Honestly, I don't think I'd bother knitting socks if they wear out that fast. Hand knit socks take too long even if they are a labor of love and are too expensive.
That said...Stainless steel yarn isn't soft enough nor do I think it's durable enough. The only somewhat durable yarn I've used for me, and I'm not hard on them, is wool with nylon in it. The acrylic socks wore out very quickly. What yarn are you using? You might consider also trying a reinforcing thread for heels and toes.
http://www.knittinghelp.com/forum/sh...ht=Reinforcing
Or this- socks with replaceable soles. I've always wanted to try these.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...socks-november
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...soleable-socks