can we talk heel options?

[DeerMother]

I've been making standard socks following Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks. Cuff down on dpns. They fit perfect and I really enjoy making them.

However, I dread the heel flap. First row, k1, sl 1. . . second row, p1, s1. For some reason it just seems tedious and makes me a bit bonkers. So. . . is my only other option a short row heel? I've read a little that this makes for a different fit. Is it really that different? Can I just throw a different heel into any sock pattern?

[Rhiannon Feimorgan]

The k1, sl1 pattern on the heel flap makes a nice cushy, durable heel but it isn't necessary. I'll often do straight stockinette for my heel flap.

And there are all sorts of ways to make heels. Here's a few.