Horizon Socks, established in 1999, has become a leading name in the sock industry, offering high-quality products across a diverse range of markets. From ski and outdoor adventures to sports, medical, equestrian, gardening, workwear, and fashion, Horizon Socks delivers comfort and durability to meet the needs of every customer. Operating not only in the UK and Ireland but also with a growing international presence, Horizon has built a strong network of distributors and international customer base.
THE REASON VALLEY + PEAK CHOOSE HORIZON SOCKS
We’ve always prioritised providing our customers with products that offer both performance and comfort, which is why we felt it was essential to stock Horizon Socks. Known for their exceptional comfort and durability, Horizon Socks are the perfect addition to our range. Whether it’s for outdoor adventures, sports, or everyday use, these socks are designed to withstand tough conditions while offering superior comfort. We believe that high-quality socks are a crucial part of any active lifestyle, and Horizon's reputation for both comfort and longevity aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing top-tier gear for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN ACTION
Horizon is dedicated to crafting the highest-quality socks by investing in state-of-the-art machinery and incorporating cutting-edge technical yarns such as Primaloft®, Merino wool, Coolmax®, Thermolite®, Cordura®, Outlast®, Meryl® Skinlife™, Tactel®, and X-Static®. This allows them to offer an extensive range of socks, whether thick or thin, padded or sculpted, technical or traditional, tailored to meet the unique needs of every customer. As an independent and family-run retailer, Valley and Peak ensures these premium products are available, with a strong commitment to providing exceptional items at competitive prices. Horizon guarantees unrivalled stock levels and delivery services, making sure customers receive exactly what they need, when they need it. With their strategically located warehouse facilities in Hampshire, Horizon is able to efficiently respond to the ever-growing demands of clients, ensuring complete satisfaction.
Q&A WITH MATT FORWARD, CO-FOUNDER OF HORIZON SOCKS
Tell us a bit about yourself Matt
Life revolves around my wife, my children and my dogs, with a little bit of time left over for rugby.
What was your professional background before launching Horizon?
I worked for a small Dorset-based sports wholesaler which allowed me to cut my teeth in sales.
Take us back to 1999—what inspired you to start Horizon Socks?
My father took me for lunch one day to tell me that at the age of 25 I was in danger of going nowhere with my career. I immediately went for interviews and got offered a plum job with a blue chip company. I turned it down to start my own business which I thought would be an exciting and fun thing to do, assuming that plum jobs like the one I was offered would be there should things not work out. 26 years later I’m very pleased with my decision!
How did you come up with the name "Horizon"?
I went down to Durdle Door on a very fine and warm Spring evening and the sunset was amazing. The orange haze meeting the black sea gave me Horizon’s club colours and Horizon, although not terribly original, seemed to stick.
The sock industry is surprisingly competitive—what was the biggest challenge in those early years, and how did you overcome it?
My Mum always said that people will buy quality so always stick to your guns and make the best socks you can. We always had a style or two which were sufficiently different from what other more established brands were offering, so customers would try them, they would sell through, they would reorder and invariably they would try other lines too.
SOCKS, TECH, AND INNOVATION
Horizon uses some seriously high-tech materials, including fabrics developed by NASA. Can you tell us more about this NASA technology—how was it originally used by NASA, and what makes it such a great fit for Horizon?
The NASA connection was a brand called Outlast which made fabric for space suits. The technology was made into fabrics for clothing, fibres for mattresses and cushions and yarns for socks. The only tech yarn of note for socks around that time was Coolmax which was considered more of a Spring/Summer yarn, so we jumped at the chance to have a heat regulating yarn like Outlast which made perfect sense for winter sports socks especially.
People don’t always think of socks as technical gear, but Horizon has turned them into high-performance essentials. What goes into designing the perfect sock for activities like hiking, skiing, or cricket even?
Leonardo De Vinci said “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art” and we couldn’t agree more. The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body and is made up of 26 bones connected by many joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments so making high performance socks for all sports and activities is essential to protect this ‘masterpiece of engineering' and to enhance the wearer's comfort and performance level.
Finding the right blends, whether that be Merino wool / Polypropylene or Primaloft / Cordura is obviously a big part of what we do, but the knit and weight of a sock is just as important. Essentially though, all socks are made to protect and enhance the comfort for your feet, whatever the sport or activity.
Hikers, including one of our very own ultra-running ambassadors Nicola Whitbread, swear by the benefits of wool socks—why should Merino wool be on everyone’s radar for their next trek?
Merino wool should be everyone’s go-to sock. It’s one of nature’s miracle materials that genuinely keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer and naturally wicks away moisture keeping your feet dry and in good condition.
When I first started making socks, the machines would only produce chunky wool socks, like my Dad’s old Army socks or those traditional Norwegian fisherman’s socks. Heavy gauge; thick; itchy.
Now we have finer Merino wool made with modern machines which produce thick or thin, terry sculptured, flat toe seamed socks which are perfect for running, hiking or mountaineering. The only reason we offer synthetic socks like Coolmax polyester is for people who can’t wear or may be allergic to wool. Otherwise we would recommend Merino wool based socks every time.
If you could only wear one style of Horizon sock for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
It’s a tough one as I would always have said the Performance Merino Trekker, but with the new machines making dense, compact Merino socks, it would be a flip of a coin with our Premium Merino Micro Crew. If pushed, I would probably go with the Merino Trekker as the Merino/Polypropylene blend really is the best combination for me.
Horizon socks are made in Italy—what led you to choose Italy for manufacturing?
We started off manufacturing in Newport, South Wales but a compulsory purchase order in 2002 changed everything for Horizon. We had an Italian agent who worked out of an office in the centre of Paris who advised us to set up in Italy. We took his advice and have been in business with the same family ever since.
INNOVATIVE SOCKS: PUTTING THE ‘FUN’ BACK IN FUNCTIONALITY!
If you could create a limited-edition sock in collaboration with any athlete or iconic figure, who would it be, and why?
Taylor Swift. So I can retire earlier than planned.
Is Merino wool really as itchy as people say?
No. Itchy Merino wool is a thing of the past.
Merino wool: too hot for summer or just perfect for year-round wear?
Perfect year-round.
Is it true that Merino wool is bulky and heavy?
It doesn’t have to be. Merino socks come in all styles and weights these days.
Do you really need 100% Merino wool in your socks, or is there a sweet spot with blends?
For a good quality, durable sock (for hiking or other sports) you need nylon for structure and Lycra for stretch and fit, blended together you’re looking at approx 75% Merino for that perfect balance
What's one piece of sock wisdom you think everyone should know?
Wash your socks inside out and revitalise the part of the sock that takes the most punishment.
LOOKING AHEAD
Horizon socks are loved around the world—what do you think makes them so universally popular?
We’ve never dumbed down the quality. People love to repeat-buy things they
are familiar with and they know Horizon socks for their quality.
What’s next for Horizon? Any exciting innovations or projects in the pipeline?
We have always made everyday socks, using schools and regimental colours in particular. This led to some collaborations with a fashion brand in the US which is fun and a different level.
Sustainability is a huge topic in the outdoor industry—how is Horizon working towards more sustainable materials and production processes?
The use of Merino in particular, does mean that the socks don’t need to be washed as often and due to the polypropylene these socks drip dry incredibly quickly too so no need for a tumble drier. We use RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) certified wool and are looking at how yarn companies can help us, even with the synthetic yarns we use. All our packaging is recyclable and is made with recycled materials and we avoid plastic tags and hangers wherever possible.
Finally, in one sentence, why should every reader own a pair of Horizon Socks?
Life should never be filled with regrets. No one regrets buying a pair of Horizon socks.
HORIZON SOCKS: YOUR GO-TO GUIDE FOR COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE
PREMIUM MERINO HIKE
The Hike Sock delivers everything you need in a versatile, three-season boot-length sock. Designed for ultimate comfort, support, and breathability, it features a dense, fully cushioned sole for added durability.
Ideal for hiking and lightweight performance footwear, these socks are crafted from extra-fine Merino wool for warmth and softness. The classic ribbed leg and specially designed grip sections provide extra support, while the Lycra content and flat linked toe seam ensure a snug fit, preventing any unnecessary friction. This makes it the perfect hiking sock for any condition.
PREMIUM MERINO MICRO CREW
The Micro Crew sock occupies a unique place in the ‘sock lexicon’ as it has all the hallmarks of a top quality light hiking sock which can also be happily worn as an everyday leisure sock.
The dense Merino wool loop stitch in the sole combined with Lycra and special grip sections offers the comfort and cushioning you need and expect in a hiking sock. The micro crew leg length has a subtle rib for support which all adds up to the most comfortable and most used hike sock in your sock draw.
PREMIUM MERINO QUARTER
The Quarter is a versatile outdoor sock designed for a range of activities. This popular sport sock excels in running, biking, and hiking, thanks to its dense Merino wool loop pile sole that provides exceptional cushioning for high-impact sports and challenging terrains.
Cushioned, comfortable, and incredibly durable, the sock features breathable Air-Tex mesh on the upper foot to wick moisture and keep your feet feeling fresh. The inclusion of Lycra ensures a secure fit, while the flat linked toe seam minimises the risk of abrasion and blisters—essential qualities for a premium activity sock.
WOMEN'S PREMIUM MERINO MICRO CREW
The Micro Crew Sock holds a distinctive position in the sock world, combining the features of a high-quality light hiking sock with the comfort of an everyday leisure sock.
Crafted with a dense Merino wool loop stitch in the sole, this sock offers the exceptional comfort and cushioning you need for hiking adventures. The addition of Lycra and specialised grip sections ensures a snug fit, while the subtle ribbing on the micro crew leg provides extra support. Altogether, these elements make it the most comfortable and frequently worn hiking sock in your collection.
