The Perfect Height
Mid-calf socks strike the perfect balance when it comes to length. Not too short and not too tall, they offer just the right amount of coverage to ensure comfort without sacrificing style. This versatile length makes mid-calf socks suitable for a wide range of occasions, from casual outings to formal settings, making them a wardrobe staple for both men and women.
Versatility in Style
Whether you're donning a pair of sneakers, loafers, or dress shoes, mid-calf socks seamlessly complement various styles. Their length ensures that they won't slip down uncomfortably into your shoes, providing a polished and put-together look. From business attire to laid-back casual wear, mid-calf socks effortlessly adapt to your style, enhancing your overall aesthetic.
Comfortable All-Day Wear
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, mid-calf socks excel in comfort. The extended length provides additional support to the calf, preventing friction and irritation that can occur with shorter socks. The right blend of materials ensures breathability, making mid-calf socks suitable for all-day wear without compromising on comfort.
Seasonal Adaptability
Mid-calf socks are not bound by seasonal constraints. They offer the perfect compromise, providing warmth during cooler months without the excess material that can make feet feel stuffy in warmer weather. This adaptability makes mid-calf socks a year-round accessory, seamlessly transitioning with the changing seasons.
Elevated Sock Visibility
For those who appreciate the subtle details that complete an outfit, mid-calf socks offer just the right amount of visibility. Whether you choose a classic solid color or opt for playful patterns, the visible cuff of mid-calf socks adds a touch of sophistication and individuality to your ensemble.
In the world of socks, the mid-calf variety stands out as a versatile, comfortable, and stylish choice. The next time you're considering your sock drawer, give mid-calf socks the attention they deserve and step into a world where style and comfort coexist seamlessly. And of course, Neon Bandits offers a variety of mid-calf sock styles that will have your feet feeling comfortable and you looking stylish all day long.
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All Neon Bandits socks feature a padded footbed and heel, mesh arch support and won’t slip down your leg. Oh, and also we think that our designs make quite the splash, on and off the court.
As pickleball continues to take the country by storm, do yourself a favor and make sure that your feet are protected. The right socks and shoes could be the difference between making your body feel great. And if you're in the market for some new pickleball socks, we know that Neon Bandits socks would be a great option for any pickleball player; whether you are just starting our playing or are a seasoned professional.
Why are we doing this? We have seen and experienced the challenges of running a small business during a global pandemic, and have worked alongside countless small business partners and customers that have their livelihoods on the line. Over the past 18+ months, businesses are being stretched in ways that they never thought was imaginable. Issues include, but are not limited to:
All of these issues are making it incredibly challenging for small businesses to compete with the “big guys,” let alone to win. Take it from a Boston-based Bonetown Burgers. They shared on Twitter some of the pricing challenges that they are facing:
These challenges that businesses are facing are very real. And while we would love to be able to help these businesses, we don’t have a huge reach or budget. But we are going to try to do our part to help.
To help support some small businesses we know and love, we'll be highlighting their custom socks and shouting out where they can be purchased. To stay in the loop on this, you can do one (or all three) of these items:
If you are able to we encourage you to shop small, and shop early this holiday season.
*Our feature photo is of Bron at Broncore Fitness. If you are in the Boston area, hit him up for some great body-burning workouts!
]]>To dive deep into why our socks for breweries are a pint above the rest, read on.
Our socks are knit in
The designs of our socks are actually knit into the sock- never dyed nor embroidered.
This means that no matter how many times you wash or wear your favorite Neon Bandit brewery socks, the socks colors will not fade and the socks structure won't change; so forget about the socks slipping down your leg.
Custom designs
Each and every one of our brewery socks is unique to the partner that we work with. Want a complex design that has writing on the foot? No problem! Want a design that matches your limited release can art? We’ve got you covered. Our custom socks are anything but cookie-cutter, so you can see your vision come to life on a sock.
Custom sock height
In addition to fully customizing and curating the sock design, we can create any height sock you are looking for - from a no-show sock to a high-knee sock and anything in between.
Custom sock blend
Lastly, we are able to offer a variety of sock blends for brewery customers to choose from to ensure they're creating a sock for where their customer is going next. Based in Jackson Hole? We can offer a thermalite blend that is perfect for chilly days shredding the slopes. On the Boston Marathon Route? We can design your sock using our performance running blend.
We offer full bespoke socks for each and every partner that we work with; ready to learn more about our custom sock program for breweries? Drop us a line to learn more about our process and to talk about socks for you, today!
]]>Whether you are trying to walk a mile or run a marathon, your feet will be the vehicle that gets you to the finish line. And you want to be certain that you are keeping your feet healthy and happy along the way.
Here are five tips for healthy and happy feet:
Not sure what sock is right for you? Learn more about choosing the sock that's right for you!
]]>By understanding the basics of why socks are important for you, you will be setting yourself up to live a healthier lifestyle.
We’ve compiled a list of five reasons as to why socks matter. So the next time you put on a pair of socks, you will have a better understanding of how and why they matter:
Socks are shown to help with your overall health.
Socks are important for the overall health of your feet; socks absorb moisture and also prevent rubbing, chaffing, and painful blisters. The right sock should provide cushioning to the ball of the foot and heel, to keep the foot comfortable and warm. Looking for some extra support? Consider a sock with an arch support.
Socks keep your feet warm, and dry! (And help with smells)
Wearing socks keeps feet dry and also prevents fungus and conditions like athlete's foot. Also did you know your feet have thousands of sweat glands? Wear socks with closed toe shoes and keep smells at bay.
Depending on what type of climate you live in (warm, cold, etc), it’s important to choose the right sock to match your activity level when you are outside. We broke down sock blends here.
Socks can help you sleep better
Wearing socks in bed is shown to increase blood flow to feet, supporting better body temperature management. This can help a person get to sleep quicker. Just remember clean socks are happy socks! Get into bed with clean, dry socks.
Socks are great for dry feet.
Have you ever had dry, scaly feet? Consider moisturizing and then popping on a clean pair of cotton-based socks to support in advanced hydration. Also wearing socks regularly can prevent dry feet. Wearing breathable socks allows your feet to sweat less and dry out from excess moisture loss.
Give back with socks.
Did you know that one of the most requested items at shelters is socks? Homeless individuals can be on their feet all day and if damp or cold, it can be incredibly hazardous, especially as temperatures drop. Cold weather + wet socks can lead to frostbite and if not treated, can lead to amputation.
If you're planning on placing a sock order, consider ordering an extra pair to donate!
The next time you go to your sock drawer, take some time to think about the function behind the sock you are putting on so you set your body up to feel good. And of course, if you want the sock designed for all that life throws at you, consider getting a pair of Neon Bandits.
]]>What are your favorite socks and how are you wearing them? Send us a picture on Instagram @neonbandits.
]]>To wear a Neon Bandit sock perfectly, follow the guide and graphic below:
We aren’t trying to be rocket scientists- we just want you to look good, is that too hard to ask?
]]>The big 4 sock fibers are acrylic, cotton, nylon and wool. When we were first developing Neon Bandits, we spent about two years testing multiple variations of yarn blends to create the ultimate sock for the on-the-go individual. And today, we explain the “why” behind our material choice(s).
The base of all Neon Bandits socks is acrylic. The Neon Bandits brand is all about being active and acrylic is a fiber that is inherently moisture wicking and snug (since it's elastic). Acrylic fibers really do keep your feet moisture-free and happy all day long, no matter the activity. Additionally, acrylic fibers retain their shape better than cotton, which often loses its shape when damp. Saggy socks? No thank you! Neon Bandits don’t lose their shape or start slipping over time.
As alluded to, cotton doesn’t have moisture wicking qualities and dampens quickly. When trapped in a shoe, this damp sock can cause a lot of discomfort (and blisters, ick). Some people do like cotton because it’s a natural fiber, but for us, it’s more of a “sitting” sock. Sweat or get wet and you’re out of luck. Cotton doesn’t fit with the Neon Bandits lifestyle.
Why not nylon? Though considered very durable, nylon socks aren't known for keeping feet odor free... catch our drift? We’re open to sock blends that have nylon as a complementary fabric because it supports in creating great elasticity, but from our experiences, we wouldn’t advise for it to be the primary material in the sock.
The foot of our performance running socks always contains wool because of its outstanding absorption qualities; wool can absorb as much as 30% of its own weight in moisture before even feeling damp. Wool also dries super quickly which is important in a performance sock. At Neon Bandits, we like to use wool moderation; we’ve found that too much wool creates a great deal of friction, making it tough to wear the sock for extended periods of time.
Have questions about how to choose the sock that’s right for you? Drop us a line.
And of course, check out our socks and grab a pair for yourself!
]]>We’ve learned a lot about business and ourselves in founding and running Neon Bandits over the past 4+ years and have put together a list of the 3 challenges that we have faced and how we have overcome them. If you’re thinking about going out on your own, or contemplating a side-hustle, reach-out! We would love to share more of our experiences and support you on that journey.
Challenge One: Having no (or very limited) budget.
When it comes to marketing, terms like “content” and “influencer marketing” are often thrown around as ways to grow your brand. And these tactics can cost a lot of money if you are not careful. However, we’ve found that you don’t need to pay top dollar to get great content.
We’ve had success reaching out to individual Instagram accounts that matched the look and feel and vibe that we were after. We offered these accounts free socks in exchange for quality, fun content of the product being worn. Though this can be manual, if you devote an hour or two a week to do this you will get diverse content that can be used across social media and the web.
Similarly, know what your core competencies are and fill in the blanks in creative ways. For example, consider tapping into friends and peers that may be able to support your business or take on a task that could otherwise cost a lot of budget. You could also look to local college students and offer internships to them in exchange for real world, hands-on experience. We had success working this way to get the website up and running and even today, we get creative with the development of some of our design assets by tapping into local colleges to find student interns to help us with some design work.
The lesson: think outside of the box. Not everything needs to cost big bucks to be meaningful. Know your teams core competencies and look to fill in the gaps through scrappy tactics.
Challenge Two: How to evolve your business model? On the fly…
When we first launched Neon Bandits, we only wanted to sell our own designs, we did not want to go into the custom side of the business. And while the customers and retail accounts that purchased our socks, loved them, they kept asking us to make custom socks. We initially said no, this was not part of the business that we set out to build. We were not in the business of making custom socks; we wanted people to come to our site, love our product and buy socks. However, the reality of it was that it didn't happen this way and getting traffic to our site was difficult and expensive.
Though we initially resisted customization, we gave in and decided to give it a try since our sales were pretty modest. The result? The first year offering custom socks, we more than 5x’d our sales. Had we been stubborn and inflexible and not evolved our model and accepted customer feedback, we likely have been a start-up statistic.
The lesson: be adaptable and open to change. Just because you plan to run your business a certain way doesn’t mean that that’s how you have to actually have to do it. One of the benefits of being an entrepreneur is that you can make your own decisions, and try things out without the pressure of corporate “KPIs”.
Challenge Three: Competing against much larger brands and businesses.
We are a sock brand and have lots of competition. Pretty much all of our competitors have a larger budget and more resources than us. Rather than sit and pout about our lack of resources, we found a way around it (and you can too).
One thing that you can do that is free, is to go out and cultivate strong relationships with customers and prospects. A good relationship with a customer or prospect is more valuable than anything money can buy.
Being timely with your communication, respectful of the customer / prospects time and clearly communicating expectations are three areas that we pride ourselves on and helped us maintain and build strong relationships. Don’t think that this works? Well these are three areas that we pride ourselves on and you can check out what some of our customers are saying about us here.
The lesson: not everything costs money and human-to-human connection is still incredibly important. Take time, be patient and listen. Your customer will be your biggest asset in going against competition.
When you run a business you are undoubtedly going to run into some challenges. And it can be easy to get frustrated and get down on yourself but we’ve found that acknowledging it and attacking it head-on has worked well for us. What are the lessons you’ve learned? Share them with us and our community by commenting below! Also, want to see what all the five-star fuss is about? We encourage you to give our socks a try so you can see first hand why a customer recently called our socks “the most comfortable pair of socks that they own”.
]]>If you are just starting to plan your travel plans for the year, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of 6 of the best long weekend destinations. When we were coming up with our list, we took a few factors into play:
With this in mind, here are our recommendations of 6 destinations to spend a long(ish) weekend at:
Arizona
With picture perfect sunshine and no humidity, Arizona offers a great variety of outdoor activities. Once you are in the Valley of the Sun, you can either stick around the Phoenix / Scottsdale area and enjoy some nice hikes on the Camelback Mountain, hit the links for a round of golf and enjoy a great food scene or head out to Sedona. Sedona is about two hours from Phoenix, but feels like a world away with its picturesque red mountains. Explore the mountains by either going for a hike along the renowned Cathedral Rock hike or taking a “Pink Jeep” tour. The Pink Jeep tour will rock you from side to side as your Jeep traverses over rocky terrain providing a fun and exhilarating experience.
Portugal
If you are looking to hop across the pond and blend exploring a city with the beach, head to Portugal. Plan on spending a day or two touring around Lisbon to check out the unique culture and architecture. The best way to see it all in a short time period is to take a tour with “We Hate Tourism.” This tour provider provides a fun, educational and adventurous tour of Lisbon and the surrounding areas. You will feel like you have seen it all after you have taken one of these tours. After you are done in Lisbon, hop on a train and head about three hours away to Faro which is located in the coastal region of the country (known as the Algarve). With so many activities to take in and sights to see, you can lay on the cliff-lined beaches, explore areas such Cape St. Vincent to see a lighthouse from the 1800s or find a local restaurant and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
Marco Island
Florida’s southwest coast is home to Marco Island. With wide beaches and warm water, Marco Island is perfect for those looking for a beach getaway. However, you can tire yourself out before lying on the beach by exploring the local bike or running paths or doing yoga on the beach. If you are looking for an adventure on the water, book an exploration with Backwater Adventures. This action packed tour has you weaving between small islands and getting up close and personal to some Florida wildlife such as dolphins and manatees. The tour should build up your appetite and depending on what you are in the mood to eat, check out two of our favorite restaurants which are conveniently right next to each other in The Oyster Society (which serves primarily seafood and has some of the best cornbread that you will ever taste) and Da Vinci (an Italian restaurant with a great chicken parm).
Vail
Known for its skiing, Vail is much more than just a winter destination if you are thinking of a Spring getaway. Grab a bike and peddle through Vail village and the surrounding neighborhoods to explore the unique setting. Once you catch your breath, hop in the car and drive an hour to Glenwood Springs to hike Hanging Lake. While the hike features a steep incline, you will be rewarded at the top with a picturesque scene unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Take it from someone who has done it, pack prepared for all of the elements and be sure to plan ahead for the hike as you need to get a permit prior to the hike, which is done to control crowds on the relatively narrow hiking path. The permit includes transportation to and from the trailhead, which again is due to control the crowds; you cannot drive to the trailhead. After the long hike, grab some food and drinks at the Glenwood Canyon Brewery.
Dana Point
San Diego and LA get all of the attention in Southern California, but Dana Point, which is about halfway between the two is a great ocean-side town to explore. Take in the stunning views by going for a drive along the famous Route 1. Whether you head north or south on Route 1, you will run into many great coastal towns to explore, all a short distance from Dana Point. Huntington Beach and Catalina Island are two great towns to explore the local shops and eateries. If driving isn’t your thing, you can hop in a kayak and see it all from the water.
Charleston
If you are looking for an adventure that’s a bit different check out Charleston, South Carolina. With that “Old Southern” charm and bright colors (and of course famous Pineapple water fountain pictured below), Charleston is brimming with great food, history and hospitality. If fried chicken is your thing, head to our friends at Leon’s (and be sure to grab a pair of some custom socks that we created). After you are done eating you may need to walk off the meal. Peruse the City Market to shop for local gifts or take a horse and buggy ride to explore the historic streets of Charleston from a unique vantage point. If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the streets, a short drive away from Charleston is the Isle of Palms. Here you will find an area that is a bit less crowded than Charleston and plenty of space to lay on the beach. Be sure to explore the neighborhoods right on the beach, as you will see gorgeous houses with unique architecture.
Martha’s Vineyard
Ok you may need to wait a few months to make the most of your trip to Martha’s Vineyard, but we couldn’t leave it off this list. Located a short ferry ride off the coast of Cape Cod, this popular summer destination is the perfect place to rent a bike (steps after you land on the island) and explore. The 6 mile bike ride from Oak Bluffs to Edgartown hugs the ocean and will have you pass right over the famous Jaws Bridge. If you are looking for a thrill, jump right off the Jaws Bridge and into the ocean. Once in Edgartown, choose from a variety of local restaurants and breweries (including our friends at Bad Martha Brewing) while taking in the great small-town New England feel.
Ok, we don’t know about you, but putting this list together has made us want to go book our next long weekend adventure. As you can probably tell from our recommendations, we really don’t like to sit still for too long wherever we are. In fact, our “on-the-go” mindset was a big inspiration for Neon Bandits. We wanted to create a pair of socks that was durable, breathable and comfortable for situations like for example, traveling where you are on the move constantly.
So before you book your trip, be sure to #grabapair (or two) of Neon Bandits to take along with you on your travels. ]]>Looking back at last winter, Sammy and I were worried about replicating what we had accomplished in 2018 in the year ahead. We were both transitioning to new full-time jobs, and had more than doubled our sock business from 2017 to 2018. The challenge was going to be real, and we knew we were going to have to put our heads down and be thoughtful to continue to win.
Now looking back at the past year, it’s clear that we applied everything that we have learned so far as small business owners to make 2019 the best year yet. These learnings are nothing too complicated, but they helped us tremendously and we wanted to share them with you in the event that you are trying to launch your own side hustle or are a small business owner yourself.
Our three “big” learnings from 2019 are nothing revolutionary and some would even consider them the basics. However, they’ve been our guiding principles that have led to another great year of growth for Neon Bandits.
You can check out some of our work from this year below and follow along our Instagram account to see even more of our custom socks.
Thank you for being with us through the learnings and the growth. We couldn’t do this without you.
Happy holidays and thank you for your continued support!
Mud City Crabhouse x Neon Bandits
Forsake x Neon Bandits
The Honeypaw x Neon Bandits
City Built Brewing x Neon Bandits
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As a small business, we learned quickly that being proactive is a key to success. After missing holiday orders our first year, we re-structured our business and made holiday sock conversations a priority.
From a consumer stand-point, we understand that it may feel a little early to be planning sock orders for November and December at the start of summer. However, our custom socks have a longer lead time (between 70-90 days) because our socks are knit-in.
Our goal is to bring the most durable and unique socks to market, not just any socks. And having a sock that features knit-in design allows us to do just that. Knit-in socks take longer to produce because the yarns need to be dyed; which is a process that takes time. Once completed, we work with the factory to “graph” the design so it can be programmed into the machine for knitting. After this step is completed, the socks are knit which is a process unto itself (we won’t geek out on the details here).
Now that you understand why a knit-in sock takes longer to develop let's take you through some of the benefits of working with us on a custom sock:
Sammy and I pride ourselves on every sock design we work on being unique. We do not take a partners logo and slap it onto a sock. We take the time to collaborate with each partner that we work with to understand their brand so we can design a unique and thoughtful sock. You can check out some of our past designs here and on our Instagram.
Now, are you ready to talk custom socks with us? Drop us a note and we can get the conversation going!
]]>A bit of background on Cory… He moved to Boston from New Hampshire in 1999 with his husband Joe. He’s been in the hair industry for 20 years & currently works at MOP Hair Salon in the South End of Boston. He started running 11 years ago (at age 31) and began racing a few years after that.
We were first introduced to Cory via his running with the Heartbreakers and guiding with Team with a Vision (both of which are partners of Neon Bandits). Cory started running with the Heartbreakers after chatting with the staff at the Heartbreak Hill Running Company and found that “there was a wide range of abilities and everyone was there to work hard and be better,” and added “my running has improved immensely and I gained friends who I can't imagine my life without.”
Cory became a running guide for Team with A Vision (TWAV) after his friend guided a visually impaired runner in the Boston Marathon in 2015. The team was looking for fast guides that could guide some of their speedy athletes and Cory’s friend suggested he reach-out. After registering on the United In Stride website, Cory was contacted by Kyle Robidoux from The Massachusetts Association For The Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) who informed Cory that he would be training him as a sighted guide.
Cory thus began volunteering with the Massachusetts’s Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired as a sighted guide, and he and Kyle trained together in the Fall of 2015/ Spring 2016 as Kyle prepared for the Boston Marathon. In 2017, Cory completed his first marathon raising nearly $13,000 for MABVI.
The city of Boston and it’s passion for running inspires Cory, “everywhere you go, no matter the weather, people are out there running. I used to be inspired by elite athletes and I still am to a degree, but the people who inspire me most are my amazing teammates who show up to work hard.”
We are huge fans of Cory for the work he does building communities and connections and of course since he chooses to wear Neon Bandits to compliment his active and energetic lifestyle. We asked Cory why he liked our socks so much, and this is what he had to say:
Well first, the socks are great. They stay up and have a slightly retro feel which I love as I'm a child of the 80's. I also love that you're a local Massachusetts company like my other favs Tracksmith and Janji. I wore Neon Bandits in last year's monsoon of a Boston Marathon (custom TWAV ones!) and they performed amazingly. No chaffing, even though my feet were soaked a mile in. I also love that you guys made a bunch with the Heartbreak Hill logo. I am a sucker for anything with the Heartbreakers logo on it.
Be sure to catch Cory running around town, and give him a follow on social, @cory1976g, to check out his perfect pairings of Neon Bandits, regardless of the weather. Who knows, we may just have to take his design input on our future running socks- he’s got a great sense of style!
]]>Instead of a "Small Business Saturday," consider this our Small Business Season! We hope you find a new sock design that you love and need to have, or are simply inspired to shop local and small this holiday season.
Below are some of the socks that we have had the pleasure of developing:
Forsake
This holiday season, we're thrilled to be working with Boston-based boot company, Forsake. We've been big fans of these guys high quality and versatile shoes for years and have loved working alongside them to develop socks to compliment two of their newest boot color ways.
Condesa Coffee
With a motto of “Kind People. Specialty Coffee.” we knew as soon as we started talking to these guys that their socks were going to be special. Pick up a pair of these bean-inspired socks at one of their Atlanta locations.
Ultimate Ninjas
We love working with American Ninja Warriors and our new friends at Ultimate Ninjas are no exception. With four locations in the Mid-West, they’re training the next generation of epic athletes.
Goose Island
Though perhaps not a "small business" anymore, at one point in time, Goose Island was an independent craft brewery. And while they perhaps have grown a bit since we love how they support small businesses, like Neon Bandits!
The Heartbreak Hill Running Company
Our longtime partners at the Heartbreak Hill Running Company have brought in some awesome new socks for the holiday season. Be sure to check out their Christmas themed mix & match running socks, perfect for the seasons jingle runs. (Or to festive up your training runs.)
Wild Scoops
If you can believe it, ice cream in Alaska is kind of a big deal which is why we were psyched to partner with Wild Scoops on another sock design, just in time for the holidays. We agree with their motto, it's never too cold for ice cream!
Interested in gifting Neon Bandits this holiday season? Be sure to sign up for our emails and follow along our Instagram account to be notified of special holiday deals, dropping all season long.
]]>While winter may seem like a long way away, we have spent our summer prepping for it. And no, we haven't been hoarding shovels, or doing constant squats to get ready for ski season (although our legs and calves are always on point), but rather, we've been knee deep designing socks with our incredible partners for their holiday orders.
We officially kicked off holiday planning in May and it's been non-stop since. All throughout the summer, we've been heads down, pushing ourselves to continue to crank out new and unique designs. We pride ourselves on never taking a templated approach to custom sock design; each sock that we design is totally different and special to our customer. This combined with the quality of our socks has created many happy customers and solid repeat business for us, which as a young company is the best type of business for us.
Check back regularly starting in October, as we begin to share the newest sock designs, and announce our newest partners. And if you are interested in socks for your company, team or business this holiday season (they make an outstanding gift), we have a couple of weeks left to make it happen-- reach out ASAP!
]]>Just like Neon Bandits, Ohio Dreams is a family run and operated business. Athletes ranging from 7 to 17 years old from all over the globe travel to their campus in Butler to attend the camp to take their respected action sports skills (skateboarding, scootering, skiing, BMX riding and even snowboarding) to the next level. The camps signature activity is the world famous “Slip N Fly.” Pictured below, this slip-n-slide on steroids launches people straight into the air and into a pool for an epic splash landing. (Also a great way to practice ski/ snowboard tricks with a softer landing...)
So how is Neon Bandits involved? Our socks are being worn by camp counselors and are also being used as prizes at competitions that the camp hosts throughout the summer. Be sure to stay tuned to our social media channels as we highlight some great footage that we get from these incredible action sports athletes throughout the summer!
]]>June 16th, the team of 8 riders (+ many others in crew and support) will begin the race literally across America. They are the first RAAM team with all blind stokers. By taking on this challenge, the team and crew hope to highlight the collaboration, intelligence and perseverance all present within the human spirit. And show just how capable all humans are. Through both the race and strategic media outreach, the team will also be raising awareness about the disappointing employment rate of the blind.
To learn more about Team Sea to See, please visit their website and be sure to follow along their journey June 12-25. We’ll be highlighting snapshots as they come in on our own Instagram Story (@neonbandits) and we’re excited to say the team will be rocking custom limited edition cycling socks throughout their journey! (Pictures below) We’re proud to be able to support them in even this small way.
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We live in a society where everything has become specialized. It is held against you if you have a diverse skillset and a wide array of interests. A ten-year-old kid is being forced to specialize in one sport. What happened to being a special overall athlete? In the business world, it is no longer seen as an asset to the company if you are a well-rounded business person. You need to specialize in one specific area to be considered an asset. Businesses would rather have ten specialists all working in silos, rather than four employees who can do it all.
When we developed our first socks, our intention was to create a product that was diverse, durable and fun. We had zero intention of designing a product that could only be used in one scenario, or for one event, like many other types of socks. To us, this made our socks special.
We kept this mindset when developing our brand in parallel with our product; we designed the Neon Bandits brand to be bold, active and boundary pushing. To us, these are special traits.
So, this gets back to the original question that we get asked all of the time: what makes these socks special?
We could continue to give you the technical details of our sock… We could tell you our sock is special because of the breathable mesh arch, the reinforced heel and toe, the extra foot-bed cushioning, the non-slip calf, or the knit-in construction. But, from now on we are going to tell you that Neon Bandits are specialized in being special. Our socks are well-rounded. Our socks are versatile. Our socks are designed for anything your day throws your way. And to us, this versatility, this jack-of-all trades, this “oh yeah, I can do that” approach is what makes our socks and Neon Bandits special.
Our Instagram page has and will continue to be about what it means to be “specialized in being special.” Just because our society says that if you have more than one specialty, you are not special, know that to us, having more than one specialty is really what’s special. And don’t forget, Neon Bandits taught you that.
#grabapair
]]>The four designs that we launched with them are were designed to celebrate the famous Boston 26.2... the signature “mismatched” sock plays homage to the start and finish lines of the race- both iconic landmarks to the Boston Marathon runners. The black sock maps out the area around the starting line in Hopkinton, MA while the white sock maps out the details around the finish line in downtown Boston.
Check out the complete collection below and be sure to #grabapair of these socks from HB before they are gone!
]]>This year, we have partnered with a few local-to-Boston charity teams to develop socks for their runners to wear on race day. From now until race day, we will be highlighting the teams we are working with right here on our blog and on our Instagram page by showcasing the socks that were developed for them. First up? The incredible Team with a Vision.
For the past 25 years, members of Team with a Vision have shown the world that disability does not mean inability. The team fields an international team of runners who are visually impaired. Runners are joined by sighted guides and together they navigate the race. The team has been fostered and grown up as a part of Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The organization, the oldest social service agency in the country, delivers professional, peer, and volunteer support to more than 1,400 individuals who are blind or visually impaired in any given year. Their mission? Support those with vision loss to break barriers and create opportunities, and in doing so, to foster community and transform lives.
We are so happy to be working with such a great charity in our home town of Boston. When you're out cheering on race day (Monday, April 16th), be sure to cheer extra loud and proud for those running with Team with a Vision-- they are a true inspiration, and we can promise their socks will be on point.
If you are interested in volunteering or supporting Team with a Vision please check out MABVI.org or United Stride.
]]>As a young business, we’ve had our fair share of trying to figure out just who we wanted to be. We made some mistakes (as everyone does) that first year, and tried to be everything to everyone. While we were able to get points of distribution and develop great partnerships all across the country, we have spent the past few months getting back to the basics and focusing on developing ties with fellow Boston-brands to help build the Neon Bandits name while introducing some new types of socks to the market.
Over the course of the next several months, you will see what we consider to be our most exciting projects come to life thanks to us teaming up with fellow Bostonians. We looked within our home city to connect with some of the most exciting brands and businesses across the lifestyle and performance spaces to develop these new and custom socks.
Here’s a sneak peek of three projects that are just about to (or already have) dropped.
The Heartbreak Hill Running Company x Neon Bandits performance running sock
You read that right. And as you may have seen, we’re thrilled to be adding performance running socks to our portfolio. Go for a run in Boston and it’s hard not to notice runners wearing the iconic “broken heart” logo for the Heartbreak Hill Running Company. With three locations throughout the city (including one at Mile 20 of the Boston Marathon, where Heartbreak Hill starts to take its toll on runners) this specialty running store possesses the strongest brand among the Boston running community.
We were pumped when co-founders agreed to meet with us months ago, and were even more excited when they agreed we team-up to develop a performance running sock together. Over the course of the past few months, we have been working hand-in-hand with Dan and Justin to develop what we all consider to be a top of the line performance running sock. We combined their experience in the running space with our knowledge of socks to develop this unique new product. With three exclusive “Heartbreak” deigns set to drop in time for this holiday season (and more on the way for the Spring), you better run (pun intended) to #grabapair of these socks before they are gone.
Parlor Skis x Neon Bandits performance ski sock
Parlor Skis set out to change the way people order custom ski’s and well let’s just say that they have done just that. Also based out of Boston, founder Mark Wallace and his team have been blowing up the New England Ski scene with individually designed and crafted skis. With ski season just about here, Parlor wanted to be able to offer customers the ability to #grabapair of ski socks when they picked up their fresh skis for the season.
But they didn’t want an ordinary off-the-shelf ski sock. Since many of Parlor’s customers are performance skiers, we worked with them to build a streamlined and functional Thermalite ski sock to keep shredders comfortable on the slopes.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese x Neon Bandits
As one of the first food trucks to take to the streets in Boston years ago, James Sabatino of Roxy’s Grilled Cheese has turned his grilled cheese truck into an iconic staple of the Boston food scene. Now with four brick and mortar locations, in addition to many food trucks, Roxy’s has a following that simply needed some swag. We teamed up with James and his team to create a special edition grilled cheese sock. Yup, you read that right, a grilled cheese sock. One downside? Neon Bandits socks are not edible…
More details on where you can #grabapair of Roxy’s limited-edition socks to come. A portion of proceeds from these socks will be donated to support local schools.
We could not be more excited about these projects, as we’ve been able to work alongside experts in various spaces, and develop/ diversify our product offerings. What’s cooler? This is just the start to us “owning” Boston and we can’t wait to share some other local collaborations, as those continue to take flight. (Hint: “a flight” has something to do with an upcoming custom sock…)
Stay tuned to our blog and Instagram to keep up to date on our latest projects!
]]>We went through many rounds of samples by throwing them into the ultimate test scenario-- marathon training. Our co-founder (Dan) has been training for the Chicago Marathon (upcoming this weekend!), and he has been rigorously testing our prototypes on his training runs. Thanks to his feedback, in addition to some others within the running community in Boston, we are thrilled with the final product.
While we'll be launching this new running sock on our site in just a short while, we've developed a special one-of-a-kind sock for Dan to wear on race day this Sunday, paying homage to this renowned race. Don't want to miss out on the Neon Bandits performance running sock product drop and eager to #grabapair? Drop us a line, and we'll shoot you a quick note when the socks go live.
]]>These limited edition custom socks won't be available online and are only available through the Boston Children's Hospital Trust but we wanted to show off some of our fine work!
]]>We were excited when we first started talking with the Port City Brewing Company down in Virginia, and now with the final product in hand we could not be more proud of the final product. The sock that we collaborated on for PCBC is a modern take on an argyle sock and features two of the breweries prominent symbols, a pineapple (the symbol for hospitality) and a lighthouse.
Known for their distinctive craft beers made only from top notch ingredients, this brewery has trophy-case full of awards (don’t believe us, just check out their site). And the only way you're going to get your feet on a pair of these socks is by visiting them. Go say hi, sip a brew and #grabapair at Port City Brewing.
And stay tuned to the blog and our social channels to see some of the other custom projects that we are working on.
]]>Earlier this week, we launched The Yardarm and The Monomoy, both named for the camp that Dan and I spent many summers growing up. Stay tuned for more of those stories... Yes, you'll notice their fresh designs and their bold colorways, but you should also notice that these two styles are available in two sizes!
At Neon Bandits, we are listening and digesting your feedback. And size was something we were beginning to hear more often, as our consumer-base grew. Our newest styles are still offered in Neon Bandits original "one size" size, fitting men's shoe sizes 9-12, and are also now offered in a "medium" size, fitting men's shoe sizes 6-9. The latter size is perfect for tween, teen and many female feet.
We're really excited about both-- the new socks AND the new size offering, and look forward to your feedback!
We also can't wait to see where you take The Yardarm and The Monomoy this Spring and Summer, on all of your adventures. Be sure to tag your sock pics @neonbandits or use #grabapair so we can see how you sock it to 'um.
]]>A major point of differentiation (and one that us sock geeks love to boast about) between Neon Bandits and other socks, is that all of our socks feature knit-in design. When we create or develop a new style, or a custom design, we do just that—create and develop. All of our socks are built from the toe up via a process called circle stitching.
Having a sock that is knit-in means that everything from the yarn to the colors of the sock must be extremely well thought-out to translate into a design that is both functional and fun. Our designs compliment the structure of the sock. A couple of big perks of a knit-in sock? Knit-in socks maintain their structure and color—even with extreme wearing and washing.
The drawback? The development timeline of a knit-in sock is a bit more involved than a typical sock timeline, which does mean our lead-times for custom designs can run a little longer. The good news is that we’re always thinking ahead in terms of design and sampling, and continue to prioritize quality and customer satisfaction at the top of our list.
Thinking about a custom sock for your crew would be a great way to kick-off Spring and Summer? Us too!
]]>Now, we may be biased, but we’re strong believers that socks make the perfect gift. And here are five reasons why:
Go on and #GrabAPair for whoever this Valentines Day! And we can assure you that every order is packed with love. Feel the Neon Bandits difference.
]]>Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? How long have you been a trainer for?
I am originally from Bethlehem, PA, but moved to South Carolina in 2003 for graduate school and ultimately settled in Atlanta in 2007. I’ve been a coach and trainer for the past 8 years.
Tell us about Smugs Fitness- how long have you been around for?
Smugs Fitness was founded (officially) in 2012, but was conceived back in 2008 while I was working as a chemistry teacher during the day and moonlighting as a trainer in the early mornings and evenings. Smugs Fitness specializes in Personal Training and Small Group Training at our facility in the Historic Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta and we also offer customized Corporate Wellness Programs to a variety of businesses in Atlanta.
What is the most rewarding part of being a trainer?
When a client is able to see. What I mean by see, is that the grasp the big picture and can simplify the major components of health (Fitness, Nutrition, Sleep and Stress) to fit their lifestyle and incorporate habits into their lives that will improve their ability to live a long, higher quality life.
What is an exercise (or training routine) that you are really digging right now?
I’ve been spending majority of my training sessions the past year in working with Kettlebells using the StrongFirst methodology. Kettlebells are a fantastic tool for building strong, muscular and athletic humans. I have found Kettlebell training to be the most efficient form of training to yield the desired outcomes I have been seeking.
If you only have 30 minutes to train each day, what would you recommend?
It may be a little redundant based on my previous answer, but I’d get a kettlebell and do a full body workout consisting of Turkish Getups, Swings, Presses, Squats, Cleans and Snatches. I often post full body workouts and kettlebell complexes to my YouTube Channel, Website, Instagram, and Facebook pages. With these 6 movements, you’ll build a lean, strong, and muscular body. Additionally, the possibilities of workouts are endless just using these 6 movements! You won’t get bored!
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So, what’s ahead of 2017? While we can’t give away all our secrets, here’s a sneak-peak of what’s ahead:
Anything you want to see? Drop us a line (info@neonbandits.com) to let us know. 2017, we’re comin’ for ya.
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