Fit is crucial for socks – especially for active, athletic women.

“When it comes to performance requirements, women’s standards are just as high, maybe higher, than men’s,” said Kris Dahlgren, director of marketing for Dahlgren Footwear.

That’s why Dahlgren Footwear, a top manufacturer of technical socks since 1979, is introducing a new line of women’s socks designed specifically for a woman’s smaller, more narrow foot. Dismissing the “pink it and shrink it” philosophy of some manufacturers, Dahlgren Footwear constructed their new women’s styles to the same exacting standards as the rest of their line of high performance, technical socks, but with a customized fit designed just for women.

“Fit is the number one complaint women have about unisex socks,” said Dahlgren. “Socks that bunch or are loose-fitting can be very distracting on a run or hike. Women take their outdoor sports just as seriously as men and they deserve socks that perform – with moisture wicking abilities, durability and breathability.”

She said the company is initially introducing five women-specific styles: backpacking, light hiking, running, outdoor cross training and walking. Specifics on the styles include:

  • Backpacking (crew) in grey, marine and eggplant,
  • Light Hiking (crew) in grey, burnt orange, ocean, plum and slate
  • Running (ankle) in pink, black and white
  • Outdoor XT (crew) in coal, lime & charcoal, charcoal & apricot, and charcoal & pink
  • Walking (ankle) in black, khaki, white, sky and herb

The women’s socks will be available in small (4-6 shoe size), medium (7-9) and large (10 and up). The new styles are expected to hit retailers in early spring, 2006.

Dahlgren is well known in the outdoor industry for introducing alpaca to performance socks. Alpaca is considered softer and more durable than traditional wool and has incredible thermal and moisture-absorbing properties. Dahlgren socks combine baby and adult alpaca yarns with Merino wool for outstanding moisture wicking, comfort and breathability.

Additionally, Dahlgren’s patented “zone construction” places natural fibers to absorb moisture in areas that perspire the most – the toe and heel. Synthetic fibers, in the arch and instep areas, are designed to transfer the moisture up and out of the sock. The result? Comfortable, dry feet – even in high intensity sports such as running and backpacking. Sport-specific socks styles include skiing, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, cycling, running, walking and cross training.