FAQs

Does the world really need another merino wool sock company?

There are quite a few companies out there, but there's more to TEKO than just merino socks. We're committed to making a difference, by researching and using the most sustainable yarns and production processes we can find to make the best-performing socks on the planet. We view socks as performance baselayer for your feet and that's how we approach our design with a meticulous attention to detail and an understanding that there is no one fibre that can do it all.

You guys keep talking about "performance", but I just want a sock for walking and day hiking, not climbing Everest!

TEKO socks aren't just for hardcore athletes. Walkers and hikers like TEKO for the same reasons that ultra-marathon runners and Himalayan climbers do — they're super comfortable. TEKO's combination of great fit and the highest-quality materials mean your feet stay happy and comfortable all day long.  We have developed 'socks4socks' for our lifestyle, everyday socks so when you buy a pair of these socks, we give a pair to a person in need.

Tell me more about the merino wool use?

  • We buy our merino wool from two different sources; Argentina and USA. 
  • The animals are mulesing-free.
  • Much of the mustering is done on horse-back, preserving native grasses.
  • All of our merino from Argentina is treated with a Bluesign®-certified, chlorine-free, shrink resistance treatment this is why we call it M3RINO.XC (the 'XC' stands for excludes chlorine and for some people extra comfort! The '3' stands for no itch, no shrink, no smell)
  • We use non-toxic dyes approved to the highest international standards.
  • Our socks meet the demands of the Oekotex 100 standard, which ensures no harmful substances are used in processed textiles.

Why do you use a chlorine-free shrink-proofing process for your merino wool?

Normally a chlorine wash process is used on all wool to eliminate the possibility of shrinking in the washing machine and the dryer. This is called the Chlorine-Hercosett-System and has been an economical shrink-proofing solution since it was developed in the 1950's. Chlorine works really well for this, but it results in waste-water containing extremely high levels of the bleach which is bad for the environment.  

TEKO is committed to using only chlorine-free methods and have been doing so for many years now.

If your merino wool is so great, why do you guys make recycled synthetic socks?

Merino wool is hard to beat for insulation and moisture management. Merino stays warm when its wet. However, if you find yourself working out hard in a hot or humid environment, (think high temperature/humidity - the gym!) our EVAPOR8 ULTRALIGHT microfibre yarns are hard to beat. 

How can I evaluate the quality of a sock before I buy?

Turn it inside out. Check out the finish on the cuff, the heel and toes. Feel the toe seam to ensure it's perfectly flat. Even some expensive sock companies have prominent, uncomfortable toe seams (would this be a good time to mention that TEKO socks have seamless toes?) with large knots at the end. Less than ideal and a potential blister hazard.

What's the best way to make my merino wool socks last longer?

Merino wool does a lot of things well, but it's a somewhat delicate fiber, which makes it vulnerable to abrasion. Try to avoid walking around in just your socks, especially on a hard floor. Before you wash your socks, brush off any dirt and debris and turn them inside out. Use the gentle, warm wash cycle and a gentle soap like Ecover. The water temperature should not be higher than 30 Celsius. You can put your M3RINO.XC socks in the dryer on low heat, but like all your clothes, they'll last longer if you hang-dry them.

How should I care for my TEKO socks?

The first thing to say is that merino wool is naturally anti-microbial so your socks do not need to be washed so often. To save water and energy and to be kind to the environment please wash at 30c and air dry. The spin speed should be a maximum of 800 rpm. 

How can I contact you guys directly?

Right here! info@tekoforlife.co.uk