h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I noticed a sever lack of TOE SOCKS in this entry... I was reading the entry, and I find the exclusion shocking, for the article is otherwise quite complete.

*tsk tsk tsk* It's a shame.

Each to his/her own, thats what I say! Actually, I guess what you really mean is toeless socks, like those gloves without fingers. Actually I have seen gloves with no fingers, but an attached mitten like cover to keep fingers warm when not in use. Now that would be useful in cold climates. You could remove the cover, do what you will with your toes, and then re-cover them for cosiness. Alas, such adventures in socks are beyond the life-experience (so far) of this intrepid researcher.

Not toeless sock, but socks with toes like gloves. Each of your toes has it's own cozy little space.... it's so warm and toasty!

I agree, they are fantastic !
In winter, they keep your toes insulated in their own layer of warm air, and prevent freezing,
in summer and hot, steamy weathers, they are the perfect protection against mycoses and the like, keeping toes separated and dry.

One day, going back home (France, that is), where those toe socks are almost never seen, I was removing my shoes to get into slippers, and my then 7 years old young sister looked at my feet, quite puzzled, then up and asked :"why do you wear you gloves on your feet ???".

Now I know what you are talking about, I can agree wholeheartedly. They must be very cozy socks indeed. I must say, however, I had thought that these were not 'real' socks, but made as, and bought as, presents. Gifts. Those that I recall were of stripey design.

It is Christmas eve. The shops are closing. Our hero/heroine, a little inebriated, is at the station, about to go home, when he/she realises that he/she is presentless, and likely to be homeless the very next day unless a gift can be found!

"Aha!" A stripey pair of Toe socks are espied. And purchased.
"These will truly show my beloved that I care even for his/her distant extremities."

Next day, under the sparkling tree, lie the toe-socks, roughly wrapped in crumpled paper.

"Here, my love, these are for you" (Fingers crossed tightly behind back)

"And where, exactly, is that promised bottle of perfume/aftershave, those satin pyjamas, that expected biography??? All of which were carefully written on a list, complete with the names and addresses of the shops in which to buy them, given to you some three weeks ago???"

"Ah. Yes. Well. Umm... Shall I leave quietly or do you need to do some violence?"

Socks are usually thought of as bystanders as the tapestry of life unfolds around them. I wonder sometimes if they are not, in fact, part of the plot, or, even, the instigators!

I feel my life remains uncomplete, until such time as I can furnish myself with a pair of these fabulus-sounding 'toe socks' as you herein call them... I can't believe I don't own a pair ... Action shall have to be taken

The Japanese traditionally make socks with a separate sleeve for the great toe (like the thumb on a mitten), a device I personaly consider useful and convenient, since it makes it so much easier to pick up things like a dropped pen or pencil, marbles, chessmen, etc. without having to bend over.

I'm always barefoot indoors.... at home... and I pick anything and everything I drop up with my feet; I kinda trained myself to do it, becuase... well its both sensible and the lazy option really and, certainly helped maintain flexibility in my toes... which is all the more notacible given how unflexible I am just about everythwere else