I have some Darn Tough socks. The heaviest weight they have and I would have a little heavier if they made them. They are a great sock with a lifetime guarantee, wear a hole in them and send them back and get new ones. They are a really tight knit sock though that fits way snugger than the same "size" of Fox River socks. You can try blocking them like GCP suggested. I built some sock blockers for the wife since she is a knitter. . . But she has never knit me any socks to put on them. Lol

Multiple pairs or just one?

Maybe try another brand

I would not put up with that kind of fit for what those socks cost and there should be no need for stretching new socks unless you washed and dried them and they changed fit

Cankles cause issues…..lol