
- Rotate your pairs instead of always wearing the same ones
Darn or replace?
Is darning worth it?
Darning a thick wool or merino sock is often worth it, with matching yarn and a darning egg. With thin cotton and polyester socks, darning creates a thick patch that rubs inside the shoe, and the fabric around the hole is usually already thin: in that case, replacing the pair is generally more comfortable.
When to replace
Signs that a pair has had its day
These signs show that it is time for a new pair.
- The fabric becomes see-through at the heel or toe
- A hole has appeared in a thin cotton sock
- The elastic cuff no longer holds
- Several pairs wear out in the same place: then check your size or your shoes
When UNDY is right for you
A new pair every month
For a drawer that renews itself.
Even well cared for, socks eventually wear out. With UNDY, a pair of branded socks in your size, from 39 to 46, arrives in your letterbox every month, with free delivery. Your supply renews itself, and the old pairs can go.
Frequently asked questions
What people often ask
Read more
Other useful pages
Socks without holes, every month.
From CHF 12.50 per month, delivered to your letterbox with free delivery.