In terms of size, socks may be small, but just like every other product on the market, they still have an environmental impact. Many socks are made from cotton, which when grown conventionally is a water- and pesticide- intensive crop, accounting for 16% of global insecticide releases. Add to that the fact that in the US, up to 70% genetically modified organism seeds are used in conventional cotton farming, and regular cotton socks aren’t looking so great anymore.

Beyond cotton, performance socks often use standard synthetic fabrics, like nylon or polyester. These fibers are both petroleum based, further deepening our dependence on a non-renewable resource. Fortunately for the eco-conscious, from recycled polyester to organic wool, progressive sock companies are incorporating alternative materials that reuse waste and eliminate hazardous chemicals associated with conventional fibers and farming, as well as instituting programs to give back to the environment, meaning there is a sock out there you can feel good about wearing.

Keep reading for your 7 sock tips.

Teko
Across its line of socks, Teko uses both recycled polyester – made from recycled plastic bottles – and organic cotton, and last fall added organic merino wool to its list of sustainable materials. Beyond sustainable fibers, all of Teko’s suppliers are Oeko-Tex 100 certified. Developed by a group of European textile institutes, the certification screens for the use of hazardous materials, helping Teko ensure that their socks, among other things, do not contain allergenic dyestuffs, are free from formaldehyde and have been tested for pesticides. Teko socks are also manufactured in the USA and all of the company’s energy use is offset with renewable wind energy credits. The minimal packaging that Teko uses is made from chipboard; derived from recycled materials and also 100% recyclable.

Injinji
Featuring a patented five-toe sleeve design, Injinji socks are anything but ordinary, designed to separate your toes which minimizes rubbing and blistering. But beyond helping to separate your toes, Injini is also doing its part to make its socks more sustainable. The company uses a variety of progressive fabrics in their various sock models, including Coolmax EcoMade, which is made from recycled plastic bottles, as well as the natural antimicrobial NuBamboo, a fabric made with 70% bamboo fiber. In other words: better smelling feet without the environmental footprint of traditional synthetic fabrics that often use a chemical finish to add antimicrobial properties.

Keen
Long known for their footwear, in Spring 2008, Keen expanded its line to include socks to match their shoes. At first look, there’s definitely something different about Hybrid.Sox: with an “R” and “L” imprinted on opposite toes, these socks are specifically designed to fit the right and left foot. The new design allowed Keen to make a cutting edge sock, but Keen wouldn’t be Keen if they didn’t incorporate an element of sustainability, and the company recently started using Dri-Release E.C.O. in its socks. A blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton, the material is designed to dry four times faster than conventional cotton. Keen’s Concord sock does more than incorporate sustainable materials; to color the sock, needle-injected dyeing is used, minimizing the use of excess dye.

Point 6
Choosing natural fibers over synthetics, Point 6 makes all its socks with 100% merino wool. A natural and renewable fiber, because it naturally absorbs moisture, wool is an excellent alternative to the typical synthetic, petroleum based fibers like nylon. The compact spinning process that Point 6 uses also makes their socks more durable and extends their longevity, meaning less sock waste. Point 6 is also a member of 1% For the Planet, committing 1% of annual revenue to environmental non-profits.

Icebreaker
Icebreaker is another company that opts for the impressive performance characteristics of merino wool. Outfitting customers in socks made from a natural, renewable fiber is only part of Icebreaker’s sustainability story. With the BaaCode program, customers can trace their Icebreaker products – including socks – through every step of the production process, starting with the New Zealand sheep that the wool comes from. This level of transparency allows people to view the company’s sustainable and ethical practices first hand, also encouraging education about the entire supply chain.

SmartWool
An in-house name, SmartWool has long been known for their merino wool socks. Just like other companies choosing the natural fiber over a synthetic, they are committed to producing socks in a renewable and ethical way, putting money into research and development to find ways to improve industry-wide sustainable wool farming and eco-friendly processing practices. 10% of every web-order also goes directly into the SmartPrint Advocacy Fund which allots money to organizations that promote environmental stewardship and active lifestyles.

Bridgedale
Bamboo is making its way to the top of the list as one of the preferred alternative materials for performance products, particularly in socks. Because of its natural properties, fiber made from bamboo is a natural antimicrobial. Its absorbent qualities also suck moisture away from your skin, meaning drier and happier feet without a chemical treatment like many conventional synthetics. Bridgedale also shoots for sustainability in their packaging, using 100% recycled paper and printing it with vegetable-based inks. Understanding the importance of giving back to the community, Bridgedale is also taking part in the Plant A Boo Foundation. Launched by Boo Shoot, the campaign aims to combat global warming through increased bamboo cultivation and education.

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Use this list only as a starting point to fill your sock drawer; seek out socks that are made with organic, natural and recycled fibers, and by companies that are committed to responsible policies. It’s all part of treading lightly!