Socksmith is all about letting your feet do the talking – in the quirkiest, most colorful way possible. Born in Santa Cruz, California, the brand started as a tiny 450 sq. ft. sock shop in 1988, run by Ellen and Eric Gil who believed that self-expression is the truest form of style. They went from selling other companies’ socks to creating their own designs under the Socksmith label in 2007, with a mission to banish boring socks forever. Today, Socksmith pumps out hundreds of fun designs, from socks covered in sloths and tacos to artsy prints of famous paintings – if you can imagine it, they probably have a sock for it. This ethos of creativity comes straight from their founding principle that “self-expression is true beauty,” and a pair of socks can genuinely connect people or spark a smile. But it’s not just about looks with Socksmith. They’ve woven sustainability and community into their DNA as well. The company uses eco-friendly materials like bamboo rayon and recycled cotton in many of its sock collections, so you can strut your funky flamingo socks knowing they’re easier on the planet. They also ensure ethical manufacturing practices, working only with factories that meet their social responsibility standards. Socksmith even gives back through special collections – for instance, their Endangered Species line donates 10% of profits to wildlife conservation efforts in their local Santa Cruz area. In short, Socksmith is proof that a small family business can grow into a force for good (and fun!) – one crazy pair of socks at a time, they help you “Wear the change” you want to see in the world.
