OUR SOCK STORY
After more than 15 years selling mid-priced socks using a hybrid of global materials and manufacturers, we were frustrated and unsatisfied. We knew we could create a better sock. We decided our customers deserved a truly premium quality product, by utilizing our 100+ years of textile and wool expertise to its fullest. Now on our 5th generation, our lead sock designer is the great-great-grand-nephew of the founder of the original L.W. Packard mill.
We chose to build our own sock development mill in our on-site facility at the Minus33 headquarters in Ashland, NH, using the most modern equipment available in the world today. Due to overall technology improvements in the sock making process, we had an opportunity that we could not refuse to bring some of our manufacturing back to the original L.W. Packard mill site. Having the machines in the Minus33 facility allows the sock development team to be more directly involved in the design process/quality control and lets us be hands-on with the final production every step of the way.
Since May 2019, the sock team has worked hard to design a complete collection of socks featuring a variety of cushioning and height choices. Our team consists of mountain climbers, snowboarders, hunters, hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who all contributed to this new line of socks.
MOUNTAIN HERITAGE SOCKS COLLECTION
Our Mountain Heritage Socks are named in honor of the unique mountains we have here in New Hampshire, most famously, the White Mountains. The White Mountain National Forest is the place to be if you’re looking for any kind of outdoor adventure, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an outdoor newbie. Whether you’re trying to challenge yourself by taking on the NH48, or a vacationer looking for a relaxing, remote getaway, the White Mountains have everything you could ever need to answer the call of the wild.
As NH natives, these mountains have been in our blood our whole lives. They are just as much of a memorable part of our history as the L.W. Packard mill itself. Like the mountains, we wanted to fulfill a variety of outdoor needs. At Minus33, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience all the outdoors has to offer, despite your level of expertise. Our Mountain Heritage Socks will deliver whether you are just learning how to ski, or have been hiking for years.
A SOCK OVERHAUL
We got our sock machines set up in May of 2019, and hit the ground running. We knew our customers wanted a sock for every occasion, with heights and cushion levels for all activities.
We began by updating and recreating some of our classic sock styles, such as our best selling Merino Ski & Snowboard Sock, our reliable Low Rise Wool Trail Sock, and our comfortable Outdoor Sport Wool Sock and Merino Light Trek Runner Socks.
By combining our historic textile knowledge, and using what we learned after redesigning our classic sock styles, we were able to envision a brand new sock collection that could truly meet customer’s needs.
YARN SELECTIONS
We dialed in our yarn selection, using merino wool/nylon as the main body of the socks. These yarns deliver a high merino wool content, with the extra durability of nylon.
We have packed in huge quantities of wool next to your skin, using the synthetics only as needed to improve fit and durability.
Stretch nylon yarns are light enough to keep the merino content high while giving shape and fit to the sock. Lightweight plating also adds durability to high wear zones on the heel and toe.
SOCK WEIGHTS
We offer 4 sock weights for 4-season adventures. Each weight is based on a combination of: the amount/type of terrying (the lofty loops on the inside of the sock), the construction/types of yarns used throughout the sock, and the thickness of the individual yarns.
Micro
Our Micro Weight socks are our lightest socks for a minimal feel. Within our Micro line, we have 3 cushioning options: Liner, Light Cushion, and Full Cushion.
Lightweight
Our Lightweight socks offer full terry insulation throughout the entire sock, yet are still light and slim-fitting thanks to our yarn technology.
Midweight
Our Midweight socks are made using thicker yarns, and thicker terrying. Midweight socks have full terry insulation throughout the entire sock. US Made Styles Coming Soon. Stay tuned while we prep our machines for these thicker socks.
Expedition
Our Expedition socks are our warmest socks. They use thicker yarns and have much denser cushioning throughout the whole sock. US Made Styles Coming Soon. Stay tuned while we prep our machines for these thicker socks.
MICRO SOCK CUSHIONING
LINER
Our Liner socks are our thinnest socks. They are useful as a base layer under another sock, or if you simply like a minimal feel. The only cushioned zone is in the Toe Bumper, to protect against damage and pressure from the toenails.
LIGHT CUSHION
Socks with Light Cushion only have cushioning in the heel and toe, to help provide comfort and protection on the highest wear zones of the sock. The rest of the sock has no cushioning to maintain a thin feel and fit.
FULL CUSHION
Full Cushion socks have cushioning along the entire footbed, adding extra comfort in your shoe. The footbed cushioning works great to wick moisture away and keep your feet feeling cool and dry.
SOCK HEIGHTS
Full Length: Comes all the way up to the knee
Boot: Almost to mid-calf, this style is designed to be slightly above the standard 10 in boot height
Crew: Comes up to the bottom of the calf, the most common sock height
Mini Crew: Adds a little more ankle protection, covering the entire ankle
Ankle: Covers just above the ankle bone
No Show: Designed to sit just below the ankle bone, at or below a standard sneaker height.
Enter the style # into our search bar to go right to the sock shown in the matrix!
Sock Features
Our Mountain Heritage Socks have a variety of technical features. These features come together to create a sock that performs to its best, fits perfectly, and stays comfortable through a variety of activities.
1. WELT ELASTIC ZONE
Elastic on the welt keeps the sock up and in place all day long.
2. STRETCH NYLON YARNS
Stretch nylon yarns throughout the sock are light enough to keep the merino content high, while giving shape and fit to the sock.
3. ANKLE ELASTIC ZONE
Elastic on the ankle keeps the foot of the sock securely in place throughout the day.
4. VENTED ZONES
Our Micro Weight socks are fully vented on the top of the foot, for optimal airflow. Our Lightweight socks have gusseted zones that help prevent bunching, but also help vent out air to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
5. SEAMLESS TOE
All of our socks use seamless toe technology for a perfect fit in the shoe, and a smooth, comfortable finish that helps prevent blisters.
6. TOE BUMPER
The Toe Bumper is used in our Micro Weight Liner Socks, to help prevent damage from the toenails and also create a buffer for your toes to relieve pressure, especially when going downhill.
7. HEEL AND TOE PLATING
Lightweight nylon plating adds durability to high wear zones on the heel and toe.
8. ARCH ELASTIC ZONE
Elastic arch support keeps the foot of the sock in place all day long, and helps the sock fit perfectly in the shoe.
9. SPECIALIZED WELTS
The welt is the cuff opening of the sock. Each sock height has a specially designed welt height to maximize the fit and function of the sock.
10. WOOL/NYLON YARNS
We dialed in our yarn selection, using Wool and Nylon as the main body of the socks. These yarns deliver a high merino wool content, with the extra durability of nylon.
11. SCULPTED HEEL
Some styles utilize a Sculpted Heel design, adding a bit more padding and protection further up the heel.
12. Y-HEEL
The Y-heel feature helps create a perfect pocket for your heel, for a no-slip fit.