1. **State the problem:** We need to find how many socks weigh the same as one oven mitt. 2. **Given information:** The balance scale shows one oven mitt on the left side and five socks on the right side, and the scale is balanced. 3. **Interpretation:** When a balance scale is balanced, the weights on both sides are equal. 4. **Write the equation:** Let the weight of one oven mitt be $M$ and the weight of one sock be $S$. The balance means: $$M = 5S$$ 5. **Conclusion:** One oven mitt weighs the same as five socks. Therefore, the answer is **5 socks**.