Outdoor Retailer/SLC
words/images Judith Ecochard
Socks seem like the Rodney Dangerfield of an outfit-but for performance wearers-who have a reason to really need performance wear to perform-they are life critical to any outdoor adventure....as getting blisters, or having cold/hot digits... or clammy.sweaty toes are enough to ruin a day.
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| Pretty new packaging |
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| New hiking socks too |
DARN TOUGH VERMONT-socks for all weather performance and lifestyle needs-are all made in Vermont and durable---AND guaranteed for life (wow!).
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| Tulip Shorty in vibrant color waves |
A women's collection designed by womenswear Isis founder Poppy Gall- has really done so well that imho-Darn Tough is really shaping up to be more of a lifestyle brand for us---but with the legendary functionality of their sporty offerings.
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| Color block prints in bold tones |
The socks we saw in this collab---are some of the brightest colors and creative graphics we have ever seen-yet again- with the same high caliber of comfort and fit all know is the DARN TOUGH VERMONT brand.
Good timing-socks are back in the fashion limelight---we see creative pairings with stacked heel, lace-up booties---all the time-a popular look now in the Big Apple.
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| fun stripes |
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| Hikers-in colors |
As always---the construction is fab-with True-Seamless™technology toe closures in over half the socks made, high density knitting, and fine gauge merino wool yarns.
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| Kids too |
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| artful abstract designs -rainbow's worth of color |
INJINJI has added plenty of new socks ---it's still a moisture wicking, great fitting (no bunching or sagging) brand for athletes/runners-with individual toe sleeves (patented design, fyi)---left/right designed, blister busting/seamless too---toesock----AND---
Now-Injinji toesocks available in many different weights-including versatile light and mid weights, lengths (no-show and mini-crew), and materials like CoolMax® freshFX, CoolMax® Eco Made™(made from recycled plastic bottles)---for every day use, yoga , hiking, etc.
We immediately noticed the bright new colors (Green Tea, Poppy Pink, Gulf Blue, Aqua Cool and Tidal Teal)...of the Performance Toesock™ Line
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| Injinji-fyi-easy to get on and off |
Other Injinji pairings-----
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| VIBRAM-Five-Fingered Spring 2012 offerings---Injinji is right across the aisle @OR |
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| Flojos-split toe-Injinji socks work perfectly |
MSRP for $12-$16 Injinji Toesocks
DAHLGREN™-is a functional and design savvy sock company--- with a special patented Dri-Stride Technology- that uses zone construction to wick moisture up the leg and away. Specific styles for hikers, skiing, multi-sports dressy and casual occasions- are all available now.
New for the company--- is our go to, wear as much as possible- Compression Thin socks---that are made fancy enough to wear as a dress or casual sock ---in solid tones of charcoal and brown-men and women---but also offer support-that's ideal for long days on our feet, on a plane -or at a desk.
Plus the signature Dahlgren comfort is there too...made with super soft Alpaca/Merino that's moisture absorbing, and naturally breathable...with eco-friendly ECO-DRI made from 100% post-consumer plastic too.
PLUS: Made in the USA $25.95
www.dahlgrenfootwear.com
FITS SOCKS hails from Niota, TN and has been making socks since 1902...
We loved the line ...and shipping now---these great fitting, ultra-fine Merino wool in new knee high and crew styles for ladies---in pretty stripes and accent colors...with looped toe seam, cushioning in heel and toe, and a double-welted top so the sock always stays up, doesn't bind or slip. ($19.99-$20.99 MSRP).
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| Fab lamps-wearing over the knee style with FITS F3 technology™with a deep heel pocket, specialized toe seam and contoured leg. |
LORPEN:
Lorpen socks showed new color waves and styles (M/W) made out of a comfortable and quality light weight merino wool, CoolMax®, Italian wool, and Modal just in time for the holiday gift giving...
Now that we know a lot more about sock construction---we appreciate how Lorpen has so many task specific models---including light, medium, and heavy weight hikers, trekking, dress and ski socks- in solids, patterns and stripes... and a whole line of pro socks too.
www.lorpen.com