Outdoor Insight

HOSIERY "I think it has taken the consumer a long time to realize that premium outdoor socks are truly the most technical socks on the market, without question… What we are seeing more of now are the techniques and yarns developed in the outdoor market filtering into other categories." Jim Evans, Product Manager, Bridgedale TRAIL MIX T A L K I N G F I T , F E E L , S T Y L E & T E C H I N T H E O U T D O O R S O C K M A R K E T . outdoorinsightmag.com 26 • Outdoor Insight • June 2019 "Fit and feel is all-important to the consumer. You can design and build the best performing, most innovative sock ever made, but if the consumer does not feel the difference, you will just be another sock on the rack." Tanya Pictor, VP Marketing, Balega "For a great fitting sock there are a couple of elements that we focus on. We start with materials, where our U.S. Merino wool provides the best balance of comfort and performance while providing an amazingly soft feel. Fit and feel are extremely important. Fit often informs the feel of a sock. Depending on the sock's intended purpose we will employ targeted cushioning and ventilation. Additionally, we have a Comfort Compression Fit system that runs from the arch through the top of the sock and provides the framework that supports the foot to help combat fatigue and provide all-day comfort." Dane Nester, Creative Director, Farm to Feet "Our design and product development team are located at our mill so we pay meticulous attention to detail because we can and should. Our mantra at Darn Tough is we have to deliver to our customer superior comfort, durability, and fit with every single design to last a lifetime." Jenny Knapp, Design Manager, Darn Tough Vermont "We are challenging our customers to imagine what they don't need in a sock. Less bulk means a more precise fit. A more precise fit leads to enhanced performance." Tom Wheeler, CEO, Wigwam

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