MERINO WOOL
It's not magic, it's science
There’s really no mystery when it comes to wool’s most common performance benefits. They’ve been well documented compared to synthetics and cotton. And while we don’t like to judge people on their preferences, we do believe if you haven’t experienced it, you’re missing out.
MOISTURE WICKING
As your body heats, Merino Wool absorbs moisture before it turns into sweat on your skin, and releases it, leaving you dry. In reverse, outside moisture is captured before it touches your skin. Meanwhile, cotton is like a sponge.
THERMOREGULATING
There is a natural crimp in wool fiber that provides pockets of insulation — holding and releasing heat dependent on what the body is doing. Think of it like an insulted mug that maintains cold or heat. Synthetics can mimic but not replicate this behavior.
ODOR RESISTANT
Odor resistance is unique to wool. The chemical structure stops sweat and bacteria build-up. So go ahead and take a whiff, it's not impossible to stink up, but it naturally repels odor to the point you can wear them for multiple days before offending.
We only use three ingredients in our socks
Merino Wool, Nylon, and Lycra® are the only yarns we knit into our socks. A pure Merino Wool sock would not have the elasticity to hold its fit, and Nylon strengthens wear zones. The list is simple, but it’s how we do it that knits a longer lasting sock.
SOME INSTINCTS AREN’T NATURAL
There are more than a few misconceptions about wool, or at least Merino Wool.
Not Too Itchy
Correct, some wool is rough to the touch, but Merino is silky smooth. Under a microscope, the fiber has a longer, scale-like appearance for a fine, smooth feel.
Not Bulky
Our running and casual socks, for example, are incredibly thin. Merino Wool yarn is no thick strand you'd find in the crochet basket. You'd likely call it a thread.
Not Just for Cold
The thermoregulating properties of Merino Wool will surprise you. Our heavyweight socks contain the most Merino Wool content and can be quite pleasant on a hot day.
SOURCING
While we knit, finish, and package all our socks in Vermont, our materials come from all over the globe – Merino primarily from New Zealand. For whatever reason (it’s the environmental conditions) the sheep in New Zealand are still the best. They aren’t the only ones, however, and our Tactical socks are Berry Amendment Compliant, meaning they are completely sourced in the U.S.A.
Responsible Wool Standard
We prioritize the use of Merino Wool exclusively from sheep that have not been exposed to the practice of mulesing. In early 2019 we made a commitment to support the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and shift 100% of our wool supply to RWS-certified Merino wool. RWS is a voluntary standard with strict guidelines to protect animal welfare and adhere to progressive, sustainable farm and land management practices while maintaining traceability throughout the entire supply chain.
"Sheep have been running around mountains in wool for thousands of years."
— Ric Cabot, President & CEO