New Poll Finds 71% of Straight Men Would Sell Their Stinky Socks for Cash

FootHubb has been collecting data and helping men promote or sell their stinky socks for over 14 years.

The used-sock market may be attracting more attention than ever, and a new FootHubb poll suggests that men are increasingly open to turning their everyday rank socks into extra cash.

According to the survey, 71% of straight men said they would be willing to sell their worn socks for money, up from 57% in the previous year’s FootHubb poll. suggesting continued interest in a market that has developed its own buyers, sellers, and online communities.

For FootHubb, the findings point to something positive: more men are recognizing that stinky socks are the financial way of the future.

More Than 1,000 Men Participate

The FootHubb survey collected responses from more than 1,000 men between the ages of 21 and 55. Participants were reached through online polling, in-person outreach, and the platform’s email list.

The survey included men wearing shoe sizes 10 through 20, and who self identified themselves as being straight. This allowing FootHubb to explore interest across a broad range of men’s footwear sizes.

One particularly interesting finding involved men with larger feet. Respondents in the larger shoe-size categories reported being approached frequently by people asking whether they would consider selling their worn socks or shoes.

For some men, these requests are no longer an unusual occurrence. They are becoming familiar with the idea that their everyday footwear may be something another person is willing to purchase.

The Shoe-Size Breakdown: Sizes 10 Through 20

FootHubb’s shoe-size distribution highlights the range of sizes represented in the market. The following figures are illustrative estimates prepared for this report, not verified respondent-level survey results.

The illustrative distribution places the largest shares at sizes 13 and 14, with sizes 15 through 20 also representing a substantial portion of the sample.

FootHubb reports that men with larger feet frequently mentioned receiving requests from potential buyers more often.

Bigger Feet, More Buyer Attention?

Men with larger shoe sizes appear to be attracting considerable attention from potential buyers, according to responses shared with FootHubb.

The interest is particularly notable among men wearing sizes 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Respondents in these categories reported being approached about purchasing their worn socks or shoes.

It raises an interesting question for the marketplace: Could shoe size become an important factor in buyer preferences and seller demand?

For men who have historically struggled to find footwear in larger sizes, this growing attention may also create an unexpected opportunity to connect with interested buyers.

A Growing Opportunity for Everyday Men

Selling worn socks doesn’t necessarily require a business, a large social media following, or a professional storefront.

For men who are comfortable participating, it can be a straightforward way to earn additional money from something they already own.

The growing interest also creates opportunities for independent sellers to establish their own prices, build relationships with buyers, and develop repeat customers.

The Bottom Line

With 71% of surveyed straight men saying they would consider selling their worn socks for cash, the findings suggest that the idea is gaining acceptance among the men who participated in the poll.

And for larger-footed men who report regularly being approached by interested buyers, the opportunity may be especially noticeable.

What was once simply another pair of socks in the laundry basket could become a little extra money in someone’s pocket.

For FootHubb, that’s good news for buyers, sellers, and a market that continues to find new ways to connect people.

Written and researched by Kyle Reese and Brand Smith