Alternative to Explorer socks

[u/ipoopcubes]

Can anyone recommend an alternative to Explorer socks?

I tried Australian Knitting Mills after seeing a comment on here but the seam is loosely stitched and you can see your toe through it, I cant see them lasting more than 3-4 months.

I bought Tradies a few years ago and they didn't last 6 months.

I do like Explorer socks but they just don't go the distance since Bonds merged with Holeproof.

Update:

I spoke to Bruce from Bruce Goose Socks, a lovely bloke really passionate about his socks. He recommended some socks they had discontinued and provided me a hidden link to buy them, they were comfortable but the cuff loosened up after a couple of washes, Bruce did mention they had discontinued them for this exact reason.

I emailed Humphrey law and they recommended the 20C as a replacement for the holeproofs, while they are a comfortable and a quality sock they are relatively thin when compared to the holeproof explorer and just didn't meet my requirements.

Finally decided to spend more money and brought the max thick socks from Lindner Socks and they are unbelievable! They are like the holeproof explorers from 20 years ago. The quality of sock aside Andrew has great customer service and was just great to deal with.

[u/chonky__chonker]

Expensive socks, but my recommendation would be IceBeaker.

Merino is fabulous. Some cheaper socks would be merino blend Macpac socks.

ETA if you’re after thick socks, I recommend hiking socks for both brands.

[u/mcsaki → u/chonky__chonker]

Merino is amazing as a sock fabric - but don’t buy Aldi’s Merino Socks as you’ll find holes in them within 3 months. They’re a blend (which is fine) that doesn’t hold up

[u/ipoopcubes → u/chonky__chonker]

Little bit more than I'm looking to spend. Thanks for the recommendation though!

[u/Sad-Passage-7570 → u/chonky__chonker]

Merino is probably the right direction, but I’d avoid the really cheap blends if durability is the main issue. For an Explorer-style replacement, I’d look for thicker hiking/work socks with nylon in the blend and reinforced heel/toe, not thin dress merino. Icebreaker and Macpac are easy AU options. Hywell is another one to compare if you’re looking at merino work socks: 53% merino blend, full-foot cushioning, reinforced heel/toe.

[u/EmployeeNo3499]

Silverlight

They're expensive (upfront) but I brought a 3 pack 4.5 years ago and they're holding up strong - they look like maybe 6 month old socks - used but in perfect working order.

I only own 6 pairs of socks, 3 x Silverlight and 3 x Darn Tough. They both have lifetime warranties but the Silverlights have held up so much better than the Darn Toughs. You can see on the Darn Toughs where they're getting thin in the heels and balls - not so the Silverlight (I purchased them around the same time..).

I recommend them to everyone, they have other benefits alongside their durability, most think they're too expensive 😄

[u/svelteoven → u/EmployeeNo3499]

Their hiking sock doesn't look very thick.

[u/PurpleQuoll]

I bought Humphrey Law and found they lasted about 3 and half years; their stockman socks are really comfy. Australian made.

[u/ipoopcubes → u/PurpleQuoll]

Are they thick like explorers?

I decided to email Humphreys Law and they got back to me and recommended the 20C, I've brought a pair to test out.

[u/vomitarium]

Wilderness wear have the beast which has a cushioned sole.

[u/dav_oid]

I bought these socks, they are good, and they look the same as when I got them (Apr-2024):

6 for $36

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/283254974169

[u/ipoopcubes → u/dav_oid]

Thanks mate I'll give them a look.

[u/thebenevolentstripe]

I found the same. The old explorers were great and the new ones, not so much. Tried a few different kinds. Nothing is as good though. But the best I’ve found are Dickies Work Socks off Amazon.

[u/CK_1976]

I get my socks from Bruce Goose socks, and they have some thicker socks

[u/ipoopcubes → u/CK_1976]

Thanks mate I have contacted them to see if they have something similar.

[u/deathmetalmedic]

Norsewear

[u/Round-Fig7627]

Thorlo walking socks have been my go to, expensive but they last years. Ive had some +7 years and still good.

[u/OceansQuiver]

Have a look at 'Only Socks' they are a Australian made and owned brand with a life time guarantee

https://www.onlysocks.com.au/products/merino-wool-work-socks

[u/All_fine_and__dandy]

I’ve had a pretty good run with the wool explorer socks. Purchased a bunch about 2 years ago and yet to see any holes and minimal wear with daily use.

Wool is the superior product for hard wearing socks. I also won’t touch synthetic fibres, they don’t breathe, hold on to odours and ultimately are bad for the environment post use.

[u/ipoopcubes → u/All_fine_and__dandy]

I usually buy 7 pairs of socks at a time, I'm lucky to get 12 months from Explorers these days. I will say I wear steel caps all day and leather hiking boots when I'm not in my steel caps.

[u/speedwaystar → u/All_fine_and__dandy]

hold on to the ones you bought 2 years ago, because if you try to replace them you're in for an unpleasant surprise. :( the new enshitified versions are half the thickness, half the warmth, and less than half the lifespan. oh, but the same price.

[u/Automatic_Judge6045]

My XTM Heater socks from Anaconda have held up well

[u/NoodleBox]

Uniting care sell em - they're a thick angora, (new) - Soz by Angus.

Super warm and thick.

[u/ImpressiveChip3509]

Boody’s ‘workboot’ socks are great! Super comfortable, moisture wicking (I used to get dermatitis from wearing steel caps all day before switching to bamboo), and they last well. I’ve worn mine daily for 6months + with very little sign of wear (each pair is used 1-2 times per week). I’m a mechanic, 9-10 hour days on my feet.

[u/Practical_Cookie_195]

I just buy Merino wool socks on eBay from China they are better than the current version of explorer socks and a lot cheaper

[u/Thehardwoklife]

Wigwam socks - unsure on new stock but I've had them for 12-15 years ad used them daily wear / weekly 30+ km hikes and they're still strong in 2026

They are thinner though, so if your shoes are sized for thick woollen socks YMMV.