Tipster Tuesday: The $15 Sock (!Updated!)

[Edited to add: So, the other night? I've got on my $15 socks and I walk out onto my deck before I realize 1) it has rained muchly and 2) I'm standing in a puddle of water. And we all know what a pain it is to walk through water in socks. So, I'm all, "DAMN", and I come back in and I walk around for a bit and then...I realize...hey...my socks aren't wet anymore?! Amazing space age technology, these socks. Just thought you'd want to know.]

Oh, alright already, I admit fifteen dollars is a lot of money for a pair of socks. I'll give you that. (As an aside: Apologies for the crappy glare-ridden photo. It wasn't happening for me today.)

But consider this: I now have three pairs of fifteen dollar socks in my sock drawer (don't do the math please) and I get near-frantic if there isn't a pair available on a daily basis. Because people? Hear me now believe me later: it's hard to accept a substitute when you've experienced the best the sock world has to offer. (Much like so many other things in life.)

Don't think a sock can make that much difference? Consider the lunch conversation I had with Monica just last Friday at a downtown restaurant:

ME
(to Monica)

CUTE SHOES!

MONICA

(Extending a leg and doing the slow toe circle.)

Thanks! Got 'em in Santa Fe.

ME
Wish I had my camera I'd have to blog those babies...WOW!

MONICA

Yah, well, I paid too much for them.

ME

Doubt it. From the looks of 'em.

MONICA

(still extending and toe rolling, her face radiating an obvious girl crush in the direction of her foot)

Hmmm...I don't know...

ME

You're probably talking to the wrong person, anyway. I can't stop buying fifteen dollar socks.

MONICA

Wait! Did you say fifteen dollar socks?! Because I have fifteen dollar socks!

ME

You mean the hiking...

MONICA

...socks from Hooper's!

ME

Yes....YES!

MONICA

Isn't it AWFUL!

ME

Completely!

MONICA & SUZANNE

*squeeeeal!*

MONICA

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

ME

Are we walking or driving?

In our defense, we did buy a pair for a mutual friend who had a birthday the next day (honest), but we couldn't walk away without a pair for ourselves. (Think of the savings in laundry costs!)

So whether your feeling decadent all by yourself or are casting about for that hard to satisfy customer on your x-mas list, please consider any style of the $15 Smartwool Hiking Sock. Because, trust me, it's hard not to smile when your feet feel that good.

[Available locally at the aforementioned Hooper's already in their new location at 219 Broadway. Also available on the web, but almost never for less than the dreaded $15.]