I have a Sur La Table 5qt and it’s really big. I also bought it for batch cooking, but I tend to avoid using it for anything else. Definitely regret getting one so large, especially since our place is small

Patagonia. Closest thing to BIFL bc they’ll do free repairs on it forever. I sent in my 15-yr-old down jacket last year for holes and a broken zipper, fixed like new for free!

I also prefer water resistant to waterproof. Truly waterproof lacks breathability and can cause overheating pretty easily.

If your heels hurt, the problem is probably your arches (either high or flat footed). Barefoot shoes or orthotics are two competing solutions to choose from.

Barefoot shoes have thin, flexible soles, minimal cushion, no arch support, and wide toe boxes. The premise is that strengthening the weaker foot muscles (from wearing supportive shoes and heel lifts) will address pain by supporting your legs better.

Anya’s Reviews is great, I’d start here. Some people have found that transitioning improves pain from traditional shoes (that’s why I switched).

Otherwise if you don’t want to go the barefoot route, you can get a pair of custom orthotics made that will probably last for life (pretty pricey).

If your issue is comfort then you may need to sacrifice durability. Orthotics are more likely to be BIFL in that they can last a very very very long time (basically just molded plastic). Barefoot shoes are not BIFL, but the route is BIFL in that sense that it encourages using your own anatomy for walking, which can help your knees and hips in the long run.

Pro for orthotics is that they can go in any shoe. But pro for barefoot shoes is that even dress styles will feel like loungewear.

Oh wow. Yeah I know what you mean about the temperature causing school closures, it’s common now but it didn’t used to be a thing. That’s crazy though! Especially if people had had to go outside after those accidents. -70F puts you at extreme danger of frostbite within minutes (although perhaps less so if zero wind? Not sure, just my guess).

-73F! Where were you if you don’t mind me asking. Canada? Does that include windchill? It got down to -35F during the polar vortex in 2019, but it was considered pretty dangerous and we were all told to remain indoors, whole city got off work and everything.

Yeah the quality of their stuff has really dropped. I can’t even wear their merino-nylon blends anymore, they behave barely better than cotton (even at 84% merino)

I also can’t wear Darn Tough because of how tight they are. I tried sizing up but they were huge on the foot and still too tight around the ankles for my liking. I have small ankles/calves but I am sensitive to tightness in that area and prefer Icebreaker or Smartwool (I hate Smartwool for everything else except socks)

This sounds like they aren’t drying all the way. I had the same issue and now I alternate so each gets at least 24 full hours to air out (meaning I can’t wear them two days in a row). Since doing that I’ve been able to make 5 pairs last everyday easily (to the point where I probably only need 3 or 4 pairs when I repurchase in the future).

It’s actually better for the socks to wash them less if they aren’t badly soiled. I’d wash them once they start to smell.

For daily wear in boots I like these. They definitely aren’t BIFL (no merino socks are unless there’s a warranty, but these don’t have one). I have a hard time with tight socks and I like these, though they have been a little different each time I ordered. They were amazing four years ago, this time around they’re thinner and more synthetic feeling but they don’t stink for days (so ik they have merino) and for the price they’re a good deal imo. Agree with others that Smartwool socks are looser/comfier as well, though I’m not sure they have a warranty like Icebreaker or Darn Tough. I used to wear the Icebreaker light hiking socks all winter (northern Midwest, 30F to -10F most days). But they either didn’t like the enzymes in my tide detergent or the baking soda in the second detergent (which I only used on Icebreaker’s recommendation) because they got really hard and stiff feeling. Anyways, if you already use a wool wash, then Icebreakers are great and have a warranty. I have one pair of their crew socks I got as a freebie that I would buy more of if they were cheaper (definitely not tight, and way better than the Amazon brand I linked if you can afford them).

So bummed they took Peep Show off Hulu 😭