Wearing Toe Rags: From Function to Derogatory Slang

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Function Toe
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the comfort and utility of socks, with participants sharing their experiences and preferences. Some express irritation from certain socks, suggesting that softer materials could improve comfort. The importance of socks in preventing blisters and keeping feet warm during activities like hiking is emphasized, with recommendations for wool and synthetic options. Participants note that socks help maintain shoe hygiene by absorbing moisture and organic matter, making them easier to clean. There is also a light-hearted exchange about personal sock preferences, including a mention of a specific brand, Dr. Comforts, praised for their comfort. Overall, the conversation highlights the functional benefits of socks while acknowledging individual comfort issues.
wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
4,410
Reaction score
555
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Back
Top