No More Boring Socks

Stancedebuted its first collection of run socks dubbed the Fusion Run collection. Under development for nearly a year, theStance run sockinjects the brand’s artistic point-of-view intorunning socks, and houses it on a technically superior product that has been worked on by the most forward-thinking sock technologists in the world.

«Socks as a category in general had been overlooked. There wasn’t any art or self-expression in socks, but Stance changed that», saidRussell Nadel, Run Category Director at Stance. «We are excited to bring a unique slant to the market. Runners shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for performance».

As part of the launch of theFusion Run collection, Stance has also added US track starLauren Fleshmanto the Punks & Poets, the athletes and influencers that inspire the brand. Whether breaking into the top ten world rankings or making headlines by challenging conformity, Fleshman’s success and influence in the run world, along with her never-say-die attitude, make her an ideal ambassador for Stance’s entrance into run.

«Socks are protection, but they’re also expression. Pulling on a pair of Stance socks is like putting on your attitude. Oftentimes fun socks are the little bit of sass that diffuses the mental strain of an upcoming hard workout or race», saidLauren Fleshman. «Having the design chops and attitude of Stance applied to this new line of technically advanced materials and construction is going to make some serious waves in the sport of running».

Along with Fleshman, ultra-runnerAnton Krupickahas also been named a Punk & Poet. Krupicka has championed some of the most grueling long-distance mountain terrains in the world. After the two-time Leadville 100 Champion broke is leg in 2011, Krupicka began to pursue remote summits, long traverses, and ambitious link-ups in a single-push style that requires a unique combination of mountain running fitness and technical climbing competence. For half the year Krupicka is on the road, running and racing abroad or living in the back of his Chevy S-10 pickup truck «The Roost», haunting the mountain ranges of the American West.

Rounding out the inaugural crew of Punks & Poets in run areEric Avila,Rickey Gates, andJohn Joseph.Stance’s Run Fusion collection features tab, crew and over-the-calf styles for both men and women, while men have the additional quarter height option. All cuts are 200 needle construction comprised of moisture-wicking performance fibers, a lightly cushioned foot bed with reinforced toe and heel, air channel cushioning and anatomical venting with breathable performance mesh. The crew and OTC styles also feature graduated compression.