Clothes (In this case Socks and Shoes) — A Daily Thread – Post 3 patrickrhone.net
@patrickrhone I appreciate this series! I’ve tread a lot of the same paths over the past ten years. There is remarkably little US cultural knowledge passed through the generations when it comes to quality clothing. It feels like a thing that we should Just Know sometimes. (But we very don’t.)
@patrickrhone how breathable are the Darn Tough? My feet run hot and I’ve been worried these will be way too warm, and yet, I’m sick of cheap stuff wearing away.
@bjhess Yay! Thanks. I agree that understanding quality and being willing to pay for it is a big part of the issue.
One thing I try to remind people is that, if they want things that are made in the USA and union made and well made, etc. They need to be ready to pay $50 for a t-shirt, for example, because that's what it costs. But, that t-shirt will last them for a decade or two so the math works out in the end.
I think the hardest thing is to get people to see that and be willing to make that leap.
@jsonbecker Depends on the model but merino wool is naturally breathable and temperature regulating. They are also naturally anti-odor so, take them off, let them air, and you can wear them again without washing. Seriously. (My post tomorrow is kind of all about how we wash our clothes too much and that most things can be worn several times without washing depending).
@jsonbecker For more breathable get the hiking and/or running models (lightweight/mid-weight) that have specific breathable zones for that purpose. (These for instance)
@ddanielson Glad to hear it.
It's turning out that I have enough to say on this general subject it may become one of my Minimal Guides. I have at least three other posts in this series.
@patrickrhone discovering a proper anti-perspirant at like 34 changed my life when it comes to washing clothes.
@jsonbecker Yep!
I'm one of those people that sweats profusely if I move at all in temps above 70F. Such discoveries are life changing.
@patrickrhone this almost feels like it could've been written about me lol I'm so hard on socks and shoes too. I'm going to have to check out some of these brands. Always loved Red Wings. I had a pair of work boots last over six years back when I did factory work
@patrickrhone Yes! A thing I always have to remind myself is that "lasts for a decade" has some exceptions. Staining is a big one for me. (Actually, my collars get discolored just sitting in the closet. From dust, I think? It probably means I have too many clothes.) Accidents happen as well, and not all accidents are repairable. The garments can be well made, but that doesn't mean they're indestructible.
This still gives me pause when committing to the expense. Sort of like nice sunglasses that you'll inevitably lose/scratch.
And fit…it's so tough to get that right. So frustrating when I figure out off-the-rack things that fit well, and then the company changes the cut. The best bet is something quality that is close and can be tailored to fit, but that can be a logistics pain depending on where you live.
@grubz Unfortunately, they no longer make the shoes I'm wearing right now as I type this, the Weekender Camp Moc. But, Oak Street and Quoddy both have things in a similar price/quality range.
@patrickrhone @ddanielson Good points about wool! However, if you're like me, @jsonbecker, and the main problem isn't the fact that they get sweaty, but that you don't like being that warm on your feet, I have another sock recommendation: Upstate Stock are fantastic quality cotton socks, made in the US and fairly priced. Decka also makes some amazing cotton socks – but they are a bit thicker than Upstate Stock (which can be both good and bad). Made in Japan. 👌🏻
@bjhess I hear all that (and tomorrow's post addresses this somewhat).
As for the staining... You need this book: Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Patric Richardson and Karin B Miller. Trust me on this. The stain removal for different types of stains alone is worth the whole price and has saved countless garments.
@Havn @ddanielson @jsonbecker Also, FWIW, I also HATE hot feet. I sleep with my feet outside of the blanket even in winter. I get it.
I wear Darn Tough and love them. Feet never feel too hot.
@patrickrhone Not sure why, but I mostly wear wool in the winter and cotton in the summer. And the winters get more cold than the summers get hot here in Norway! 😁 But I even find the thicker cotton socks to be too warm in summer…
That being said, I also recommend Darn Tough! Great quality. I just personally don't wear mine all year. 🙂 (And I think other brands, like the one I mentioned or other Japanese brands like AnonymousIsm and Rototo looks better. But that's subjective of course, if you even care. 😛)
@Havn I do care! And those are great brands And ZI get everyone has their own personal preferences. So, I really appreciate your input on this. Tusen Takk!
@patrickrhone @grubz Another chime in from me: Rancourt is another great brand to check out. I went for them over Oak Street, because Rancourt provides wide lasts as well – but the quality is about the same!
(Here's a blog post feature my Rancourts! As you can see, I recommended both Red Wings and Oak Street there. 😀 I've also heard good things about Quoddy.)
@Havn I really like those Alden Indy boots 👀 now you guys are about to make me go buy an expensive pair of repairable shoes 😂 I need something good like those. I bought these stupid Nunn Bush shoes for work a few months ago because I thought they looked good but they're already falling apart
@grubz Yeah, I love those Indy boots! But to be honest with you – they are a bit overpriced for what they are… 😉 (They're aboslutely great, but you can get better boots for the same price, or as good boots for less. But nothing beats their looks IMO…)
@Havn Ooh, forgot to mention Rancourt (just did not pop to mind) but yes, I am familiar. Good product.
Great post too. I'll have to check out the Crown Northampton. Have not found sneakers that fit into that level yet and my current cheap Nikes are falling apart.
@patrickrhone Thanks! Yeah, Crown Northampton is absolutely what you’re looking for then. 👌🏻 I wrote more about them here!
@patrickrhone Also, will my Red Wing Beckmans ever break in? (It's been like a decade…not that I wear them often. 😆)
@bjhess You do you have to wear them often. That said the footbeds are leather and new are soft and supple and should mold to the shape of your foot in a couple of weeks. If you do not wear them often, I would suspect that the leather is dried out by now b Perhaps take a bit of Mink oil or other shoe oil and hit the insoles a few times then give it a new shot. I’m not an expert, just an idea 
@bjhess also, believe it or not I found bread, wings customer service to be more than helpful. Including with such questions, maybe give them a ring.
@tiredforms I wear my two pair (one black, one brown) more than any other shoe in the fall/winter.
At least they provide a good explanation as to why they aren’t resoleable. (Basically, a trade off for comforts sake)
@tiredforms Also, that said, if one wants to be picky about it they do make a couple of models that are (the Heritage series — which I just discovered via the link in the last reply).
@patrickrhone @Havn @ddanielson @jsonbecker Just going to +1 the Darn Tough hiking and running socks. I moved to them this year because for some reason I burn through socks, and these are the most resilient and (literally) coolest socks I’ve worn. It’s the only thing I wear now. Paired up with my favorite boots and I’m one happy dude.
@Havn I'm going to choose not to consider these expensive. Instead, I'm going to say they are two pairs of HOKA but longer lasting.
@patrickrhone I’m loving this series of yours. I haven’t put as much thought into clothes as I used to since I moved into remote software roles and especially since the pandemic, at which point everything ended up feeling cheap. You’re inspiring me to look beyond my current jeans-and-tee outfits again!