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Designed and tested in Aotearoa by the Experts
At Norsewear, our design philosophy is simple: performance, durability, and comfort without compromise.
We start with function, ensuring every piece is built to withstand the toughest conditions. We refine with innovation, incorporating modern technology and materials to enhance durability, fit, and feel.
Collaboration is key - we work alongside athletes, adventurers and those that work outdoors to fine-tune our designs based on real-world conditions. Our technical team, including some of the best sock designers and engineers in the Southern Hemisphere, ensures every detail serves a purpose.
Our traceable NZ wool is spun into yarn to our exact specifications by the best yarn spinners in the business, before knitting it into socks here in New Zealand using state-of-the-art Italian knitting technology. The result is gear that delivers on every front: moisture-wicking, odour resistance, and long-lasting comfort. Designed to move with you. Built to endure.
Raw Materials
We don’t believe in shortcuts – only the finest raw materials are used. Our wool is fully traceable, and Wool Integrity NZ certified. We source our wool from the best New Zealand sheep farms, known not only for their top-quality wool but also for their sustainable farming practices. It’s important to us that our materials aren’t just good for you but good for the planet too. Alongside wool, and in some products possum fibre, we do have to use some synthetic fibres to deliver the durability, comfort and performance our customers expect. All our fibre suppliers have to meet rigorous quality and environmental standards to make the cut. From start to finish, every product is crafted with materials that keep you warm, comfortable, and ready for whatever comes next, all while ensuring longevity and sustainability.
Our NZ Wool Value Chain
We've teamed up with PGG Wrightson to create a new value chain for 100% New Zealand wool—one that supports growers, strengthens rural communities, and delivers traceable, ethically created, high-quality garments and accessories to local shelves.
The partnership ensures traceability from the grower’s paddock to the end product, with a high standard of animal welfare and fibre assurance that includes independent farm auditing and quality testing through the Wool Integrity NZ programme.
Andrew and Heidi from Meikleburn Station are one of the Wool Integrity NZ growers supplying Norsewear with fibre, helping to take wool full circle from their paddock to your Norsewear socks and clothing.
Merino
Merino wool's incredible natural characteristics make it ideal for clothing, socks, gloves, beanies and scarves. Merino wool is a completely natural fibre that is both renewable and biodegradable, so it's as gentle on the environment as it is on you.
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It's a natural temperature regulator.
The shape of merino wool fibres provides insulation that keeps you warm in the winter and breathability that keeps you cool in the summer.
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It resists odour.
Merino wool naturally wicks moisture away from the body, even when it has vaporized. This prevents odour-causing bacteria from remaining in the fabric. That’s why Merino socks and other clothing doesn’t smell.
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It delivers great moisture management.
Merino wool can hold more than 30% of its own weight in moisture before feeling wet. It absorbs moisture from your skin and desorbs that moisture into the atmosphere leaving you dryer and more comfortable. This is why you are less likely to get blisters when wearing Merino socks.
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It's extremely resilient and wrinkle resistant.
Without chemical treatments of any kind, merino wool can be tucked in, bunched up, and folded and it will remain smooth and wrinkle-free. It’s crimp like structure means it can stretch by up to 30% without breaking and it doesn't need to be ironed.
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Its really comfortable.
Merino fibres are so fine they gently bend when in contact with your skin, providing softness and comfort.
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Its naturally flame resistant.
Unlike many other fibres, Merino won’t melt or stick when it comes into direct contact with a burning surface.
Possum
Possums, a wild pest introduced into NZ during the 1800’s, are responsible for significant damage to New Zealand’s native forests and birds. New Zealand sourced possum fur or fibre is a by-product of New Zealand’s conservation programme and is recognised globally as being an ethically sound natural fibre.
Possum fibre has some unique characteristics which is why we blend it with Merino wool to produce some of our products.
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It has unbeatable insulation properties.
Possum fibres have a hollow core trapping a tunnel of air that provides extraordinary warmth – up to 55% more than wool. The polar bear is the only other animal that grows hollow core fibres.
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It’s really light.
The hollow core in possum fibre makes the fibre light, delivering a great warmth to weight ratio.
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It’s incredibly soft, yet very resilient.
Possum fibres feel soft and silky, yet are very resilient, resisting pilling and abrasion.
FAQs
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What percentage of Merino wool is in Norsewear socks?
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. We use a blend because no it’s own, wool just isn’t strong enough in those high wear areas of a foot, and we care just as much about durability as we do about fibre.
Customers should check individual product listings for specific fibre composition details.
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Are Merino wool socks good for running?
Yes. Merino wool regulates temperature, wicks moisture away from the skin, and resists odour better than synthetic fibres, making it a good choice for running. Norsewear's Running Socks range uses a lighter-weight Merino blend with added stretch and reinforced heel and toe areas for repetitive impact. We get many people claiming they can manage to wear them all week without washing!
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What are the warmest Norsewear socks for winter?
Norsewear's Thermal & Winter Socks are the warmest option, using a heavier Merino wool knit designed for cold-weather comfort. They suit everyday winter wear, outdoor work and travel in cold climates, and are typically worn in a crew or knee-high length for maximum coverage. Some of our styles are even worn by crews staffing Antarctica!