FAQs

We have a reputation for making gear
that delivers uncompromising comfort,
performance and durability – a reputation tested by the toughest and built over decades.
We design and make our products ourselves right here in NZ using only the finest fully traceable New Zealand Wool. We offer value for money because we believe quality does not need to cost the earth. We do right by our people, our customers, our community, and the environment and call it a day.

That’s why Norsewear has been the home of Tough Comfort since 1963

Whatever gets you outdoors. Our range covers farming, hunting, hiking, work, travel, and everyday wear. Every sock, beanie or jersey is designed with a purpose, so you can choose the right tool for the job.

Not at all. Merino works year-round by helping regulate temperature and manage moisture. It keeps feet warm when it's cold and comfortable when it's not.

All of our socks, gloves and beanies are made right here in New Zealand, in our factory in Norsewood. There's only a couple of our jersey styles that are made off-shore, and this is to keep the pricepoint accessible for those who enjoy traceable NZ wool.

No, unfortunately at the moment we don't. Many get confused with the store situated in Norsewood, that sells NZ made wool gear. This is one of our retailers who stocks many different brands, but this isn't our store.

We aim to get orders out as soon as possible. Generally orders reach you within 1-2 days, unless you live rurally in which case it can be a bit longer.

We've made it easy with a sizing guide on every product page. If you're caught between sizes, going down a size usually gives the best fit.

Cold or warm wash, inside out if possible, and avoid excessive heat. Simple care goes a long way toward getting more years out of your socks.

Like any natural fibre product, they can if they're exposed to too much heat. Follow the care instructions and they'll keep performing as intended.

We stand by our gear and the people who wear it. If your Norsewear product doesn’t go the distance, we’ll make it right with a replacement.  No drama, just a fair go.

You can get in touch with us at any point, if you feel your gear didn't perform the way it should.

When you're spending long days on your feet, absolutely. A good sock isn't just about comfort—it's about warmth, support, durability, and getting the job done without thinking about your feet. That's value you'll notice every day.

Plus, just think. If you're buying new pairs of socks every month or so, that's far more expensive than one pair that goes season after season.

Norsewear uses a blend of Merino wool and other fibres (such as nylon and elastane) depending on the product line. The wool content varies by sock — work and expedition socks tend to be heavier wool blends, while active and everyday styles use lighter blends for performance. Unfortunately, a full wool sock just doesn’t cut the mustard. We care just as much about durability as we do about using natural fibers, so to make sure your gear is delivering season after season, we have to blend with synthetics to retain strength. Check out the individual product listings for specific fiber composition details.

Lightweight socks are thinner and ideal for warmer weather, running, gym use, or layering. Midweight socks offer versatile cushioning for everyday wear and moderate outdoor activity. Heavyweight socks provide maximum warmth and cushioning for cold conditions, farm work, gumboots, and alpine or expedition use. Norsewear offers all three weights across different product lines.

Absolutely you can. For best results cold or warm wash with soft detergent. Line dry, don’t tumble dry, iron or bleach.

Cushioning refers to extra-thick terry loops knitted into the sole (and sometimes the heel and toe) of a sock to absorb impact and reduce foot fatigue. Norsewear offers light, medium, and full-cushion options depending on the product. Work, rural, and expedition socks typically feature heavier cushioning, while dress and casual styles are lighter. ‘Targeted cushioning’ just means the cushioning isn’t all over the sock, it’s located in high-wear areas that benefit from extra padding.

Sock height affects warmth, protection, and comfort in footwear. Quarter socks sit just above the ankle — ideal for sneakers and casual use. Crew socks reach mid-calf and suit most work boots and hiking footwear. Boot-height socks add extra shin coverage for tall boots. Gumboot socks are extra-long and designed specifically for rubber gumboots used in farming and outdoor work.

For farm and rural work, Norsewear recommends the Rural & Farm range, which includes gumboot-height socks and heavy-cushion work socks designed for long days on the land. We have various best sellers that best suit the footwear you prefer, and a mix of both wool and possum fibre socks depending on how warm you require your socks to be. Everyone tends to find their own preference of fit and style, but each different product page can point you to the various features.

The Expedition Range is Norsewear's most technical outdoor sock, developed from a design brief for the New Zealand Defence Force. Available in Temperate (lighter, for milder temperatures) ,Cold Weather (heavier, for winter conditions) and Extreme Cold Weather (for alpine/super cold conditions)they are built for long distances and rough terrain in hiking boots.

Yes — Norsewear's Alpine & Snow collection is designed specifically for skiing and snowboarding. These socks feature Merino wool for warmth and moisture management, with targeted cushioning for boot comfort during long days on the mountain. Having been founded by a ski jump champion, we like to think we know what we’re talking about. 

Yes — we have 3 packs of our work socks for this very reason! Many people find a style they like and stock up, so our 3 packs make them super price efficient. You also get 5% off if you buy two singles, or 10% if you buy three.

Norsewear is one of New Zealand's longest-established sock manufacturers, making socks and other outdoor gear since 1963. Unlike many brands, Norsewear designs and manufactures its socks at its own factory in the Central Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, using some of the most modern Italian sock knitting machines available. Customers choose Norsewear for its genuine NZ manufacturing and commitment to New Zealand wool; over 60 years of sock-making expertise; a proud heritage that includes Sir Edmund Hillary's expeditions and, in 2025, selection by the New Zealand Defence Force to design and supply combat socks; the Fair-Go Guarantee; and a product range engineered for specific jobs and activities.

The Fair-Go Guarantee is Norsewear's satisfaction and replacement promise. If your Norsewear gear doesn't go the distance, Norsewear will work with you to sort things out with a replacement. It’s called a Fair-Go because that’s exactly what we mean – there’s nothing that we particularly exclude from that warranty, but the reality is we trust people are reasonable, and we’re always keen to have a chat if you feel we could’ve done things better.

To make a Fair-Go Guarantee claim, download the claim form from the Fair-Go Guarantee page (/pages/fair-go-guarantee) and follow the instructions provided. For general assistance you can also contact the Norsewear team by email at info@norsewear.co.nz or by phone on 06 374 0898. All claims made in good faith will be considered.

We ship to New Zealand and Australia, and have some distribution in the UK too. Free shipping applies to NZ orders over $100.

Norsewear socks are sized by shoe size. Use the Size Guide on the website to match your shoe size (in NZ/AU sizing) to the correct sock size. 

Merino wool has natural stretch and elasticity, so Norsewear socks are designed to accommodate a range of foot widths within each size. For wider feet, Norsewear recommends selecting one size up or checking individual product descriptions for width guidance.

Norsewear offers a Baby Socks range featuring breathable Merino wool socks or super soft possumfor infants, and a Big Kids range suited for school, sport, and play. All are made in New Zealand.

Norsewear socks are made at our factory in the Central Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Norsewear was founded in 1963 and has manufactured in Norsewood since 1967. Our factory houses some of the most modern Italian sock knitting machines available, operated by a skilled local team.

Yes — because Norsewear makes its socks, gloves, and beanies at its own Norsewood factory, it can also offer custom manufacturing services to others, including branded or custom-design products for organisations, sports teams, or businesses. To enquire, contact sales@norsewear.co.nz.

The Wool Blacks™ Sideliners Club is a Norsewear initiative supporting New Zealand wool and New Zealand sport. The programme keeps sports supporters warm on the sideline using NZ Merino wool Wool Blacks Beanies — combining Norsewear's product expertise with a push to champion local wool and local teams. 10% of sales on these beanies is donated to School Sports New Zealand.

Norsewear offers a Compression Travel Socks option combining graduated compression with the temperature-regulating comfort of Merino wool, designed for long flights and journeys where circulation and comfort are a concern. 

Merino wool can shrink or felt if washed incorrectly, but Norsewear socks are designed to be machine washable when the care instructions are followed: use a cool or wool-cycle wash, avoid high heat in the dryer, and air-dry flat where possible. Following these steps keeps fit and stretch intact over time. Remember though, wool garments are natural odor and temperature regulators, and don’t need regular washing!