I’ve worn my share of heavy socks and found that its like walking on beads or gravel. If you are tender footed like me and need heavy socks for cold weather you know they are a bit uncomfortable, especially when you first start walking around in them. It feels like something is gnawing at your soles. Even after you get used to it the irritation is still there but your body is just trying to ignore it. I suspect this can affect you psychologically, like a bothersome noise you try to ignore.

Gravel is for Zen gardens and not a preferred texture inside socks.

Knitted socks are usually done purl side in, but the purls are clearly the bumpy side and that’s what is not so comfortable to walk on . So don’t. My idea for smarter worsted socks is the knit the foot with purl side out on the sole and to a point above the heel, and work knit stitches on the outside of the instep – or you could purl the whole outside of the foot below the ankle. Be sure to purl the outside of the under-toe area all the way to the tip of the toes, or you will get a ridge that will irritate you. If you do a lot of walking in your heavy socks your feet will appreciate it.

And yeah, I know that in some knitting styles purling is harder. You could work the foot inside out, or learn Portuguese knitting for the large purl areas. I knit Portuguese, Continental and Eastern European depending on my need and mood. When I have a long stretch of purling to do I always switch to Portuguese style knitting. It’s very easy to learn and purling so so easy and fast.

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