The Sock Yarn Experiment

What Makes the Longest Lasting Sock?

I made my first pair of socks while working at the yarn store in 2024.  Here, I also met a lot of passionate sock knitters and learned much about the recommended twist, fiber blends, and construction of a sock.  While there are a lot of personal preferences that play a part in what each knitter chooses for their sock yarn, I started wondering about what makes the longest-lasting sock.  Is it the ubiquitous 75/25 wool/nylon blend? Can a 100% handspun wool sock last as long as one made from commercial yarn?  What happens to a vegan sock yarn under pressure? As a hobby runner, my feet have pounded through many pairs of socks over the years. I decided to test the socks I make, specifically to find out which yarns hold up best to mileage.

Constants: 

1. I use the same pattern to make my socks, so that the construction of the sock remains the same. 
2. Handwash only and lay flat to dry to prevent the non-superwash materials from felting. 

I am keeping track of mileage in a running app and taking photos every 10 miles for each sock. Below are the beginning results.  If you're curious, please check back as I update this page with additional mileage, photos, and results.