Smartwool: Merino Wool Sock Experts
In the late nineties, John Ramsey—currently Director of Product Development at Smartwool—went to a manufacturer as part of his job for the family business in the sock industry. He saw an Italian sewing machine weaving socks that looked different. “What are these socks?” Ramsey asked the technician. The employee handed him two pairs of Smartwool socks. “Do you want some? They’re yours.”
From that moment on, John wore both pairs of socks for a year. “I’ll always remember the model! Classic High Medium Cushions.” He knew there was something different about them that completely changed how he saw what he normally wore. Having grown up in the sock industry, John started doing some research about those amazing socks. While visiting a sporting goods store that carried the Smartwool brand, he found the company’s contact information and got in touch with them to offer his expertise.
Since that interview in 2001, John has diversified the company by finding two new partners to manufacture Smartwool socks. These manufacturers, still with the company today, are crucial to Smartwool’s innovation of manufacturing technologies.
John now develops products for Smartwool, both merino wool outdoor clothing and socks. He is one of the employees with the most seniority in the company. He’s a true believer!
Smartwool Socks’ Merino Wool
Merino wool is a natural, sustainable material whose characteristics make it perfect for making outdoor clothing. Thanks to the discovery of this fibre, the founders were able to market the very first model of merino wool socks. This revolution enabled using this type of wool in a smarter way than how virgin wool is used. That’s how Smartwool was born.
Thanks to merino wool, Smartwool has completely revolutionized the wool sock industry. The company’s founders have left their mark and educated people about merino wool’s high-performance properties; they’ve shifted the perception of using this fibre in sportswear.
Benefits of Merino Wool
- Body temperature regulation
- Odour management
- Natural, sustainable fibre
- Moisture management
- Merino wool can absorb a third of its weight in moisture to keep your feet dry
Why should you wear merino wool socks?
Yes, you can wear merino wool in both summer and winter. “When people understand the differences between merino and virgin wool, they realize that it will totally change their experience—both on skis and on a bike.” Smartwool offers merino wool socks designed for many activities, such as downhill skiing, mountain biking, hiking, mountaineering and just everyday life. Each product line’s design has been thought out to give you the best experience when you’re in action. They carefully design each sock: what fibres will be used? for what type of activity? and on what terrain will they most often be worn?
Each collection is then divided into thicknesses for various levels of cushioning. Denser socks provide more cushioning. Their thickness is based on the number of needles on the sewing machines used at partner manufacturers. Fewer needles mean a wider mesh and thicker socks.
Three Materials for a Perfect Balance
Smartwool socks are always designed with three materials: merino wool, nylon, and polyurethane for elasticity. This makeup, assembled based on the sock’s intended use, creates the highest possible level of performance and comfort. The idea is to always find the best possible combination in line with the key aspects of Smartwool socks: fit, comfort and sustainability.
Technologies That Revolutionize Smartwool Merino Wool Socks
- Shred Shield
Shred Shield was created to reduce the risk of holes in the toe area. The concept behind this technology is to weave together fibres in a way that makes them more flexible and harder to tear. This flexibility makes socks more durable.
- Closed Toe Device
The biggest manufacturing breakthrough is Closed Toe Box technology. This manufacturing process creates socks with virtually seamless toes. With this technology, a single machine can design the sock, which makes for an extremely uniform seam. It is also flatter, which reduces chaffing.
Smartwool’s Environmental Values
Smartwool is proud of its business model—both because of the products and the values that make the company’s heart beat. Respect for and protection of the environment motivates them daily. Because the Smartwool community is made up of outdoor enthusiasts, protecting their playground is a priority.
In fact, the merino wool used in Smartwool products is ZQ certified. This certification ensures that wool is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Furthermore, it ensures merino sheep’s well-being in terms of health, nutrition and comfort in addition to the wool’s traceability.
The last few years have been significant for environmental innovations in manufacturing Smartwool socks. The company is transitioning from virgin to recycled nylon. It is also currently ensuring that this synthetic material is Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified. The next big challenge is to figure out how to recycle and reuse polyurethane.
Challenges of Using Recycled Materials in Manufacturing
The biggest challenge in using recycled materials to create Smartwool socks is their consistency. Using virgin nylon is straightforward because of its uniformity. Recycled nylon is less so and involves more time and cost. John says that “having partners who share our vision and are willing to support us in the project allows us to meet these challenges and be more sustainable.” The goal is for all products from recycled materials to meet the Smartwool quality standard. The latest ongoing environmental project? The production of its very first circular sock (a sock that is part of a circular economy).
Since its creation, Smartwool has diversified its product offering by expanding its expertise to outdoor clothing for men, women and children. Today, the company offers base layers, mid layers, cycling apparel, and accessories. And they still promote merino wool. In addition, discarded merino wool scraps are now used to make insulation for Smartloft outdoor clothing.
Smartwool is an inspiration. You can feel its values, the strength of its team of employees and manufacturers, its innovations, and its human touch in the products’ quality. Smartwool strives to give you the best possible experience without any distracting discomfort: “If people tell me that Smartwool socks have changed their lives, I feel like I’ve done my job well.”
