Ali bin al-Salt narrates: I saw Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) taking off his leather socks, and the people looked at him (in surprise), so he said: I have seen the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) wiping over them, but (performing) ablution is dear to me.
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب الخاء / 4024