White socks with boots; does it really matter? Is it time for a change?

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:25:39 -0500

<p>As usual at about 0530 this morning, I was clawing through the laundry basket of clothes my wife just did desperately searching for my "Army" socks.  Diggin through mountains of white socks to find them in the dark.</p><p>Does it really matter what color socks we wear with our boots that no one can see in the first place?  I mean really.  What is the point.</p><p>"It's the standard...the reg says so...etc etc....I got it.  But what I'm asking is #1 does it make any sense and #2 should it be changed?</p><p>All of my Army socks are worn out, have holes in them, and a permanent unique Army smell.  Let's stop discriminating against the white socks and have EO for all socks!!!</p><p>What say you?  </p>

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 3 at 2014 3:42 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:42:57 -0500

I have always had that argument as well for years, if no one can see them, #1 what difference does it make and #2 how do you know that anyone is not wearing them when you can't see them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 3:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:43:45 -0500

With the preponderance of foot-related injuries from ruck marches, terrain runs, etc... My personal policy is when it comes to physical activity in boots, wear whatever will keep your feet comfortable and keep you from getting blisters. I personally where silk -liners underneath REI moisture-wicking socks when doing long marches and such. It keeps me from getting blisters, keeps my feet dry, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper to get good hiking socks outside of Military Clothing & Sales. That being said, I do wear my thigh high Army Green socks in Garrison, but I wouldn't personally take issue if someone in my platoon didn't. As you said, no one can see them, and it would downright amaze me if the biggest problem someone can complain about is what color socks someone else is wearing. As long as you take care of your feet, I say live and let be.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 3 at 2014 3:52 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:52:01 -0500

I do remember back in the day (90s) when they used to actually check people's socks to ensure they were white, we would have people pull their pants legs up or out of their boots to check.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 3 at 2014 3:55 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:55:54 -0500

<p>Exactly, it not the color of your socks that matters; it's what's inside that counts.</p><p>"I have a dream where we will no longer be judged by the color of our socks...but by the content of our ERB"</p>

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 4:06 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:06:48 -0500

No of course not, it never has mattered. See my stance on some of these stupid uniform issues here:

https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/31764-hands-in-your-pockets

Caveat being if you use boot blousers though and you see the white socks because they ride up a few inches or whatever when you cross your legs.

Hands in your pockets

Everyone knows the regs state that we're not allowed to put our hands in our pockets unless we're placing or retrieving an item. What are your thoughts on this rule?

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 3 at 2014 4:17 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:17:03 -0500

I agree stop discriminating against socks thick or thin let them all in.

Response by SGT Tyler H. made Jan 3 at 2014 4:17 PM

SGT Tyler H. — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:17:26 -0500

I had the same thought when on active duty. I always pushed the limits of the 670-1 and it seems the sock regulation hasn't changed since I was in. Nowhere in the regulation does it state that a soldier CANNOT wear white socks with his/her combat uniform, but according to section 27-24 on page 171 in the Feb 2005 AR 670-1, the use of white socks is as follows: <div><div>c. Socks, white, service.</div><div>(1) Type. The socks are optional purchase items.</div><div>(2) Description. The socks are of an approved specification or commercial design. They are white cotton, or cotton</div><div>and nylon, plain, ribbed, stretch type, or with an elastic top.</div><div>(3) How worn. Males wear the white socks with the white oxford shoes. Females may wear the white socks instead</div><div>of white stockings when wearing the hospital duty pantsuit with the white oxford shoes.</div></div><div><br></div><div>To stay within regs, a soldier can always do what I did...buy super-comfy, wick away the moisture, walking-on-clouds, white athletic socks and dye them black and/or green with http://www.ritdye.com.<br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://www.ritdye.com./sites/all/themes/ritdye/images/corner-logo/Rit_Corner_logo_04.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ritdye.com.">Rit Dye</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">One of our favorite parts of being a Ritster is seeing all of the ways people use our dye, experimenting with colors and materials to create beautiful designs beyond anything we could have ever imagin...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 5:37 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 17:37:47 -0500

Problem solved.  Next!<br>

Response by CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML made Jan 3 at 2014 6:48 PM

CW4 John Beebe, BS, DML — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 18:48:03 -0500

Back in the day when blousing rubbers were the thing, ones socks could be seen in the space between the boot top and the bloused pant leg.  That made a difference then as any observer could see a pair of white rings walking down the street beneath some GI's knees.  Today, we rarely ever use blousing rubbers and tuck our trouser legs into our boots.  I don't see there being a problem with amending the sock restriction to read "... as long as the alternate socks are not visible..."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 6:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 18:55:52 -0500

<p>SSG B, </p><p> </p><p>Are the socks asking that their discrimination complaint be formal or informal?  Just making sure I grab the right form.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 7:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:10:23 -0500

Is there nothing sacred anymore in the Army. Whats next, you can walk on the grass or keep your hands in your pockets. THIS IS MADNESS. 

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 7:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 19:11:04 -0500

Wow, y'all are bored, go spend time with your families.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 1:45 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:45:05 -0500

SSG Burns,

If you saw one of your soldiers wearing white socks with his boots, what would you do?

Response by CDR Richard Tucker made Jan 4 at 2014 1:57 PM

CDR Richard Tucker — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:57:07 -0500

Hate to tell you guys this, but I was getting in trouble for this when I joined in 1980. Continued to wear white sock for 31 years unless in Formal dress and Dang, I made it all the way to commander. This is one of those things that will never go away. LOL!

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jan 4 at 2014 1:59 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 13:59:42 -0500

I sometimes wear pajama pants under my uniform pants when it's chilly outside. Makes it easy to change when I get home. I'm a rebel.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 4 at 2014 2:13 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 14:13:33 -0500

I think the Duffel Blog pretty much summed it up nicely:

“I feel partially responsible for the whole thing. One day, right before graduation I was conducting one of my standard 5am snap inspections. When Cadet Wild showed up to formation I saw that his BDU belt wasn’t regulation issue. Then, when I had the cadets pull up their pant legs I saw that he was wearing white socks. WHITE SOCKS!”

The Major is clearly still troubled by the event, years later."

“I pulled Cadet Wild to the side and explained to him why wearing white socks could get his men killed.”

Professor always knew bad cadet would make a terrible officer. | The Duffel Blog

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - After savage fighting — much of it hand-to-hand — a brutal Taliban attack on Combat Outpost Hellfire was stopped recently by the heroic actions of the infantry commander on the...

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jan 4 at 2014 5:55 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 17:55:36 -0500

Ok, back in my time I had 2 combat boots, and 2 Cochran jump boots.

OD Green socks. We wore boots for PT and ran in them. My Cochran boots were worn after the PT Run. We wore boot blouser's with our uniforms.

Inside these boot blouser's we came up with the idea of taking card board and folding them in 8 sections and put them inside our pants just above our boots. This gave an appearance of pants that looked creased. Personally I wore 3 different types of socks.

White socks covered with the OD Green and black socks when I wanted to.

The majority of us wore the same and did the same with out any issues.

I also need to remind that in our time we wore the OD Green uniform with baseball caps, until it rolled over to cam with ranger like caps. We started wearing tennis shoes, and many wore white socks and black socks and some OD Green socks. Shortly after that came the PT Uniform and I guess that is a short course in history. Has anyone thought of bring back the boots as a PT uniform? lol

Response by SGT Jerokiah Darr made Jan 5 at 2014 8:33 AM

SGT Jerokiah Darr — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 08:33:40 -0500

Some may argue integrity: Doing the right thing even when no one is looking. Although, the policy is out-dated and admittedly, I too am guilty of rocking the PT socks in boots on occasion. So, unless it is in the context of inspection or some formal event, I would ring the non-issue bell on that one.

Response by SGT Allison Churchill made Jan 5 at 2014 7:16 PM

SGT Allison Churchill — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 19:16:31 -0500

Sometimes, if they were comfortable and clean, I even wore red socks with my uniform.

Response by SPC David Beam made Jan 5 at 2014 11:46 PM

SPC David Beam — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 23:46:07 -0500

This post has been pure gold. I love the responses.

My semi-serious response: Who forgot about the socks when we went to ACUs? It is literally the last piece of our uniforms that is dark green. Nothing else current is. So is not following the standard wrong, or is the standard wrong for not following the uniform?

PS: Good luck figuring out what color my socks are. If you couldn't see them when I was wearing the Danners, you aren't going to be able to see them in my tanker boots either.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 7:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 19:51:43 -0500

I been wearing them on and off for years now. Never got in trouble over it so whats the big deal. They are sucks, and I don't think that enemy really cares what color they are.

Response by 1SG Schon Trivelpiece made Jan 9 at 2014 1:22 PM

1SG Schon Trivelpiece — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 13:22:54 -0500

SGT Darr, You get a clothing allowance every year for this very reason to buy the proper clothing and to uphold the standards!!!! Because your thinking and actions are proceeded that if I don't get caught then its ok, or if no one knows its ok to break the rules which aren't the STANDARDS of NCO uphold them without exceptions or excuses. It comes down to doing the right thing such as and having the proper equipment and gear. The Army and YOU would send a Soldier into combat without the proper protection. DON'T BE LAZY, IT'S JUST WRONG!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 4:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 04:56:54 -0500

SSG Burns, I'm not sure if you got the memo, but socks are serious business. I personally think they should be viewable in board files.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 6:05 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 06:05:34 -0500

Try preping your clothes the night prior.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 6:15 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 06:15:29 -0500

<p>I think is comes down to discipline. If you don't have the discipline to wear your uniform properly e.g. the correct socks, your dog tags, etc.. then what other corners are you cutting? Are you doing a pre-flight correctly; what about PMCS-ing your truck; or prepping the surgical tools? What corners are okay to cut, and what corners do you adhere to?</p><p><br></p>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 10:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 22:06:39 -0400

I understand wearing socks that match with the uniform. However, I don't like having socks just for ACUs, although I only wear white socks with the IPFU. Therefore, I have over 2 dozen pairs of black socks for all occasions.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made May 8 at 2014 12:34 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 08 May 2014 12:34:32 -0400

Say it aint so!!!! Look at female 1SG on the left around the ankle area.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 8 at 2014 3:00 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 08 May 2014 15:00:13 -0400

Hmmmmm, time to buy some new ones or wash the ones ya have to get rid of that Army smell.....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 3:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 15:37:56 -0400

I'll keep it simple, this is all about having self discipline to do the right thing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 11:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 23:17:53 -0400

Mr. President, the world's dying to know, is it "Army issued brown briefs"?
OK, not really the actual quote.
But, I wear non Army issued socks with non Army issued underwear.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 11:42 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 May 2014 23:42:29 -0400

Sangin, Afghanistan in 2010, FOB Jackson was taking small arms and machine gun fire. My team and the Police Advisor Team of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines were on the HESCO and berm of our part of the FOB. The Battalion Sgt Major was walking around checking for Marine's socks and every Marine he found wearing white socks, he would ask "are those socks making you shoot better?" Obviously every Marine would answer no and later change their socks. There are a million things we could do to make things comfortable but it would make us look unprofessional. If people could have it their own way we would be wearing ball caps, white tanks, white socks, camouflage shorts (brits have them by the way), softer materials for uniforms, running shoes, umbrellas, etc. We would look soft then we would start performing soft.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made May 9 at 2014 2:47 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:47:29 -0400

When I was in, and stationed at 29 Palms, it would get so hot that if you wore your white socks under your boots they'd be black by the end of the day thanks to heat, sweat, and some of the shoe polish seeping through.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 9 at 2014 7:12 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 09 May 2014 07:12:47 -0400

SSG Burns,

I have read your post a couple times prior to jumping in. It was funny the response the post caused in me. While I totally understand the logic behind it, it just seemed to bother me. No, you would never see the white socks, BUT THEY WOULD BE THERE! There is just that strange feeling you get down in your gut when things just aren't quite right. A bit like the one you get when you fly out the door in the morning and are half way to the car before realizing you have forgotten your pants.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 9 at 2014 11:56 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Fri, 09 May 2014 11:56:06 -0400

Believe it, or not, I have socks specifically for wearing with boots. White cotton on the bottom and black cotton for the leggings...works real well

Response by SFC Joseph Sutherland made May 12 at 2014 8:07 PM

SFC Joseph Sutherland — Mon, 12 May 2014 20:07:55 -0400

It is all about having the discipline to wear the right color socks with the right uniform. If you look over the fact that a soldier is wearing the wrong socks whats to say that you will not look over an unserviceable tire on their POV, because of "tire equality"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 7:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:09:36 -0400

When it comes to white socks, I offer this interesting article:
http://www.reddit.com/r/USMC/comments/2a8trq/marine_you_what_color_are_your_socks/

Black wool socks were a no-go for me, I switch to an alternate, same when the olive drab socks came out. But made for a good laugh when I saw them at promotion/SoM/NCO boards

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 10 at 2014 9:36 PM

SGT Richard H. — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:36:55 -0400

NOT a great idea. Next you'll want to wear "tighty whiteys". What then? Total Anarchy?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Sep 11 at 2014 1:22 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:22:07 -0400

I don't like dirty white socks myself so I won't be doing it anytime soon especially since all my socks go a little past my ankles.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 11 at 2014 1:51 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:51:50 -0400

IDK, did your home owner's association put a lien on your sock drawer until you went back to OD?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 2:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:14:19 -0400

SSG Robert Burns , first, when did anything make sense in the Army and how much really should be changed?

Second, I've worn white socks once with my boots and it was a horrible experience. My feet did not enjoy themselves that day.

If my opinion counts for anything, the Army should issue the same socks to ground troops as they do to flight crews. Those socks are AMAZING! So are the FREE system underwear. They're like heaven in your pants.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Sep 11 at 2014 4:23 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:23:47 -0400

I will just say that as a CW5 I wear whatever socks I want to......is that being honest enough?

Response by Cpl Murray Estes made Sep 11 at 2014 4:34 PM

Cpl Murray Estes — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:34:08 -0400

I thank my time in for eliminating the existence of the white sock in my sock drawer. I only have "shit-brown" socks now. I've got some "shit-green" ones somewhere, and my PT socks have since disappeared altogether. Not that it was an issue, I bloused my trousers as low as regulation allowed (not lower than the third eyelet) and they never rose off of the boot, so the color of my socks was always a mystery to anyone looking for that flaw. I did have a couple of pairs of socks though that were shorter than my boots were tall, so it would appear I wasn't wearing socks at all with those.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Sep 11 at 2014 5:11 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:11:01 -0400

Im so happy to see this discussion becoming relevant again. It is definitely an issue needing diving into!

Response by SSG John Durham made Sep 12 at 2014 12:08 PM

SSG John Durham — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:08:29 -0400

Go ahead and wear white socks for a Ruck March and check you feet afterwards. More than likely you will wish you where wearing the green ones.

I upgraded to the Fox River socks. I put A LOT of miles on my feet and they are great. Less sweat and the stay in place inside the boot better

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Sep 13 at 2014 6:36 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:36:20 -0400

I would like to think I started the unauthorized fad of wearing glitter rainbow colored style socks with my boots.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 6:43 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:43:08 -0400

Sock and skivvies importance rates at about a 988 on the top 1,000 things we need to focus on IMO......

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Sep 13 at 2014 7:35 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:35:03 -0400

I have had to wear ONLY white socks for as long as I can remember due to having some sort of allergy to the dyes used in colored socks that would make my feet break out and become infected. I guess in todays Army you would call it a profile.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 7:56 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:56:47 -0400

"I got 99 problems, but my socks ain't one".......

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 13 at 2014 10:23 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 22:23:32 -0400

Marines take pride in their uniform. Clean and corect socks. Everything perfect all the time under normal circumstances. I have been at surprise inspections where they were checked.

We have a special stuff called detergent the the exchange for that smell. You can also try a little apple cider vinegar or Oxyclean.

Response by SSG Jacob Wiley made Sep 14 at 2014 1:23 PM

SSG Jacob Wiley — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 13:23:48 -0400

Shouldn't matter - they're socks...not supposed to be seen anyway.

All these shenanigans about walking on the grass. Funny how between 0630-0800 that grass can support: push ups, sit ups, combatives, and anything else you're doing for pt. After 0800 it becomes weak.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 6:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:19:09 -0400

Sometimes I dont wear any socks.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 6:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:20:08 -0400

Sometimes I wear ankle socks.

Response by CPO Tim Dickey made Oct 26 at 2014 1:07 PM

CPO Tim Dickey — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 13:07:46 -0400

Change the policy now. It makes no sense to regulate the color of boot socks. Content, certainly, color no way.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 4:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 16:40:22 -0400

You kind of answered your own question when you brought up how it's in the regulation. But furthermore, go back to the original intent behind the socks not being white, camouflage, if you're in some grass, woods, sand, etc, trying to blend in and you're wearing white socks, if your trousers (pants) hem up even just a little and some of that white is exposed, you're going to stick out, big time.
I'm thinking you were most likely just posting for humour, since this really isn't a hard topic.

Response by SGT Dan Knispel made Oct 27 at 2014 4:16 PM

SGT Dan Knispel — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 16:16:09 -0400

I have to say that I've been out now since 2002 but I still have every pair of OD green socks the army ever issued me.. and they're in like new condition. My secret? I wore white socks for my entire military career (less basic, AIT and few schools where they actually checked). We are all rebels in the service of while cotton socks.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 8:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 20:33:00 -0400

In a garrison environment I don't believe in white socks. Especially in the Marine Corps where we can't tuck our pants into our boots. It is almost a given that our socks will show at some point during the day. White socks look hideous in uniform.

That being said, in a forward deployed environment such as Afghanistan or Iraq, If one of my Marines wants to wear white socks because they came in a care package or they were more comfortable then so be it. The last thing on their mind should be their feet due to the inability to wear their sock of choice. Very few members of the military are in a position where wearing white socks will get them killed because they were spotted. I did convoy security and as a gunner I wore white socks and it had no negative effect because it's not like the enemy could see them...and it's not like we didn't have 60 vics rolling around with large diesel engines running giving away our position anyway...not to mention local national vehicles with all their crap on them. The only time I wore black/tan/green socks was when higher was going to be around and they care about that crap...
But that was Afghanistan...

Response by Cpl Joshua Wehrman made Oct 28 at 2014 11:29 AM

Cpl Joshua Wehrman — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 11:29:26 -0400

Let's just keep this simple they do it for our safety, white socks set off IED's

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Oct 28 at 2014 3:53 PM

SFC Matthew Parker — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:53:23 -0400

Ok, this may have been a semi serious post but here is a serious answer. White athletic or "pt" socks are cotton, they don't wick moisture away from your feet and cotton when wet rubs the skin raw.
Army issue boot socks both green and black are a poly wool, poly cotton or spandex poly blend with wicking properties, anti micro or bacteria treatments to include silver sulfide. They were tested by the Army for wear and comfort, your white walmart specials are just plain cotton. The socks dry faster than cotton, and have additional padding in the heels for comfort in boots.
And oh by the way they are issued for wear and the regulation says you wear them. If you wear white or red or any other color other than what the regulation states your not a rebel, your just a sorry undisciplined soldier in need of retraining and mentoring.
Lets see what was my standard action for white socks, ah that's right, a research paper on the construction and testing of the Army sock and a hands on examination of the differences between the two. Normally a road march in white socks going out and green or black coming back. Then the AAR in front of the platoon.
Come on NCO's are we really going to be proud of the fact you disregard the regulations? Just get out of the Army and be a civilian where you will better fit in.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 5:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:00:30 -0500

Bottom line(if it wasn't already mentioned) Unless your doing the ACUs and running shoes for PT or combatives, You are out of uniform if you are wearing PT(White) Socks with your ACUs as a regular uniform according to AR 670-1 and that's why they are issue to you when you get your initial clothing. I mean, really? Plus you get a monthly clothing allowance to buy these socks as well as the rest of your military clothing. So quit whining and buy the right sock for the right uniform.

Response by TSgt Steven Summerlin made Jan 28 at 2015 5:12 PM

TSgt Steven Summerlin — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 17:12:32 -0500

Plainly and simply, socks are part of the uniform. It is ultimately up to you if you choose to deviate. However, if I saw it, I would have to question your integrity every time you reported to me that a task had been completed and done well. Uniform violations, running from colors and late reports for duty will always fail to impress.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 5:24 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 17:24:58 -0500

No, it does not matter, and does not make sense. The great sock color debate has long been a sticking point between aviators and support personnel in the Air Force.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 28 at 2015 5:29 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 17:29:17 -0500

Exactly my thought; Does it really matter...time for a PCS? Getting bored with the duty, looking for something to do? It must be bad to have posted this! lol All in good fun!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 29 at 2015 10:47 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 10:47:45 -0500

I realize this is an OLD post and a joke at best (I think) But somehow it popped up on my feed so......
Socks, umm yes wear some please. Color..ahh, sock colored I guess. better still if they work for you and your feet to delay the onset of blisters, foot fungus, trench foot.

I think the ONLY time in 29 years I cared about sock color was when we went through a period of doing condition ruck marches in a mash up uniform, boots and socks, pt shorts and shirt.
And then ya, it was a little hard to ignore the white socks with racing stripes.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 29 at 2015 11:23 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:23:22 -0500

I wonder how many people reading this have on white socks right now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 11:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 11:37:46 -0500

Okay, This is my first post here on RP, so here we go.

I am an avid white sock wearer while we were wearing BDU's, DCU's, and now ACU's. I have always bloused my trousers into my boots so my socks can not be seen. Now, with that being said and so many of us saying that we are being undisciplined for wearing them, how many of you are actually wearing the brown underwear that was issued to us? Or, are you wearing a pair of underwear that you find comfortable and suits you specific needs? I personally think that if we as NCO's are to enforce the rules of AR 670-1 shouldn't we enforce all of them? I guess what I am trying to say is, if you get all butt hurt over white socks that can not be seen, and you are wearing non issue underwear, then you don't have much of a leg to stand on.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 29 at 2015 12:26 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:26:10 -0500

MSgt Dan Hurley really a down vote? I demand to see your socks on facetime time now.

Response by MSgt Dan Hurley made Jan 29 at 2015 12:37 PM

MSgt Dan Hurley — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 12:37:37 -0500

The military does not allow for us or you to change a uniform, I personally could not wear issued socks next to my skin they broke me out, I would always wear white socks under them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 6:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 18:31:36 -0500

Funny but when I was a specialist we had this nco who asked the whole squad to take off our boots. You will be surprised what you would see lol

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jan 29 at 2015 6:45 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 18:45:21 -0500

Next thing you know it'll be ok for privates to not pull weeds from sidewalks, keep their hands in their pockets, lean against walls, and not shave on the weekends. You need to stop pushing your socialistic liberal conservative agenda on the rest of us!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 29 at 2015 9:38 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:38:49 -0500

SSG Robert Burns, white socks with boots; does it really matter? No. Is it time for a change? If you wish.
However, I'm retired, sometimes wear argyle socks or none at all, so don't pay any attention to me.
Unbelievably, someone actually down voted you this. I up voted you to offset it.

Response by CPL Joshua Wood made Jan 29 at 2015 10:07 PM

CPL Joshua Wood — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:07:06 -0500

I find myself now as a civilian wearing my green socks more than white ones... after 7 years you can have a very large "green sock drawer". One time I was very drunk and didn't put shorts on under my winter pt pants... only had waffle pants on underneath. Everyone started stripping down and I found my exit.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Jan 30 at 2015 2:56 PM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 14:56:27 -0500

It still matters in the Marine Corps, we still use blousing bands for our trouser legs and boots. I guess since y'all tuck them into your boots (that can't be comfortable) it doesn't really matter, lol.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Feb 4 at 2015 1:26 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:26:53 -0500

Uuuuhh, so tell me why again you didn't already have your uniform prepared and laid out the night before?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 1:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:35:50 -0500

Just to point out, green socks are a clothing bag item. Issued at first and supposed to be restocked with the clothing allowance as they wear out. You are also supposed to maintain all of your issued clothing items.
White socks are not issued and the Army gives no allowances to replace them. The more you wear them, the more money you pay out of pocket to replace them. Also, in theory, the green socks are subject to a higher durability standard and should wear out less often.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 9:41 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 09:41:09 -0500

Humerous. I understand the issue of uniformity and everyone matching, but I must agree that military approved socks do NOT last as long as "civilian" socks. Even black socks not sold at the NEX last longer than the ones they sell you for almost double what Wal*Mart sells them for. I think if we are going to stick with the uniformity, which in the larger picture of things is important, then we should at least be given quality items as well.

Response by SPC Neil Hood made Feb 16 at 2015 10:16 AM

SPC Neil Hood — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 10:16:09 -0500

I wore my green socks until they unravelled. Haha.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 16 at 2015 10:53 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 10:53:30 -0500

Socks. Why it matters.

There are three (3) types of socks: Boot, Dress, and Running.

Boot socks are "generally" made of wool material. Because they are made of wool, they wick moisture away from the foot, and dry inside to outside. Since they are wool, they also keep your feet warm.

Dress socks are made out of nylon (or polyester blend). They are thinner, and fit better inside the dress shoes.

Running socks are made out of cotton. They are cooler, and not dyed.

The reason the color of the socks matter, is a matter of FUNCTION. Boot socks have a specific function that RUNNING socks do not. You wouldn't wear your boot socks to go running in, and the reverse is also true. They are not designed for the same things. If you wear running socks on a 12 mile ruck march, you will tear up your feet. If you wear your running socks in your boots during inclement weather, your feet will get colder than if you wore boot socks.

It's really that simple.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 11:43 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 11:43:23 -0500

It shouldn't make a difference socks are socks be it black, blue, green, or white so long as it's not some off the wall color (hot pink or fluorescent orange)or multi colored sock who really gives a damn.......I sure don't!!!!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 6 at 2015 11:59 PM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 23:59:59 -0400

No, not unless you take your boots off, or are going on a road march... Then, the Army green wool socks, or Thorlos, or Smartwool would be in order...

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 5 at 2015 12:04 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 12:04:44 -0400

I have worn white socks, black socks, red socks, and all sorts of socks with my uniform. Not to mention, I have seen my commander (who blouses btw) where Star Wars socks with his uniform.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 6:02 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 18:02:39 -0400

The color of the socks count in the uniform... While there certainly should be an allowance for a variety of colors (ones that are close to the colors in the given pattern), it should be obvious white socks do distract from the uniform's overall appearance.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made Jun 5 at 2015 6:05 PM

SGT Anthony Bussing — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 18:05:45 -0400

i was a rebel...I always wore white socks...

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jun 8 at 2015 8:54 AM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 08:54:54 -0400

If you can't see them, who cares? What's next, a sock inspection?

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 8 at 2015 12:04 AM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 00:04:37 -0400

I was bad. I wore white socks all the time when the Coast Guard switched to the current uniform. I was able to hide it pretty well since the tops of my boots were covered. Sssssshhhhhhh....Don't tell anyone. Oh, wait...it doesn't matter since i got out. hahaha....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 8:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 20:01:01 -0400

I agree completely. I don't see a particular reason to wear black or green socks.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 4:09 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:09:03 -0400

Someone somewhere is taking this way too seriously.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 4:11 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:11:57 -0400

I interpret it as the pendulum swinging the other way.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 4:18 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:18:59 -0400

I never wanted to be a nuke. I still would like to rerate to AE but I know that's not really an option given each rates respective manning.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 4:31 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:31:07 -0400

I usually just bow my head with everyone else and then I'll wake up when the prayer is done.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2015 4:46 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:46:25 -0400

A lot of Soldiers blouse their boots, which can expose the socks when sitting... Why are rules so difficult to follow?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 1:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 13:39:57 -0500

Everybody has worn white socks in uniform.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Oct 27 at 2016 12:46 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:46:36 -0400

Don't tell anyone, (they might pull me back on active duty so they can Court Martial me) but I often wore white wool socks under my boots for flights during the winter.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 7:31 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 07:31:52 -0400

I wear white socks with my Flight Suit all the time. You can't see the socks, or even most of the boot, in the flight suit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 10:12 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:12:21 -0400

What's next? Moustahes gone wild?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2016 10:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:17:45 -0400

Pre 9/11 I cared and so did everyone else that I knew. We were concerned with being "STRAC".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 1:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 13:32:50 -0500

I've worn white socks with boots for nearly 35 years. Not once has anyone ever checked....