Donkey Does It

Donkey-LabelCycling socks come in two varieties: there are the plain Jane socks that have no style and then there are the over-the-top patterns that could be considered a little too much. Donkey Label is offering something in between with its new Merino wool socks, which are constructed with high quality fabrics but in a flat-knit crew style.

These also feature a single stripe of color that runs along the heel, providing an eye-catching accent. In addition these are designed to control bacteria and prevent odor for repeated street and office wear.

Donkey Label Official Website

DeFeet Warms the Toes with Thermeator Winter Cycling Socks

DeFeet-ThermeatorYou can wear all of the appropriate clothing to arm yourself against the cold, but if your feet are cold, it’s all lost. That’s why we’re excited to see the new Thermeator cycling socks from DeFeet. The Thermeator sock is lighter in weight than knit socks, and actually claims to be 30 percent lighter than comparable merino wool socks. It has a faster drying rate, and quickly wicks moisture away from your feet. DeFeet says the Thermeator is flexible and thrives in cold, damp climates. While we will use these on any winter rides, we may take a few more opportunities to wear these warming socks this winter. Such as when we go for a hike, shovel the driveway, or even just go out to the store.

DeFeet Official Website
via [Bike Rumor: Found: DeFeet Thermeator Winter Cycling Socks]

Holiday Gift Guide: These Waterproof Socks Fit

Showers-PassShowers Pass has a new line of waterproof yet breathable socks for runners, cyclists, skiers and anyone else who might risk some cold, wet feet. The new Crosspoint WP socks offer moisture control while still feeling a regular old pair of socks.

These feature three-layer bonded construction that includes an Artex waterproof-breathable membrane that is sandwiched between the knit outer layer and moisture-wicking Coolmax FX nylon lining, while some Spandex ensures a snug fit even after multiple washings.

Showers Pass Official Website

Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

Swiftwick

American-made Swiftwick compression socks will be at next month’s Interbike trade show. The company will look to show off its SUSTAIN sock line, which is made from post-industrial recycled nylon. The SUSTAIN line, which runs $12 to $17, offers compression and moisture-wicking capabilities, without the use of chemicals. Continue reading Interbike 2013 Preview: Swift Looking Socks

Sock It To You

SockGuyIf  your socks say something about your character you are in luck as the SockGuy is taking some of its best-selling sock designs and marketing them in six-packs. These will represent what is hot and what’s in stock – and more importantly ready to ship. With Lucky Black, Chains and Bevy among others you know your feet will be more than covered.

SockGuy Official Website

Pro Stance

Even if you can’t dunk like a pro you can take to the court with socks that evoke the pros. Sock maker Stance has introduced its NBA Legends Collection with 10 socks paying homage to basketball greats including Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, Kenny Smith, John Stockton, Bill Walton and James Worthy. These might not help your game but you can feel like the pros are with you in spirit and on your feet.

Stance Official Website

The Philosophy of Socks

Socrates was a thinker, not a warrior but the Socrates socks could be called clever because they utilize a few “army” tricks like military spec elastic to keep them from falling down the legs, along with carbon threaded and Kevlar-carbon matrix in the toes and heels so these won’t wear out. Developed by Cameron Carter, a 23-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who works as a contracting officer and business advisor for the U.S. Air Force in Europe, the socks are for business-casual but we could see this as making a leap to fitness as well, as these should be seriously durable. Video after the jump

Made in America: Swiftwick Socks it to You

Swiftwick came about to make not only socks, but in the process made waves in the industry. All of the Tennessee-based company’s products are made in the USA – not some, not most, but all. The socks from Swiftwick also take advantage of compression technology to improve blood flow and circulation, which can help athletes extend their endurance and reach peak performance. Built on state of the art machines in America the socks are built to last.

These are constructed predominantly at the 200 needle standard, the highest density that is found in socks, and with specialized, linked-toe construction; and are designed to create a second-skin feel that prevents shifting or bunching, and keeps feet dry and comfortable. Video after the jump

Hands On: CEP Running Compression Socks

Compression technology has been gaining ground among athletes. Cyclists in the Tour de France (and all other bike races) use compression garments for recovery. Garments are also being worn for wear during competition and training. Runners and triathletes are also wearing the tight-fitting garments on runs and in competition. I was looking forward to trying a pair of Running Compression Socks after picking up a sample at SIA Snowshow in January. Yes, it’s taken me a while to test and then get my thoughts down.

I got the hot pink sock in a medium. The circumference of your calves determines the size. That’s where you get some of the real compression benefits. On the Classic model of the Running Compression Socks there’s fairly uniform compression up the leg and additional texture compression throughout the foot. Continue reading Hands On: CEP Running Compression Socks

SIA: Lodgesoxx for After Skiing

Last week at SIA Snowsports Show we saw lots of products for activity, but also a few post-workout goods that are worth mentioning. LodgeSoxx is a pair of socks designated for wearing around the lodge or other areas you want to take off your ski boots, but you don’t want to walk around in just your socks.

Continue reading SIA: Lodgesoxx for After Skiing

SIA: The Sights of the Snowshow in Denver

It snowed at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver during the SIA Snowshow.

Last week KineticShift headed to SIA, the Snowsports Industries America Snowshow, to check out winter sports gear coming out this year. Here are some of the highlights from the show. Click on the images for a larger view and more detail.

Continue reading SIA: The Sights of the Snowshow in Denver

Outdoor Retailer Show: High Teko Socks

Numerous companies do socks, and throughout the year we see a lot of socks, but Teko Socks, which was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 2004, works to make a leave a smaller footprint of sorts. The company, which showed its latest line at the Outdoor Retailer Show, uses proprietary fiber combinations mixing traditional organic wool inter-weaved with polyester. The result says the company is a sock that is comfortable and functional, while also being sustainable and have a low ecological impact. Sounds like a step in the right direction!

Teko Socks Official Website