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Keen & Nester Hosiery In January 2021, footwear brand Keen an- nounced that it would be increasing its Port- land, OR production by 26 percent, driven by strong demand for its American Built utility boots. Erik Burbank, VP of Keen Effect com- mented that "American Built for American workers is resonating with our fans, while the reception for US built premium hikers is equal- ly strong." The firm has also made recent in- vestments in the Portland factory in the area of robotics for quality assurance and efficiency. At the same time, the firm also announced an expanded relationship with Nester Hosiery, a partner of 14 years, to develop, manufacture and distribute new outdoor, work and every- day designs for women's, men's and kids Keen Casual and Keen Utility brands. "We are really excited to continue producing socks for Keen in our North Carolina factory," Nester Hosiery CEO Kelly Nester noted, adding, "we think that the consumer sees higher value in a US manu- factured product." n Keen's Portland factory Stormy Kromer Kentwool Ninety percent of the items sold by wool cap and apparel company Stormy Kromer are made in the USA, with the majority produced in Ironwood, MI. Partners in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Carolina manufacture the balance of which the firm does not have the capacity or machinery to produce. Core hats are handmade in Ironwood, with "real people putting real effort and care into making sure these hats are produced with the highest quality possible," explained Stormy Kromer designer Jamie LaBo. The firm recently struck up a partnership with a company in North Carolina to also create baseball caps (founder George "Stormy" Kromer, was a semi- pro baseball player). Versatile enough to go from "backwoods to downtown," Stormy Kromer's Adventurer Poncho features a large loop terry cotton fabric with a great drape. "What is the most special about this product is the versatility; it can be worn throughout the year, from late night summer bonfires on the beach to over your favorite flannel in winter," LaBo said. n Since the sock firm started making wool yarn in 1843, Kentwool has produced its products in the United States. Today, all of the yarn used in its socks is Kentwool yarn, made in South Carolina. The socks are knit predominantly in Alabama and North Carolina. Warehousing and distribution are in South Carolina. The firm is best known for its athletic socks crafted of Merino yarns with moisture management and thermoregulation properties. As Kentwool Performance Apparel CEO Lauren Luneckas explained, "cushioning in its proprietary foot- bed construction reduces foot discomfort and muscle fatigue delivering a blister-free wear experience second to none." During Covid, the firm witnessed an increase in sales in athletic products (relative to lifestyle prod- ucts), especially in its core athletic line for golf, walking and tennis, called the Classic Series. "With people spending more time outdoors, the desire for comfortable footwear has increased," Luneckas said. n Adventurer Parka by Stormy Kromer Men's Classic Ankle Sock by Kentwool May 2021 • 17 sportstylemag.com • sportstyle

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