Footwear Insight

HOSIERY 24 • Footwear Insight ~ January / February 2019 footwearinsight.com for friction reduction, moisture wicking and durability." Under Armour's Run Cushion Crew, MSRP $17, is a technical run sock that offers the comfort of a cushion sans the bulk. It features a proprietary fiber blend in the footbed that's made partly from recycled PET bottles. The socks also have an anatomically contoured fit, a reflective Under Armour logo and anti-odor and sweat-wicking technology. "We're seeing more use of sustainable materials and advanced yarn technologies and advancements in sublimation printing and direct-to-garment printing," says Corey Crawford, design director at UA Socks. "3D printing will continue to influence new possibilities in hosiery and we're seeing a resurgence in the purchase of multi-packs by consumers, which is typically a value buy, but the consumer is expecting high technology and product stories even within these price points." SKI SOCKS ON TOUR The ski and snowboard sock category is evolving to keep up with the performance demands of backcountry skiers who need breathable socks. In addition to versatility and breathability, cushioning, fabrications and unique graphics are all key in these socks. Falke's Ergonomic Sport System SK6 Ski Sock, MSRP $60, is the newest addition to Falke's ski sock collection. The SK6 is designed to offer "immediate power trans- mission and comfort" for advanced skiers. It features ultra-light cushioning for immediate shoe contact. The sock's Merino wool mix provides fast moisture wicking and high insulation. Farm to Feet's Top Sheet Collection Ski Socks, MSRP $25, new for Fall 2019, come in three designs — the Telluride, Mammoth, and Jamaica. The socks are inspired by ski and snowboard culture and the locations after which they are named. "When designing these socks we wanted create something visually exciting that cap- tured elements of their locations," says Dane Nester, Farm to Feet creative director. Each style in the Top Sheet collection is made with ultra-soft, 19.5-micron U.S. Merino wool and feature full density cushioning in the shin and bottom of the foot and reinforcement around the ankle. "Style continues to be a driver in the outdoor sock market," says VP-marketing David Petri. " Customers are looking for technical socks with aesthetics that match their sense of style." Darn Tough Vermont's Outer Limits Over the Calf Padded Light Cushion is a ski sock built to excel in the backcountry. Extending mesh up the back of the leg improves ven- tilation and wicking, and cushion under foot provides just a bit of warmth and pad- ding for drop after drop on the descent. A streamlined piece of padding along the shin protects from the boot. Wigwam's Dendrite Ultralight, MSRP$19, is a knee-high ski and snowboard sock with Wigwam's patented Ultimax technology. It combines a polyester/Tencel foot bottom that is hydrophobic with a Merino leg that is hydrophilic to move moisture from the foot, up the leg and out the sock. It is knit to fit snugly around the ankle and stretch to fit in the calf. It has a wide cuff and a seamless toe closure to prevent slipping, bagging and hot spots. "Basic lifestyle socks are a thing of the past," says Margaret Newhard, director of product. "Consumers won't put up with socks that sweat or bag or don't fit." l Falke Ergonomic Sport System SK6 Ski Sock Farm to Feet Top Sheet Collection Wigwam Dendrite Ultralight Darn Tough Vermont Outer Limits Over the Calf Padded Light Cushion 3D printing will continue to influence new possibilities in hosiery.

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