What a reinforced heel means and why the heel wears first

Short answer: A reinforced heel is an extra layer or a denser knit under the heel that takes most of the wear. The heel wears first because it rubs against the shoe with every step and carries weight when you walk. Here is what to look for and how to look after it.

What a reinforced heel is

A reinforced heel is a heel where the sock has been given more material or a denser knit than in the rest of the foot. That makes the area under the most strain more resistant, without the rest of the sock having to be thick and heavy to wear.

Why the heel wears first

The heel rubs against the shoe with every step, it carries much of your weight, and it becomes warm and damp. That is a hard combination for fabric. So the heel often becomes thin before the rest of the sock shows wear, and that is why the extra strength matters.

How to spot a reinforced heel in the shop

Look for a heel that looks like a small hollow or a slightly thicker section at the base of the sock. Feel with your fingers whether the area is denser than the rest. See the range of socks for men and read the description of each model.

Bamboo and reinforced heels

Bamboo in clothing is viscose made from bamboo, and it feels soft, but soft yarn can wear faster than coarse, so a reinforced heel can be an advantage. It does not tell the whole story, though, because fit and washing matter just as much for how long the sock lasts.

Fit affects heel wear

If the sock sits too loosely, the heel shifts and rubs against the shoe, and then it wears faster. If it sits too tightly, the knit is under more strain. Choose a size where the heel lies exactly on your own heel and check it after an hour of walking.

The shoe plays a part

A shoe with a rough inner edge, or a shoe that is too large, can wear the heel quickly even if the sock is reinforced. Check whether the back edge of the shoe is smooth and whether the heel sits firmly, so there is no needless rubbing with every step.

Care so the heel lasts longer

Wash the socks inside out at a low temperature and avoid the tumble dryer so the fibres do not tire needlessly. Cut loose threads instead of pulling them, and keep an eye on whether the heel gets thin, so you know when it is time for a new pair.

When the heel is finished

When you can see through the fabric, or when there are small holes, the heel is finished, and you may as well replace the pair. If you save on replacing socks, you often end up with sore heels. Also see the bamboo boxer briefs and long sleeve models for the rest of the drawer.

Frequently asked questions

What is a reinforced heel

It is a heel with extra material or a denser knit, so the area under most strain wears more slowly. The rest of the sock does not need to be thick.

Why does the heel wear first

Because it rubs against the shoe with every step, carries your weight and becomes warm and damp. That is why it gets thin first.

When should I replace my socks

When you can see through the fabric or find small holes in the heel. Replace too early rather than too late, so you avoid sore heels.

See our range of bamboo socks for women.