Wearing Toe Rags: From Function to Derogatory Slang

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the use of socks, particularly in relation to comfort and foot health during activities like hiking. Participants emphasize the importance of selecting the right materials, such as wool and synthetic yarns, to prevent blisters and irritation. Specific brands like Dr. Comfort are highlighted for their comfort and effectiveness. The conversation also touches on the historical context of "toe rags" as a derogatory term, stemming from their original purpose of protecting feet from scuffing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of foot health and comfort during physical activities
  • Knowledge of different sock materials, particularly wool and synthetic fibers
  • Familiarity with hiking gear and its impact on performance
  • Awareness of historical terminology related to clothing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the benefits of various sock materials for outdoor activities
  • Explore hiking gear recommendations for long-distance treks
  • Investigate the history and evolution of sock usage in different cultures
  • Learn about foot care techniques to prevent blisters during hikes
USEFUL FOR

Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone interested in improving foot comfort and health during physical activities.

wolram
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They irritate my feet and legs, the first thing i do when i get home is to take the off, i think toe rags were first worn to stop boots scuffing feet, that's where the derogative form (you are just a toe rag came from), may be it is just us westerners wear socks.
 
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Hmmmmm. Noooooo! I'm a big fan of socks.

Maybe you just need to find socks made of softer material, Wolram.
 
Besides cushioning the feet and helping to prevent blisters, socks also keep the feet warm in colder climates.

One of my favorite pastimes is going for long hikes of up to 70 miles in the Olympic and Cascade mountains of Western Washington. Mostly I do these hikes in the summer, so cold feet isn't a concern, but preventing my feet from bruising and minimizing blisters is essential to being able to cover up to 20 miles in a day, while carrying a 50-lb backpack. I usually carry at least four pairs of wool socks, and wear two pairs at a time. I hang wet socks outside my pack to help them dry.

There are different grades of wool -- some are pretty coarse and seem scratchy to some. Other grades are a lot softer. There are also different kinds of socks made from synthetic yarns, that aren't scratchy at all.
 
I totally agree with wollie.
Besides, they sh*t between my toes! :mad:
 
My socks were a gift from Mohammad Ali.
 
You're not wearing them right.
 
socks slow the accumulation of organic matter in the shoes, giving fungi less to feed on, and keeping the shoes from getting so smelly.
 
Proton Soup said:
socks slow the accumulation of organic matter in the shoes, giving fungi less to feed on, and keeping the shoes from getting so smelly.

^That

It's difficult to wash the insides of shoes, so socks give something to take off and wash instead.
 
All Pro Maxspun Cotton. I swear by them. Good reviews, too.
 
  • #10
wolram said:
They irritate my feet and legs, the first thing i do when i get home is to take the off, i think toe rags were first worn to stop boots scuffing feet, that's where the derogative form (you are just a toe rag came from), may be it is just us westerners wear socks.

Maybe you're wearing your socks on the wrong feet. :-p :biggrin:

I love wearing white cotton socks. I only take them off when I take a shower. They help keep my feet warm in the winter and they retain just enough moisture to keep my feet from drying out (the latter an issue for us ancients).
 
  • #12
Go barefoot - au naturel.
 
  • #13
Greg Bernhardt said:
I love socks and these Dr. Comforts are the best! Feels like you are walking on a cloud with angels hugging your feet.

http://www.drcomfort.com/our-footwear/socks/no-show/no-show


Reminds me of a recent link
[PLAIN]http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/sites/default/files/images/http-inlinethumb36.webshots.com-45859-2909738550104237032S600x600Q85.preview.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #14
This is from the book "Einstein: The Life and Times." by Ronald W. Clark

Clark said:
Einstein, for his part, was delighted that he could turn to a companion at a formal dinner where his own merits were being lauded and whisper: "But the man doesn't wear socks!"
 
  • #15
Greg Bernhardt said:
I love socks and these Dr. Comforts are the best! Feels like you are walking on a cloud with angels hugging your feet.

http://www.drcomfort.com/our-footwear/socks/no-show/no-show
Looks good except that for $10 a pair I'd expect two socks of the same color. You have to buy two pair just to get a match! Lousy marketing department dirtbags, they never miss an opportunity to stick it to the consumer. :mad:
 
  • #16
I like socks to protect my shoes from sweat. Shoes are expensive and socks are cheap and washable.
 

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