I block socks as a matter of practice. Firstly, I think it is a good idea not to lave them wet and crumpled to dry slowly, but would rather get the air circulated around the shaped fabric to dry quickly and efficiently. Also, they pack neatly into the sock drawer a lot easier.
But though I have made Mr Awesome two pairs of custom fit sock blockers, if he takes the laundry from the machine he never blocks his socks. One of his pairs of hand-knit socks ended up being split across two wash loads last week. I dealt with one, whilst Mr Awesome saw to the other load. Have a guess at which one I washed and dried.
But one thing that has often been asked is if blocked socks are more comfortable? Mr Awesome’s verdict was that he couldn’t really tell the difference and that they were both equally comfortable and equally easy to put on.
I’ll still block them, though. They look prettier.