There are BifL socks though, called “Darn Tough” which have a lifetime warranty. They have 1 competitor but I forgot the brand. Both use marino wool.
I don’t really think socks can be a BIFL item. Darn tough is definitely one of my favorites, but I’ve worn through pairs. Merino is a weak fiber (which is what makes it soft), so it wears out. I’ve got some pairs where the nylon structure of the sock is intact, but the wool itself has been abraded away. Yes, I could swap them for new ones, but I don’t want to exploit a company who is trying to do things right.
There’s a few companies making good, made in America wool socks. Farm to Feet, Camel City mill, grip6, a decent part of smartwool’s portfolio, and probably a few others.
I guess the whole point isn’t actually things that last forever, it’s things that reach the optimum of longevity, eco friendliness, and performance.
I don’t really think socks can be a BIFL item. Darn tough is definitely one of my favorites, but I’ve worn through pairs. Merino is a weak fiber (which is what makes it soft), so it wears out. I’ve got some pairs where the nylon structure of the sock is intact, but the wool itself has been abraded away. Yes, I could swap them for new ones, but I don’t want to exploit a company who is trying to do things right.
There’s a few companies making good, made in America wool socks. Farm to Feet, Camel City mill, grip6, a decent part of smartwool’s portfolio, and probably a few others.
I guess the whole point isn’t actually things that last forever, it’s things that reach the optimum of longevity, eco friendliness, and performance.
BIFL in for this community can mean that literally, as in it will last your entire life, but also includes what you described. Fully agree!