Running Socks I UphillSport

UphillSport® is an innovative outdoor lifestyle brand from, Finland. The Tampere area in Finland has over 200 years of quality textile manufacturing know-how. Sukkamestarit Ltd is the company behind UphillSport® brand, manufacturing socks in Finland since 1996. They have a long history and know-how for manufacturing high quality performance socks for cold and moist sub Arctic conditions. UphillSport® brand was born in 2014.

The UphillSport® brand is founded on the innovation of the Multi-layer system. By using our Multi-layer system, we can make a warm sock, however thin in thickness. Different materials have unique properties and functions that can be beneficial with the Multi-layer system. The main benefits are breathability, moisture control, durability and warmth. UphillSport® socks are ideal for active outdoor and performance sports people.
UphillSport® is passionately committed to continue their technical innovations and further develop with their high-quality manufacturing know-how along with sustainable way.

1. ANIMAL WELLFARE
• Behaviour, animal handling and health, feeding, sheep breeding
• NATIVA Protocol educates and help farms for better wellfare
• MULESING METHOD IS PROHIBITED
2. SAVE WATER
• Wool processing uses only rain water, after the process water is cleaned and 90% is
released back to nature circulation
• Biodegradable washing process
• Chlorine free process for wool superwash
3. COMMITMENT TO WHOLE SUPPLY CHAIN
• Long term supplier relationships. Orders for suppliers from 6-24 months for stable
demand of raw materials. Transparency helps with investments and planning
• Care of Suppliers employees as our own
4. COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMERS
• Collection in stock service minimizes over purchasing. Continues collections avoid end of
lines
• Durability saves raw material, energy, environment and prevent risks
• Together with our farms and NATIVATM we can commit to availability for the merino wool

Choosing the right socks for hiking is essential for a comfortable hike. So what socks should you choose.

• Lightweight Wool Socks: Perfect for summer warm weather hikes, providing breathability and quick drying. Buy Now!
• Thermal Socks: Cold weather and Alpine trails. Keep your feet warm and insulated in cold climates without bulk. Buy Now!
• Liner Socks: Hot days and blister prevention. Ideal for layering under thicker socks to prevent chafing and add extra moisture control Buy Now!

Socks are an essential part of hiking gear. They not only complement the functionality of footwear, but also significantly affect comfort, performance and feel. Careful material selection and technical features are key when choosing hiking socks to meet changing weather conditions and the needs of the wearer.

Hiking socks are designed to suit different uses. For example, UphillSport socks are divided into categories based on thermal value, shaft length and thickness to make it easier to choose the right type of sock.

Thin technical socks are suitable for warmer conditions and active movement, while thick socks provide warmth and comfort in cooler weather.

It is also important to consider the footwear you are wearing; the heavier and looser the shoe, the thicker the sock is recommended. For longer hikes, you can use the technique of double socks, which is popular with hikers. The first is a well-fitting thin liner sock, topped with a second thicker sock depending on the conditions.

Durability and lifespan are important factors when choosing hiking socks. High-quality hiking socks are designed to withstand heavy wear and tear and retain their shape and properties for a long time. It is also important to maintain your socks properly so that they remain usable for a long time.

• Advanced Four-Layer Merino Wool Technology: Our patented four-layer construction combines natural merino wool with expert layering techniques, providing superior insulation and moisture management. This technology traps warmth while allowing your skin to breathe, keeping feet fresh all day.
  
• Tested in Extreme Arctic Conditions: Designed and tested in below-zero Arctic environments, our merino wool socks ensure reliable warmth no matter how long youspend on the water.
  
• Durable for Rugged Outdoor Use: Built tough to withstand rough environments with reinforced heels and toes, these wool socks offer additional durability.
  
• Natural Odour Resistance & Comfort: Merino wool naturally resists odours and reduces sweat build-up, so your feet stay comfortable and fresh throughout the day.

Unfortunately, socks made entirely from pure wool tend to have a limited lifespan due to wool’s natural properties. While wool is prized for its warmth, softness, and moisture-wicking abilities, it inherently lacks strong abrasion and wear resistance. This means that when subjected to the constant friction and pressure experienced during daily wear, pure wool socks can quickly become worn out, develop holes, or lose their shape.

Given the heavy wear and tear socks endure, manufacturers often blend wool with synthetic fibers to enhance durability without sacrificing the natural benefits of wool. One commonly used synthetic fiber is polyamide (also known as nylon), which provides excellent strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion. By incorporating polyamide into the fabric, socks become more resilient and retain their form and performance over extended periods.

In fact, the wool we use for our socks is already blended with 20% polyamide. This deliberate combination improves the durability of the wool yarn, ensuring that the socks maintain their softness and comfort while significantly extending their wear life. As a result, our wool-polyamide blend offers the perfect balance of natural warmth and toughness, making the socks both comfortable and long-lasting.

It is difficult to determine the lifespan of a sock, as it depends on many individual factors such as the intended use, the sock materials and its structure. For example, the lifespan of alpaca wool socks in everyday use is very short, as alpaca wool is not very resistant to abrasion and wear. Therefore, it is best suited for use as sleeping and lounge socks. On the other hand, socks with more synthetic fibres or, for example, a multi-layered structure bottom can last for years.

Still, it is not possible to draw any precise line as to which material will last a certain amount of time for each person and which will not. For example, the shoes worn with the socks,
the roughness of the soles of the feet, the fit of the sock and the surfaces on which the socks are walked on also contribute to the durability and lifespan of the sock. You can learn more about the materials in our online store's material information. We have also tried to describe the product's features and structures as accurately and as comprehensively as possible on our product pages.

Sock sizes measured “relaxed” can vary significantly, even among socks labeled the same size. Factors such as material composition, construction, and elasticity all influence these variations. However, socks of the same size generally have the same stretch capacity, meaning they will extend to the same size when worn, despite differing measurements when unstretched.

Therefore, there is usually no need to worry about size differences. But if a sock feels completely wrong on your foot, it's a good idea to check the inside of the sock leg to confirm that the knitted size matches the label.

Additionally, we recommend washing our wool-based and ski socks at least once before use. This initial wash helps the socks adjust to their proper size and shape, ensuring optimal fit and comfort.