I have been buying LLBean Ragg Wool socks for over ten years to wear with my Birkenstock sandals in the winter. They also take the place of slippers this way, in the house. These socks are SUPER warm and comfy and they never feel tight on my feet unless I have used them for maybe three years straight and they are ready to wear out completely. I don't know what I would do without these wonderful socks. They keep me so comfortable on cold winter days that I can keep the thermostat turned down a bit more than I would, otherwise. I have read other reviews and will try to address some of the problems stated: 1. I also have noticed a slight decline in the wear and feel of the socks. Every year, LLBean seems to get a different batch of socks in for the winter. Some are more stretchy, some are thicker and some have smoother seams in the toes. Every year seems to be different, slightly. I find the plain natural or grey socks to feel the best on my feet. 2. They do tend to pill quite a bit. I have nipped that problem in the bud by ALWAYS using a net lingerie bag to put my socks in before I put them in the washing machine. I wash them in warm water on a regular cycle and rinse them in cold with regular detergent and water softener. Then, I always hang them on the line, down the basement, to air dry.....I never put them in the dryer. They will not shrink, pill very little and will hold their shape better this way. 3. I agree that the toe seam could be flatter to really have the best comfort and the heel could be a bit thicker so they wouldn't wear out as quickly (about 2-3 years, with constant rotation). I think for the price paid for the socks, that is not asking too much.
Overall, I LOVE these socks and will continue to buy them as long as LLBean offers them. Thanks...
Recently took a trip to Vermont to ride our motorcycles. It didn't get over 65*. These socks kept my feet warm for the entire 170 mile trip. Best purchase for those cold days!
Like "comfort food", I have "comfort clothing" and warm snuggly socks are my favorite comfort clothing. My LLBean socks traveled to Scotland with me recently and kept my feet warm throughout the trip. My LLBean coupon helped purchase them -- thank you LLBean.
