I've started using the cuff and leg of used but still very useful 'nipigon nylon' as a base for a new sock. Just cut off the foot and heel, since these are the parts that wear out/through and, using a sock yarn, very carefully pick up the stitches. There are 72 in a round, and they are tricky to pick up since you have to scrub away the bits and pieces before you can actually see a round of empty stitches. Then begin knitting! Makes for an interesting sock and saves all that K2P2 cuff knitting stuff. You can continue int he usual K3P1 pattern or 'go wide' and develop your own stitch pattern for an inch or so. Then get on with the heel and foot. A good way to use scrap balls of sock yarn and makes an interesting 'pair', especially if they don't match much. But use sock yarn.
These socks look like 'thick' socks but the yarn is actually quite thin and reinforced with something thin - maybe nylon?