Lately, there has been an increase in sock brands with roots in outdoor and sports scenes.
Socks developed for mountains and travel, with features like odor resistance and moisture absorption from merino wool blends, as well as functionality designed for long-term wear, are certainly very appealing.
Of course, I have worn such socks myself, and I understand their appeal well.
However, in a life where I return home every day and can do laundry daily, I feel that what I am looking for is a little different.
Personally, merino wool blend socks, even the thinner ones, tend to have a sense of heat retention that can feel a bit too warm for everyday summer use.
Features that are a major asset for mountain climbing or travel where you cannot wash them for days, or for activities where you are constantly sweating, are not necessarily the same priorities in everyday life.
Personally, at this time of year, especially for daily life, I choose based on "how comfortable it feels" or "whether I want to wear it today" rather than "how high-performance it is."
I can wash them every day, and I can choose what to wear based on my outfit and mood that day.
It is precisely because of that kind of daily life that I think there should be a wider variety of options for socks.
NODAL, which we are introducing this time, is a sock brand that stays close to your feet in such daily life.
The Choice Called NODAL
All NODAL socks are tabi-style (split-toe).
This feature alone is distinctive enough, but since I often wear BEDROCK sandals, I am also drawn to how well they work together.
"Sandals mean bare feet."
I understand well that this is the most comfortable style in midsummer.
However, that is not all there is to it.
Days that are a little cool in the morning and evening.
Days when you walk for a long time.
Days when you want to change the balance of your outfit a little.
By pairing socks with sandals, the expression of your feet changes significantly.
And NODAL is an existence that broadens those choices even further.
A Common Denominator of Comfort
Many people picked up NODAL socks at the pop-up we held previously.
What was impressive about that was the feedback I received from customers later.
"They were comfortable to wear."
While it is easy to focus on visual features like tie-dyeing or the tabi style, many people evaluated them for their high comfort once they actually wore them.
Because socks are an item that is difficult to try on, I am very happy to hear such feedback.
The 5 Models That Arrived This Time
Tie Dye Socks
Among the NODAL lineup, the first thing that catches the eye is the Tie Dye Socks.
The expression of the dyeing, which is different for each one, looks great with summer outfits that tend to be simple.
They were also very popular at the previous pop-up, and we received many comments from customers about how comfortable they were.
You pick them up because you are attracted to how they look, and you like them even more after you wear them.
That is that kind of pair.
Tie Dye Socks
Color : LightBlue x Red, Orange x Pink, Navy x Green, Blue x Navy
Size：Free (23.0〜27.0cm)
Length：8cm
Material: Cotton, Nylon, Polyurethane
Price : ¥2,420
Tie Dye Long Socks
A long-length model that keeps the appeal of the Tie Dye Socks while having more presence.
This is also the model loved by Tomoda, a mechanic at Circles Tailored.
By becoming long-length, the expression of the tie-dyeing stands out even more, and they are a perfect match for shorts.
Tomoda loves to wear them with sneakers like VANS, and he says his favorite part is that they add just the right amount of color to a simple outfit.
On the other hand, I am also interested in this model myself.
I often wear shorts in the summer, and before I know it, my feet are just BEDROCK sandals.
It's a pair that I think would also look great with that style.
Even with the same socks, the impression changes significantly depending on whether you wear them with sneakers or sandals.
I think the ability for the wearer to enjoy them in various ways is also the appeal of this model.
NODAL Tie Dye Long Socks
Color : Orange, Purple , Pink, Green
Size：Free (23.0〜27.0cm)
Length：25cm
Material: Cotton, Nylon, Polyurethane
Price : ¥3,190
Cotton Silk Socks
What Tomoda and I both love to wear is these Cotton Silk Socks.
An expressive pair knitted with thick, MIX-style yarn.
The appeal is the exquisite balance of having just the right amount of presence at your feet without being too flashy.
Many socks with this kind of vibe are made mainly of cotton, which can easily become damp and heavy as they absorb sweat, and there are not a few that can hardly be called comfortable.
However, these Cotton Silk Socks are a little different.
By blending in silk, the fabric is surprisingly light, and the comfort lasts even if you wear them for a long time.
Not just looking good, but the comfort you only know after actually wearing them.
Before you know it, you are picking them up again after washing.
That is that kind of pair.
NODAL Cotton Silk Socks
Color : Yellow, Light Gray, Black, Beige, Brown x Purple, Navy x Green
Size：Free (23.0〜27.0cm)
Length：18cm
Material: Cotton, Silk, Nylon, Polyurethane
Price : ¥2,860
Gym Socks
This is the model most oriented toward activity in the lineup this time.
Assuming use in running, riding, or outdoor scenes, the comfort is improved by changing the knitting structure for each part.
The body uses a recycled material made of polyester and polyurethane that is lightweight and excellent in quick-drying properties.
I have also recently started wearing them more often when running in BEDROCK SANDALS or riding while wearing a cycling jersey.
They go well with cycling shoes, and are comfortable even in scenes where you sweat.
The fabric is quite thin, but it is more durable and reassuring than it looks.
However, the look is somewhat nostalgic, like old-fashioned sports socks.
While equipped with high functionality, it doesn't give a too sporty impression, and it blends naturally with casual clothes as well.
There are days when I wear them for running or riding, and days when I want to match them with casual everyday outfits.
This is a slightly unusual existence in the lineup this time, but it is a pair where you can feel the distance to daily life typical of NODAL.
NODAL Gym Socks
Color : White, Gray
Size：Free (23.0〜27.0cm)
Length：22cm
Material: Polyester, Polyurethane
Price : ¥2,970
COOLMAX EcoMade Fiber Socks
This is the model with the simplest look in the lineup this time.
A design composed of plain, solid colors may not be flashy, but it has a somewhat elegant appearance.
The vivid colors typical of NODAL also serve as an accent for your feet in simple outfits.
The material uses COOLMAX EcoMade Fiber.
While the fabric is thin and has a light feeling to wear overall, pile knitting is used for the toes and heels, making them a structure that is hard to get tired in even after wearing for a long time.
They keep a comfortable feeling even in hot seasons without making you feel the strong assertion of sports socks.
They blend naturally into casual clothes, and yet they still leave a solid personality at your feet.
This is a pair that has a good balance of functionality and design.
NODAL EcoMade Fiber Socks
Color : Magenta, Gray, Fresh Green, White, Plum
Size：Free (23.0〜27.0cm)
Length：18cm
Material: Cotton, Nylon, Polyurethane
Price : ¥2,420
Days when you ride a bike, and days when you don't.
Days when you ride a bike, and days when you don't.
Days for sneakers, and days for BEDROCK.
Because socks are something you wear every day, you want to choose not just for functionality, but also what you feel comfortable in.
NODAL socks are an existence that stays close to your feet in such daily life.
About NODAL
NODAL is a made-in-Japan tabi-style sock brand handled by Tamai Shoten, a long-established tabi manufacturer founded in 1889.
The brand name "NODAL" contains the meaning of "a point where things intersect."
Based on the skills and knowledge of Tamai Shoten, which has been making tabi for about 150 years, they develop products that fuse modern fashion and sports culture.
The excellent fit unique to the tabi style and the structure that makes it easy to use your toes are of course features, as is the design devised to keep you comfortable even during long periods of wear.
Also, coloring and design that are not bound by the image of traditional tabi socks are also one of the appeals of NODAL.
Outdoors, sports, and everyday life.
Much like the "nodal point" suggested by its brand name, it naturally connects various styles and cultures.
