Socks, do they need to be "Broken in"??

[Moondog55]

Who else finds new socks to be less comfortable than ones you have worn a few times?
I'm starting my trip in older socks and will wear the new ones as and when needed.
Would you normally buy new socks for a longish walk or would you just take and wear your normal ones?

[gayet]

Depends on the state of the socks. Generally take and wear the best of the old ones. But check any new ones for lumpy bits or points of friction and try to 'reshape' them if necessary. 3 prs of new socks are being broken in at present - wear them to work inside loose heeled boots. That sorts them before too long.

[Franco]

Sometimes socks can fit like a glove .
That is fine as long as your hands and feet are of a similar shape.

Maybe just wash them before the first use.

For a change of pace.
Here is a trick that I learned from my mother about 50 years ago .
To measure a sock make a fist and wrap your hand around it :

(it works for me)

[tasadam]

I use Explorer socks, never had a problem with newer ones. I don't use my older ones for bushwalks, they're used for work.
Brand new or worn a few times? Usually worn a bit. Never looked to buy new socks for a walk, but I have taken new ones before - when new ones were due.
Apart from one dodgy pair that continued to creep down & bunch at the toes, they've always been good.

[Orion]

I find new socks are sometimes a little too tight in my shoes at first, but not that big of a deal and certainly better than socks that are too worn.

Underpants. I never start a trip with brand new underpants. Seriously, I know you think I'm joking, but I find they need to be broken in.

[neilmny]

I use the Teko light hike and medium merino socks from Anaconda but always wash them before I first wear them.
Trouble is I've found them so good I pretty much wear them all the time....................no affiliations I just really like them
and they don't get on the nose.