A few years ago, we had a chance to demo a few pairs of Gordini Gloves and loved them. Since 1956, they’ve invested in the product development for gloves not the marketing, and it shows in their history of many firsts. Staying true to their founding motto of “keep hands warm and dry so you can stay outside longer”, they’ve now gone into the foot market as in high performance Gordini socks.
Cold Feet Are A Problem In Winter Sports
I can personally tell you that for many (if not most) skiers, snowboarders, and even winter hikers, this is a BIG problem. Not to call out any companies, but I haven’t found too many models and brands that do keep the feet warm. A lot of it has to do with boot fit especially for women snowboard boots. That doesn’t mean that socks couldn’t help.
Gordini Flips The Script
It seems as if the market has become stale on what’s possible. Use some high-quality merino wool, make sure the seams are nice, and voila it’s a good sock. Gordini’s direction wasn’t to just sell another sock in a saturated market but instead to change the game. And they’re doing this by investing in an Italian knitting technology that was previously used for only medical accessories. This technology allows them to strategically align yarns for performance and comfort in the knitting process which is something I haven’t personally seen before in a sock.
Technology Isn’t B.S.
We got ourselves a pair of their Craftsbury Socks, which is their heavyweight winter sock model. I could immediately see each of the features they call out in their technology page. Then as you flip it inside out you see HOW the Italian knitting technology was applied.
The Fit
As I slipped them on, I was shocked how soft they felt for such a heavy sock. Other heavy wool socks I’ve owned feel big and clunky. In fact, they feel soft as silk. Big where they need to be but not everywhere.
Weird… But Good
The weird thing was the Expanding OrbitKNIT™ ribbing at the cuff. I have no idea how they did it, but it didn’t have that normal “leave a mark it’s so tight” feel. Rather the sock stays secure but without the normal constriction.
Form IS The Function
One of my biggest pet peeves in socks is that they don’t feel comfortable in a shoe or boot. They have certain pinching points especially on my pinky toe. These don’t have that issue.
Word Of Caution
While your feet might be cold in ski boots or hiking boots, be VERY aware that the heavy lined Craftsbury Gordini Socks are thicker. These don’t fit well in my hiking boots since I use a custom insole. They do fit well in my Sorels and other winter shoes like my winterized Nikes. If you’re going to use them in your ski boots, consider picking up the ski specific ones. I’m looking forward to trying a pair of those this winter.
