Why Outlands Socks Are Changing the Game for Sustainable American-Made Apparel
We’ve been working our socks off (sorry—not sorry!) to bring you something we’re incredibly proud of: a premium sock collection that empowers you to shop consciously, support local, and leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
This isn’t just another pair of cushioned hiking socks. It’s a step in the right direction.
Why We Created Outlands
At Socksmith, we’ve always believed in weaving purpose into everything we do—from the prints on your feet to the people and processes behind the product. Outlands is the natural evolution of that mission, built on two core values:
Support Local
If there’s one thing recent years have taught us, it’s that our small businesses and communities need us. Whether that’s picking up curbside tacos from your neighborhood joint or buying American-made socks, where you spend your dollars matters.
With Outlands, you’re directly supporting domestic manufacturing and jobs right here in the U.S.—specifically in Hickory, North Carolina, a town known for its rich textile history.
Want to support local brands while keeping your sock drawer stocked?
👉 Use our store locator to find a Socksmith retailer near you.
Shop Responsibly
Shopping responsibly isn’t just about what you buy. It’s about how it’s made, who makes it, and what it impacts. Every pair in the Outlands USA collection is:
Made with recycled materials
Produced with minimal water waste
Manufactured under ethical working conditions
Because fashion shouldn’t cost the planet—or people—their well-being.
The Sock Dilemma: Price vs. Purpose
Let’s face it: buying ethical and sustainable apparel often comes with a price tag that feels…well, a little too ethical.
Here’s the breakdown:
Only 3% of apparel purchased in the U.S. is made domestically
That means 97% is imported, often from factories with questionable labor practices and major environmental costs
Most American-made options cost a small fortune (we see you, $40 socks 👀)
So what are you supposed to do?
You want to:
✅ Support local economies
✅ Shop eco-conscious apparel
❌ Not drop half your paycheck on socks
What Makes Outlands Socks Sustainable
We created Outlands USA to solve that dilemma: a collection of American-made, sustainably sourced, high-performance socks—designed for outdoor adventures, everyday comfort, and everything in between.
And here’s the best part: they don’t break the bank.
Each pair is built to last, made with premium recycled yarn, and rigorously tested to handle even the most rugged terrain. Whether you're hiking the backcountry or just tackling your Monday commute, these socks are up for the challenge.
Don’t love them? We’ll give you your money back.
Meet the Collection: Wool, Cotton, and Cabin Blend
These responsibly made socks from the Outlands USA collection are available in three styles to fit every type of adventure (or chill session):
Wool: Naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. Perfect for hikes, snow days, and all-season comfort.
Cotton: Breathable, lightweight, and soft. Great for daily wear or light treks.
Cabin Blend: Our signature mix of recycled fibers—cozy, cushioned, and ideal for lounging fireside or strolling downtown.
Outlands Sock Features (Decoded)
Let’s be honest: most sock specs sound like they came from a spaceship manual. So here’s what all those fancy terms actually mean:
Recycled Materials: Every pair is crafted from premium recycled yarns, reducing waste and water usage.
Cushioned Footbed: Extra padding in high-impact zones (heel, toe, and arch) for all-day comfort and shock absorption.
Arch Support: Light compression gives your arches a gentle hug, reducing fatigue on long days.
Roll-Top Cuffs: Say goodbye to sock dents and pinched calves. These cuffs stay up without the squeeze.
Comfort Ribbing: A tighter knit creates a secure, no-slip fit without being restrictive.
Needle Count: Our socks are made with 144-needle or 84-needle machines. Translation: the higher the count, the finer and more durable the sock.
Made in North Carolina, With Purpose
All Outlands socks are proudly made in Hickory, North Carolina , by skilled craftspeople who earn fair wages in safe working conditions. This isn’t fast fashion—it’s ethical fashion and a thoughtful production with people and purpose at the center.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Process
Let’s break it down:
Textile waste is collected by our partner, Recover®, a leader in sustainable fiber technology.
The scraps are sorted by color (so we skip the dyeing process entirely), reducing water and chemical use.
Fibers are spun into durable yarns, then blended with nylon and spandex for stretch and strength.
Finally, the yarn is knit into finished socks at our North Carolina facility.
The result: sustainable socks that meet the Global Recycling Standard.
How Choosing Sustainable Socks Makes an Impact
By choosing Outlands USA, you’re helping:
Reduce CO₂ emissions
Save thousands of gallons of water
Keep textile waste out of landfills
Limit pesticide and herbicide use
Support ethical jobs and local economies
Every pair you wear is a small act of climate action. Not bad for socks, right?
The Proof Is in the Pair
Every time you choose Outlands, you’re helping reduce the environmental cost of clothing production. Here's what just one pair of our sustainable socks saves:
Water
Up to 13,620,507 gallons of water per pair.
That's more than 20 Olympic-sized pools.
CO₂ Emissions
Approximately 181,772 lbs of CO₂ prevented from entering the atmosphere. That's a whopping 86,461,000 breaths of clean air!
Energy
201,505 kWh of energy saved. That's enough to power approximately 20 homes for a year.
Plastic Bottles
Equivalent of 64,519 bottles given new life.
Pesticides & Chemicals
Zero harmful dyes, pesticides, or herbicides used in production.
Join the Movement: Shop Smart, Wear Better
Have questions? Want to learn more about our manufacturing process or how to become a retailer? Drop us a line at marketing@socksmith.com . We’d love to chat.
And hey—have you hugged your recycle bin today?
1 comment
Although I am 100% environmental, and recycle, I do not wear polyester or other plastics. Can you please post the exact recycled content of your socks please? I would like to buy some (“trash panda”for one). Ever more it’s difficult to get natural fiber socks without all the plastic junk (filling the oceans from our dryers and washing machines, as well as making feet feel hot and sweaty).