There is something that draws me to over the calf socks these days. Although I am not completely against the wearing of mid calf socks, I don’t care to talk about them on this here blog. A policy which has caused me to send numerous sock companies the other way. Many of which focus on casual mid calf socks, the rest either on more formal mid calf socks or just plain ugly socks. Until Soxfords approached me, I had seen no brands that specialized in casual over the calf socks. Thank you Soxfords.
Soxfords agreed to send me a few pair of their socks, the Frog Legs and the brown Space Invaders, in order for me to review them. After a few days time the socks arrived.
Over the past month and a half or so since I received the socks they have gotten a decent amount of wear. I don’t think that these socks are appropriate to wear with a suit so I have only worn them in more casual settings with khakis and such. I like the designs on each of the socks, especially the Space Invaders, which are essentially an argyle design. And I love argyle socks.
To my knowledge, Soxfords is the only brand that does casual over the calf socks, which I applaud them for. My friends call these type of socks Friday socks (although I’m quite sure the type of socks are now worn 7 days a week), so perhaps that’s more your thing. But like all brands, I have my critiques. I think Soxfords needs to have more socks in more common colors like browns, grays and navy blue. It would make their socks more wearable, perhaps even wearable with suits. They also need to make the Space Invaders end higher on the leg to avoid the falling down issue. Lastly, they need to offer sized socks. I do not believe in a one size fits all sizing for socks. Yes, the socks fit my feet well (I am size US10), however, I doubt they work well on the extreme sizes like 8 and 13. This may seem like a lot of critique, but really it is not. Those are just things I think should happen in an ideal world and Soxfords is still doing quite a good job at what it does. In short, I still think the pros outweigh the critiques. For $20-25 Soxfords is delivering a pretty solid product. And perhaps more importantly, a unique product.
–JLJ
Note: FYGblog did receive free product in the course of this review. However, as always the utmost effort was taken to maintain an unbiased and objective point of view of the products at hand.
The Space Invaders are dope. Love the zombie ones on their site too. More Zombies! Did Soxfords give a reason why the two pairs were different lengths? I take a really good look at the toe stiching when I buy socks too, for quality purposes, but also comfort. A thick stiching over the toes can irriate. Looks like Soxfords has that area covered.
Why is it that most sock companies ONLY make a “one-size-fits-no-one” size? I’m a size US7, and I’ve never found a one-size-fits-all sock that actually fits me. The heel of the sock always ends up somewhere far above my heel. I’m sure those of you with a size US12 find yourselves with the heel somewhere under the arch of your foot. Why is this? No one makes a on-size-fits all shoe, so why do sock manufacturers only make one size?
The only place I have been able to find that carries OTC socks in sizes is http://www.viccel.com/. I’ve ordered a few pairs, but have not received them yet, so I can’t speak to their quality.
I would **LOVE** to see a US manufacturer offer dress socks in something besides one size.
@Gilzow : Nordstrom (not Nordstrom Rack) actually makes OTC socks in 4 different sizes. I am US7 for dress shoes and their size small OTC wool socks fit me pretty well. You should give them a try.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-over-the-calf-wool-socks-men-3-for-35/3164377?origin=keywordsearch