So that's what goes on in her head

I haven't had problems with my hand knit socks, but have heard others mention the same problem you had. A couple of solutions are to do the bottom of the foot in reverse stockinette so the smooth side is next to your foot ..... or to continue the slip stitch pattern normally used for the heel flap along the sole of the foot. I did the slip stitch pattern on a pair of socks and the sole is really cushy and isn't showing as much sign of wear as my non slip stitch soled socks.