Those of you who’ve followed the blog for an extended period will be familiar with my passion for quality socks. I think they’re essential, especially for those of us who live in pedestrian cities.
For years, I loved and adored my LL Bean wool socks. I still consider them a good product and a good value. But, tragically, LL Bean does not offer the 10 inch ragg wool model to customers in France. As the pandemic has prevented me from returning to the US and having a dozen pairs drop shipped to Mommy Dearest, I had to look elsewhere. I went, yes, on Sock Safari.
Luckily, I found a brand of heavy, well-made wool socks that have served me quite well here, and I wanted to share the news with you.
They are from a UK company called Pennine.
The two models that I ordered were the Ranger Boot Sock (in navy blue) and the Poacher Boot Sock (in forest green). The Ranger is a little thicker and a little shorter in the ankle. The Poacher comes a little higher on the leg. Both models are incredibly well made and priced accordingly. (13.95 and 14.95 GBP per pair, plus shipping).
The weave is robust. The construction is top shelf. They hold up well after multiple wearings, washings, and dryings. The elastic retains its hold. The socks don’t slide down on my ankle or into the toe of my shoe as I walk. I also find them to be very comfortable in cold and milder weather.
I wear them with my Allen Edmonds dress shoes and my Adidas athletic shoes. The extra thickness provides additional padding, a welcome relief as I cover at least 2 miles a day here in Paris, often on unforgiving cobblestones. (I can hear the faint chorus of, ‘Oh, poor Byron! He has to walk on those terrible cobblestone streets!’ echoing sarcastically from the blogosphere.)
These socks, dear readers, are worthy of your consideration.
So, ladies and gents, the next time you’re in the market for durable, high quality wool socks, check out Pennine. You won’t be disappointed.
- BGT
PS As you know, I rarely recommend products, and I get nothing in return for doing so. (I’m not an influencer.) I only recommend products I’ve had personal experience with.