Why Socks
As an upstart American Made brand, our purpose has always been to make high-quality, long-lasting products and to reinforce domestic manufacturing. We have been able to do that by shouldering the responsibility of making our own products.
In a few months, we’ll be introducing new GRIP6 Merino wool socks. Whenever we tell that to people we get the same question.
“Why socks?”
First, socks are important. Like belts, they’re one of the unsung heroes of what we wear. If you stop to think about it, we ask a lot from our socks. We require them to be durable, comfortable, breathable, stylish, and hopefully not break the bank.
Second, when our feet feel good, we feel good. We tend to give shoes too much credit. The truth is, a great pair of wool socks make your feet comfortable regardless of the shoe you wear, and make standing, running, walking, etc, rather enjoyable. Conversely, a bad pair of socks will quickly make your feet feel terrible.
Perhaps the most important reason we dove in was simply because we could. That may sound odd, but America’s textile manufacturing capability has withered to the point where many products cannot be made in the USA. We’ve been able to pull sock production entirely in-house, almost immediately, without relying on a manufacturer in another country that will hamstring our ability to innovate. We’ve already made in-roads to sourcing wool within the Rocky Mountains (which is harder than you think!), and we’ve been able to domestically source all the other fibers, dyes, and packaging. For us, that’s a big deal.
Different Product - Same Recipe
We’ve been looking for opportunities to offer more to our customers. We wanted to apply the GRIP6 secret sauce to a new product line to see if our recipe of in-house manufacturing, high quality construction, and lifetime guarantee, would result in another product that people love.
We wanted to develop something we knew we could improve over time, that would significantly increase our manufacturing ability. Selfishly, we wanted to make something that we love to use ourselves. After narrowing down the options, we decided on socks. We have an exceptional engineering department and an innovative design team (and, honestly, we love wool socks) so making socks made sense.
We’ve been making great belts for five years now. We pride ourselves on their quality and how long they last. From the very beginning we have offered a lifetime guarantee. We’ve designed them to be incredibly comfortable, made from domestically sourced materials, and we manufacture them right here in Utah.
Our socks will be exactly the same: Comfortable, high quality, look great and we’ll guarantee them for life.
Our Journey Into The Sock Industry
Months before purchasing our own machines, our plan was to dip our toes into the water a bit and partner with another sock manufacturer. We wanted to offer some quality socks to our customers without the capital hit required to outfit our own sock manufacturing facility. This would have allowed us to test the market and prove to ourselves we could be successful before going full bore. To that end, we contacted several American sock manufacturers to get pricing, tour their facilities, and see what it would take to get started. We quickly learned it wasn’t a great solution. Larger companies with good operations were slow, entrenched in layers of corporate structure that made them unwilling to consider alternative solutions to supply chain problems. In addition to that, the wool colors were limited, the costs were excessive, and the justification for those costs was pretty flimsy.
The most depressing part was when we presented what we thought were great designs and styles to the manufacturers, we kept getting the answers, “we can’t make that” or “that’s going to be too expensive.” We believe that in order for American Manufacturing to progress and reinvent itself (and, by extension, all manufacturing), we need to take a hard look at innovation and be willing to break processes that are keeping us in the past.
New sock knitting machines being assembled
This “soft launch” approach was steering us toward an alliance with an industry that seemed ripe for disruption, something we didn’t want to do. In fact, over a three year period it would cost us less to simply purchase our own sock knitting machines, software, raw materials and all other supporting machinery, than it would to purchase the socks from another company.
So that’s exactly what we did. We doubled down and went full GRIP6 on the sock project.
Once we began diving into the sock industry, we discovered an enormous amount of information we needed to gather, process and understand. We pulled our sleeves up and got to work, learning the technical construction of socks, the various raw materials, the supply chains and processes of those materials, the costs, the knitting machines, the software, the washing and drying, the sizing, the testing, the boarding machines, the designing, etc.
To be honest, I completely love this part of the process. For me it’s exciting to start with a clean slate and build a new foundation from nothing. We aren’t hindered by anything except our imaginations. But this is also the most challenging part. It can be slow, difficult, and filled with delays, obstacles and problems; it’s rewarding! There’s something deeply satisfying about slowly, steadily increasing in knowledge, expertise and capability. It’s knowing that you are in control of your future and the only thing between you and success is a lot of hard work.
Our Challenge
It would be arrogant to say that our first line of socks will be the best socks ever made. We can’t fake a century of knowledge in six months. We know we’re new to this and our competitors have been making socks for a long time, but we have a solid plan. By purchasing the best machines available, receiving training from industry veterans and sourcing a high quality wool/nylon blend, we’re about 80% of the way there. We are putting our reputation on the line by offering the same Lifetime Guaran-damn-tee on our socks. That’s our way of telling our customers that we’re in this together, and while we can’t become experts overnight, we can guarantee that we’re working harder than any other company to get there. We promise to be relentlessly innovative in construction, design, and style.
Learning operation and repair of the new sock knitting machines
The Game Plan
Every lofty dream needs a good plan and here is ours: First, we have to fully understand sock construction. This is a critical step to making high quality socks that look great, feel great, and fit with the GRIP6 brand. We will be pushing ourselves to master the machines and software. Second, we’ll thoroughly test our prototypes both in the lab and in the field. Third, we’ll design some great looking patterns and styles for a limited release this summer. We’re very close to accomplishing this, and we expect a release by June (mark the calendars for a Father’s Day gift). Finally, we plan to expand our sock line over the next six months, both in style and quality, so that by Christmas, we can introduce a full line of socks. As always, we’ll test, test, test, analyze, and innovate! The sock you buy this year is going to facilitate an even greater sock next year, and so on. As part of our GRIP6 promise to you, we will not rest on laurels, and you can expect better and more innovative socks, belts, and wallets in the years to come.
Our Current Progress
Right now, we’re in the thick of learning the limitations of the knitting machines. From an engineering perspective, they’re impressive. They’re basically high-tech robots with their own custom software, similar to a CNC mill. This combination of hardware and software produces a wide range of customized sock possibilities. Socks can be both highly customized and mass produced. They are built upon decades of experience utilizing the highest quality materials and last millions of cycles.
Prototype designs abound
A few months ago we created our very first sock! While that was awesome, it was not how we planned to enter the market. We have sourced our initial materials and dissected many socks, (think Junior High frog dissection!). Since then we have moved on to creating new designs and styles.We are giving our prototype socks away to customers who stop by our shop so they can test them and give us their feedback. We are in the middle of a series of tests where we are producing every single type of sock and every feature our machine can do. It has helped us better understand what is possible and what is useful.
The software is complex and has been challenging, but we are beginning to develop a process for sock creation, from concept to finished product. It has taken a team of talented people working closely together to make it all happen. We’re learning like crazy and making some solid prototypes. We’re dedicating thousands of hours to get these socks as close to perfect as possible. As anyone who has ever owned a great pair of socks will tell you, the difference they make is worth the extra effort it takes to make one.
The Past and the Future
As we continue our journey learning to manufacture socks, we realize that we are standing on the shoulders of the giants that went before us. We’ve benefited from centuries of machine innovations, supply chains, and design tools. We recognize that they have smoothed the road before us. We appreciate and thank them.
The hosiery industry in the United States is a shadow of what it once was. Many of the industry veterans we have worked with and learned from feel like the industry is at the edge of extinction. The past several decades have seen a steady decline in domestic sock manufacturing companies. Only a few are left. It would be a tragedy to let all that knowledge, expertise and infrastructure go away. While there is reason for concern, we believe there is also reason for hope. Much has changed in the world of commerce in the last 30 years and GRIP6 was built on a modern platform that gives us more options to connect with customers all over the world. We are hopeful that some of the technology available today will help us succeed where others struggled. Using these tools, We hope to do some small part to not only sustain, but to grow sock manufacturing expertise in this country.
So get excited for GRIP6 socks!!!
126 comments
Chris Patton
I was a backer for the wallet project (Ive be en using the belts for a while and wont ever buy another belt)and got that and its awesome but small for what I need ( not enough cards) and got the free sample of your socks …. these socks are just awesome… I went looking and it seems they are an upcoming project – when they do eventuate Im keen – everything about your products is quality.
Todd K
Need american spun wool? Look at https://brownsheep.com , Family owned, based in Mitchell Nebraska
Gail
I have your belts and love them. I bought 2 of the wallets and just received them. Beautiful job. I wore my socks. Perfection! Thank you for the incredible work ethic and drive for a great product. I will say that as an engineer myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the wallet kickstarter updates. Seeing the issues and how you worked through them was refreshing. You really wanted it just right!
Kirk Hudson
20 years ago I started to replace worn out cotton socks with Smartwool socks. They are the only sock I own. I have men’s dress, casual, lifestyle, running, cycling, hiking, and ski socks. I live in Northern California, and merino wool is the perfect fiber for sweaters, shirts, and socks year round. Quality merino wool is expensive, and therefore products made from it are expensive too. In the past few years I’ve found the Smartwool socks tend not to last as long as they used to. Heels wear through faster, and the elasticity permanently stretches out and socks fall down quicker than in the past.
I am hopeful that Grip6 engineers will deliver a knitted sock that is simply better than the existing offerings at an affordable price. From the few pictures online, I am excited to see what range of sock staples, and fun colorful socks Grip6 produces for a variety of purposes. Because Grip6 is so committed to community support, it would be wonderful to see Grip6 partner with USA design schools such as Fashion Institute of Technology, Rhode Island School of Design, The Savannah College of Art and Design, Otis School of Art and Design, or many more to come up with a student intern series of socks. Who knows what designs an architect, environmental, packaging, lighting or sound engineer could come up with.
I’ve worn the honeycomb conservation buckle, and simply switched up the belts everyday since the day they arrived. My neighbors kid loves the Craftsman’s series kit I bought for him – they are the first belts he has ever owned.
I wish Grip6 well, and wish your team good luck with this new venture.
Mike
Tried out the free pair of socks. They feel great and breathe and are what is expected from a quality sock. Couple of observations…not complaining as understand it’s still a work in progress:
1) I’m size 14 shoe. Size 14 socks need to have some extra material above the ankle since there’s more “foot territory” than on a smaller size. Maybe add 3/4" or a full inch to the sock. Pictures:
https://i.imgur.com/dpvZAtU.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2WT1ATY.jpg
2) The socks were a bit short in the foot, which may exacerbate the above situation. They almost fit my wife’s foot, and she’s a size 9 women’s.
https://i.imgur.com/i6FV4cN.jpg
Otherwise, they seem like a winner!
(Thanks for the wallet, it arrived last week and is a fantastic unit! Also, just like a few above I don’t wear any belt except Grip6)
Mark
I have 6 belts one of which I gave to my dad for Father’s Day. I haven’t worn a non-Grip6 belt since and my dad absolutely loves his. I just received my two wallets and my complimentary pair of socks. Absolutely love the wallets and the socks look top notch! They are incredibly soft and very high quality. I will definitely be ordering more from you when they become available. Keep up the good work and stick to your corporate mantra of creating quality products with lifetime warranties and you’ll have a satisfied customer for life. I tell everyone I know about your products and will continue to do so. So happy still with the last belt I will ever own. Of course, I’ll have 6 to 10 options for that belt! Awesome products awesome company!
Wayne Knowles
Hello. Just ordered my first belt! Yay for that. Socks—I haven’t worn all brands but I’m a sock hound and only Merino blends. My fav is the Darn Tough. I like several others but DT is #1 w/ me. Just MHO for my input, although too late, I’m sure. Good luck and I’m sure I’ll try’em.
Alexandra
Found your website and love your story and approach. I used to rely on knee socks in the fall and winter to keep my legs (and feet) warm. But all my old pairs are worn out, and it’s become ridiculously difficult to find true, warm knee, well-fitting socks that aren’t compression socks. This hole in the market needs attention, and I’m eager to see your offerings.
Michael Kennedy
Hi friends,
Have you ever thought of making a belt with thicker/stiffer webbing for those of us that are CCW? Or, is there one of your belts that is a little more robust? I carry a Glock 23 appendix every day. What would you suggest?
Thank you so much for your time,
Mike
Michael T. Grissom
I own 4 of the original Grip 6 belts and 3 of the work belts, I Love the belts. They are the best I have used. I can’t wait to try those socks. How about being a remote tester? I live on the east coast, A complementary pair of socks Size 9 would be great to test out to see what my summer / winter socks may be this year. I’ll give you a write up on them????
Bob McCarthy
To incentivise sales, include a roll of toilet paper with each order. :)
Russell Loud
I have been a supporter of yours since the beginning. I cannot wait to have these socks on my feet.
Is there any chance to incorporate compression style socks in the future? Especially for those of us on our feet all day.
Dave
I own 8 belts in all three widths and have not worn a leather belt in over a year. Looking forward to your socks. Durability, comfort and fit are what I’m looking for.
S Williams
If you want to hit a large population niche that has not been touched by sock makers, make a sock for still tied sho wearers. There’s a couple out there but they do not extend the toe area that’s padded on the top as far back as it needs to be and not thick enough. The bulk of American workers are in steel toed shoes and many of their toes are getting numb. Also tired of the plain black choices. All it takes is for someone to add padding to the top of the foot a third of the way from toe back. Good luck on creating socks as great as your belts.
Peggy H
Love your belts- best ones ever!
Looking forward to the socks: with 13-14 hrs days at work, mostly on my feet, I need great socks- know you’ll produce!
James B
I have 6 of your prototype wallets, and am anxiously, but patiently waiting for 3 of the 2.0 versions, 1 belt, would love to demo a pair of socks or two in a size 13. I wish I could get up to your shop, but my customers like me being in Kansas City. Thank you for quality products. The prototype wallets are great. I have learned how to not shoot my cards out! :)
Mike Loomis
I won’t complain if you wrap the wallet I ordered in a pair of prototype socks when you ship it to me. ;)
Samuel Li
Your goal to create the best long-lasting products is something I’ll fully get behind. Bought two belts a couple of days ago, and the quality convinced me to support you in future ventures. Best of luck!
Darryl Brooks
Looking forward to new comfortable made in USA socks. Here in Canada our insane leader is trying to turn us into Third World country So good socks might be my best asset. Time for new belts too. I shed forty pounds so my Grips are way to long for me now. Keep up the good work.
Mary Beth
Would love to see you try your hand at a good breathable compression sock. I love merino wool – soft, warm when it needs to be, cool also. Moisture wicking, stretchy but doesn’t stretch out. Like some nice hug to the calves at work and when on my feet all day at work. Not too thick. I wash everything in cold and am OK if it has to hang to dry. Saves the life of the sock. Would love to be a tester if you try a compression sock. Or wool/cotton blend if that works. Have always hated all polyester socks. My feet like more natural fibers – they just breathe better. Nothing worse than warm sweaty feet at the end of a long day.
JD
Very excited about this. I just cannot seem to find the perfect sock for me. I’m hoping you guys will be able to make it. Breathable, moisture-wicking, looks good with dress pants and jeans, and stays up on your leg. Good luck!
Rob
I love how you guys explain everything and only make a few very good, well thought out products. You make us feel like we’re on the same team as you by explaining all this stuff. Just remember, these socks are gonna have to last a loooong time if you don’t wanna be stuck giving away free socks because of your lifetime guarantee. Remember toenails will make holes in the front of socks. I know mine do.
Russ
This is great news! I own six of your belts and am anxiously awaiting my wallet.
Will from Meat
This could not have come at a better time. I was literally just the other day starting to put the bloodhounds onto the internet find out where to find good sock for work. And of course the people who have inspired me to buy a display case for my various buckles and belts have decided they are going to start making socks. This is incredible! I proudly and loudly support this company with a strong voice. Every cutter at my work has been gifted one of the belt and I’m going to be exicted to see where this journey goes. God Bless America! Keep up the great work you guys you have no idea how much support you have!!! 🦅 🇺🇸
Jody Deamer
Can’t wait for the socks
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