How did you get into manufacturing socks?

I grew up in the textile business. My dad had a cloth making factory in Kenya. When I graduated from university I went to Greece to work for a knitting factory called Nova Knit that made clothes for Levis. In 1987 my brother bought a sock company in Toronto and asked me to come help him run it.

What is your favourite sock?

96% Wool Weekender because I can wear it as a dress or casual sock.

What’s it like to work with your family?

It has its ups and downs. In a family business you can fully trust each other and be open and honest. There are no politics or formalities so we can make decisions fast and with more autonomy. One of the downsides is even outside of work we end up talking business. 

How do you get found online in today’s day with so much competition?

It has definetly been a challenge to succeed in the e-commerce market. We try and stay ahead of the competition by  offering products with technical features, high quality materials and by keeping production in Canada. Also by understanding what consumers are looking we have tried to give them what they want and use key words so they can find us online.   

What is your favourite sock?

Mesh Air GT because it is soft, wicks moisture you can wear it all year. It even fits in my running shoes.

What are the challenges of running a bricks and mortar store? 

As more people are shopping online physical stores are having a tough time staying a float. Luckily socks are comodities that everyone needs and that you can have a lot of fun with. When i open a new store the most important criteria for me is foot traffic and a large glass window so people can see into the store. With hundreds of designs, keeping the store organized with clean lines and themes is also crucial to not overwhelm the customer.

What do most people not know about socks? 

I think most people dont realize how comforatble and technical socks can be. They can come with arch and ankle support (for a snug fit), reinforced heel and toe (to last longer), double cuff (so they dont fall down), and a seamless toe closure to avoid friction on the toes. They can also come in a variety of soft and moisture wicking materials like coolmax, merino wool and cashmere. 

What is your favourite sock?

Hiker GX from fall to spring because its a snug fit for my narrow feet and has the perfect amout of cushioning that i can fit inside a boot or runner. 

Why J.B.Field's