The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SWIPES
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
S
W
I
P
E
S
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Socks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case socks = swipes.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SWIPES mean?
SWIPES noun- A quick grab, bat, or other motion with the hand or paw; a sweep.
- A strong blow given with a sweeping motion, as with a bat or club.
- An act of interacting with a touch screen by drawing the finger rapidly across it.
- An act of passing a swipecard through a card reader.
- A rough guess; an estimate or swag.
- An attack, insult or critical remark.
- Poor, weak beer or other inferior alcoholic beverage; rotgut.
- To grab or bat quickly.
- To strike with a strong blow in a sweeping motion.
- To scan or register by sliding (a swipecard etc.) through a reader.
- To interact with a touch screen by drawing one's finger rapidly across it.
- To draw (one's finger) rapidly across a touch screen.
- To steal or snatch.