If you haven't tried FITS socks, you're missing something special. I've been wearing them (exclusively) since I discovered them three years ago. They are quite amazing. Here's the story:
The Crescent Sock Company has been knitting fine socks in the sleepy little town of Niota, TN since 1902. They are the oldest operating hosiery mill in the United States and one of the biggest sock suppliers to national chain stores. Most people have probably worn a pair of Crescent socks at one time or other.
When Crescent discovered the growing market for high quality wool socks, they decided to get into the act. With over 100 years of sock-making experience and a mill right here in the United States, they believed that they could design and manufacture the best wool socks in the world, and sell them at a price that defied the competition. The new socks (called FITS) were designed from scratch—engineers thinking well outside the box.
When you first see a pair of FITS socks you may question if they’ll fit a human foot at all. They appear too small; the heel cup hangs curiously down and the ankles and center foot appear too narrow to conform to human feet. But these socks fit “perfectly”—not too loose or too tight; they follow every curve of your foot, never compressing or wallowing in space. The toe pocket is turned horizontally to match your toes; there are no visible seams anywhere. And the Achilles area—a serious wear point on most socks—is aggressively reinforced. These socks stay firmly in place no matter how you walk or run. Unlike "normal " socks, they don't stretch out with use: wear them day-after-day for weeks and they'll continue to fit like new.
Here's a testimonial for "non-believers":
I met Alan Gage at the 2016 Gunflint Trails Boundary Waters Expo. Earlier that year, he completed a seven week canoe trip on the Bloodvein River, Manitoba in a hand-built solo canoe. He couldn't afford a shuttle, so he paddled down the river and back up it--a feat in itself. During the event, Alan attended one of my seminars (“How to Dress For the Wild Outdoors"). I told the audience that one of the cool things about FITS socks is that you can wear them for long periods of time and unlike other socks, they won’t stretch out. At this, Alan raised his hand and said: "I wore them every day for 48 days and they were great!" He added that they worked perfectly for 48 days but were nearly worn out after that. Oh really?
The company shtick reads: “They are constructed from two-ply, compact-spun, ultra-fine Merino Wool, providing the ultimate blend of softness and durability. Our F3 Technology (they are built like expensive medical socks) delivers a unique form fit thanks to a deep heel pocket, specialized toe seam, and contoured leg — which keep FITS socks firmly in place. This means no more bunching, hot spots, or friction, regardless of the task at hand.”
There are a number of different (and colorful) FITS models, each designed to fulfill a special purpose (hiking, running, casual wear etc.). My favorites are the light and medium hiker crew socks which work for casual wear and serious walking. I generally wear a pair for a week before I wash them.
Note: I've been wearing FITS socks exclusively now for three years and I have yet to wear out a pair. Others haven't been so lucky. I'm guessing that they are washing their socks too frequently, which shortens their life. Most socks need to be washed after a few wearings, if for no other reason, than to restore their shape. But FITS socks are a different animal.
These socks are quite extraordinary. Really!