Finding Socks for Wide Feet Is Darn Tough—Until 'Wide Open' Came Along
“Sock patterns and standards don’t exist for wide legs and feet, so we’re creating them,” said Ric Cabot, CEO of Cabot Hosiery Mills.
For years, finding a comfortable pair of socks for wide feet in Vermont felt like a losing battle. While the Green Mountain State is world-renowned for its rugged, high-quality knitwear, the industry standard has long leaned toward a “one-size-fits-most” approach—which, for many, really means “one-size-fits-narrow.”
Vermonters with wide feet, ankles, or calves were often left with two subpar choices: squeeze into restrictive, tight-fitting socks that leave painful indentations by noon, or resort to “hacking” their gear by stretching, cutting, or buying oversized socks that bunch up in boots.
The Origin: Listening to the “Step Ahead”
The team behind Wide Open Socks didn’t have to look far for inspiration; their customers brought the problem to their doorstep. As a subsidiary of Cabot Hosiery Mills—the same family-owned mill that produces the iconic Darn Tough Vermont brand—the creators of Wide Open had spent 45 years perfecting the performance sock.
However, they noticed a recurring theme in customer feedback: a significant portion of the population was being ignored by traditional knitting standards. After two years of intensive research and development to create entirely new patterns from scratch, the brand launched in late 2023.
“Sock patterns and standards don’t exist for wide legs and feet, so we’re creating them,” said Ric Cabot, CEO of Cabot Hosiery Mills.
The Mission: Beyond Just “Big”
Wide Open isn’t just about making a larger sock; it’s about engineering a different kind of fit. The mission is centered on “inclusive comfort,” ensuring that those with wide feet (up to 4E) or wider calves no longer have to compromise on style or durability.
The brand’s “Wide Flex Stretch” technology provides extra give in the cuff, leg, and foot, making the socks easier to put on and take off—a major relief for those who struggle with traditional, high-compression knits. Despite the extra room, the socks are designed to stay in place without sliding down into the shoe, solving one of the most common complaints among wide-width wearers.
Details and Vermont Craftsmanship
True to its Northfield roots, Wide Open maintains the high standards Vermonters expect from locally made goods:
The Guarantee: Like its sister brand, every pair of Wide Open socks comes with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If you wear them out, the mill replaces them.
The Fit: They offer a range of sizes from Women’s 4.5 to Men’s 17, covering heights from “no-show” to “crew.”
The Seamless Feel: Utilizing a true seamless toe, the socks eliminate the friction points that often plague wider feet in standard footwear.
Retail Reach: While they began as a direct-to-consumer online brand, Wide Open expanded into 362 retailers nationwide in July 2024, including local Vermont favorites like Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel.
For many Vermonters, the arrival of Wide Open represents more than just a new retail option; it’s an acknowledgement that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and the gear we use to navigate the Vermont landscape should, too.
In a state where “buying local” and “buying for life” are core values, Northfield’s latest innovation ensures that no one is left standing in the cold—at least not because their socks didn’t fit.