At Laetts, innovation has always been at the heart of our journey. What started with ski socks designed for comfort and performance soon evolved into something bigger. When a dedicated fly fisher challenged us to create socks warm enough for standing in icy waters, we knew it was time to push the limits of warmth and technology. This is the story of how Laetts expanded into the world of fly fishing with socks that deliver unmatched warmth, comfort, and durability.
Laetts' Origins: From Ski Slopes to Fishing Streams
Laetts began with a focus on improving ski socks, combining HygroHeat™ and BootGlide™ technologies to maximize comfort and convenience. In our first year of marketing, we caught the attention of Allen, owner of Angler’s Den—a boutique shop specializing in fishing gear. Allen loved our socks so much he even wore them to bed. He challenged us to make an even warmer version, specifically for fly fishing.
The Unique Demands of Fly Fishing
Fly fishing requires a specialized layering system to keep anglers' feet warm and dry in freezing waters. The typical setup includes three essential layers:
- Socks: Warm, moisture-wicking socks made from materials like Merino wool and high-tech yarns to provide insulation and prevent odor.
- Neoprene Booties: Waterproof and insulating, these black booties fit over socks and act as a barrier against icy water.
- Wading Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots that provide traction and protection while fitting securely over the neoprene booties.
These layers work together to combat the cold, but anglers standing still in freezing water still face unique challenges. Conventional fly fishing socks are designed for maximum warmth, often consisting of 80% Merino wool paired with 20% synthetic fibers like nylon, spandex, and rubber. These socks are fully terry-knitted to trap warmth effectively. For Laetts to enter this market, we knew we needed to offer something exceptional using advanced technology.
The Laetts Solution: Combining Warmth with Technology
Our solution was twofold. First, we adopted HygroHeat™ yarn, renowned for its far-infrared warmth, lightweight insulation, and resistance to cold. This yarn is also breathable, anti-pilling, and odor-resistant. To maintain the synergy seen in our other socks, we combined HygroHeat™ with Merino wool as the surface yarn, delivering optimal warmth, dryness, and odor control. This innovative combination makes Laetts socks warmer than conventional Merino socks, owing to the synergy of both materials.
Additionally, for the first time, Laetts followed the convention of full terry knitting to meet the specific demands of fishing socks. This ensures maximum insulation and warmth, ideal for anglers standing in icy waters.
The result was our Fishing Heavy+ Merino Thermal Socks heaviest socks to date, weighing 210g/pair (size L).
Two Versions: Choice of Weight and Warmth
For variety, we also developed a lighter version of the fishing socks by blending the two yarns into a single thread. This unique process evenly distributes the features of both yarns, maximizing their combined benefits. To differentiate the socks further, we reduced the weight of the second version to 160g/pair (size L), giving customers a choice based on their preferences.
Feedback from the Fly Fishing Community
By the end of October, both fishing socks were distributed to the fly fishing community for trials. The response was overwhelmingly positive—users praised them as the warmest socks they had ever worn. Some anglers even requested a crew-length version, which is now in development and set to debut in the coming season.
Pushing Boundaries with Laetts Innovation
Laetts continues to push boundaries, combining technology and innovation to meet the unique demands of outdoor enthusiasts. These fishing socks mark a significant step forward in our journey to deliver unparalleled comfort and performance in all conditions.