Does the world really need another merino wool sock company?

Yes, there are quite a few companies out there, but there's more to Teko than organic merino wool (and tekoPOLY) socks. We're committed to making a difference along with making socks, by researching and using the most sustainable production processes and sources we can find to make the best-performing socks on the market. Click here for more info on how we do it and here to give us a suggestion info@tekosocks.com.

You guys keep talking about "performance," but I just want a sock for walking and day hiking, not climbing Everest.

Teko socks aren't just for hardcore athletes. Walkers and hikers like Teko for the same reasons that ultramarathon runners and Himalayan climbers do — they're comfortable. Teko's combination of great fit and the highest-quality materials mean your feet stay dry, blister-free and cushioned, no matter how hard you go.

What makes your wool organic?

• The sheep are farmed organically in Argentina in accordance with GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). That means no pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer on the grass they eat and strict water conservation methods in their pastures.
• The animals themselves are not subjected to mulesing, hormone injections or chemical drenches.
• No motorized vehicles are used for herding, preserving native grasses.
• All tekoMERINO is treated with our bluesign®-certified, chlorine-free shrink resistance treatment.
• We use only non-toxic dyes — no allergens, carcinogens, pesticides, heavy metals, or formaldehyde.
• Our socks have earned the OkeoTex 100 Standard (yes, that's their highest), which screens for harmful substances in processed textiles.

Why do you use a chlorine-free wash process?

A wash process is used on wool to eliminate the possibility of shrinking in the dryer and to soften the raw material. Chlorine works well for this purpose, but it results in wastewater containing the toxin AOX at a level that isn't accepted by water treatment facilities in the US, meaning chlorinated wool is processed in other countries, then imported.

Chlorine-based washing is widely used among other sock manufacturers — check the labels for the words "chlorine-free". Teko is committed to using only chlorine-free and AOX-free methods.

If tekoMERINO is so great, why do you guys make polyester socks?

Merino wool is hard to beat for insulation and moisture management, but if you find yourself working out hard in a saturation-sweat environment, (think high temperature/humidity) poly is hard to beat. The 100% certified-recycled polyester we use in tekoPOLY socks can also be knit to accommodate consumers who like a very thin sock, or prefer their sock to be bright white.

Why don't you make socks from a bamboo-based fiber?

Because it's really rayon. We've gotten the bamboo pitch many times: fast-growing, very sustainable, no fertilizer, anti-microbal, etc. But the "bamboo" fiber many companies are using is made in a toxic process that produces a fiber having none of bamboo's claimed attributes. It's rayon.

Follow the link to an opinion from the US Federal Trade Commission.

How can I evaluate the quality of a sock before I buy?

Turn it inside out. That's what we do. Check out the finish, look for loose ends and above all, feel the toe seam, especially at the ends. Even some expensive sock companies have prominent, uncomfortable toe seams (would this be a good time to mention that Teko socks have seamless toes?) with large knots at the end. Less than ideal.

What's the best way to make my merino wool socks last longer?

Merino wool does a lot of things well, but it's a somewhat delicate fiber, which makes it vulnerable to abrasion. Try to avoid walking around in just your socks, especially on a hard floor. Before you wash your socks, brush off any dirt and debris and turn them inside out. Use the gentle, warm wash cycle and a gentle detergent. You can put your tekoMERINO socks in the dryer on low heat, but like all your clothes, they'll last longer if you hang-dry them.

How can I contact you guys directly?

Right here! info@tekosocks.com