Our Story

Three decades of American sock innovation.

From a single mill in the Blue Ridge foothills to a family of purpose-driven brands, here's how Nester Hosiery has grown — always with an eye on craft, community, and the people who wear our socks.

1993
Nester Hosiery is born

After 20 years in the industry, Marty Nester founds the business, producing unfinished cotton crew socks on first-generation, belt-driven machinery.

1995
Discovering Merino wool

From an old grocery building in Dobson, NC, Nester discovers the advantages of wool and begins making high-performance socks for outdoor enthusiasts.

1998
Expanding capabilities

On its way to becoming a world leader in wool sock innovation, the factory continually adds machinery to craft any type of sock.

2001
Seamless knitting arrives

Nester's first seamless toe-closure machine — soon the majority of production.

2002
Relocation to Mount Airy

Operations expand and streamline into a larger facility, the heart of the company's growth.

2004
A new home

Purchase and refurbishment of the former Ballston Knitting facility — 250% larger and Nester's home to this day.

2010
Farm to Feet® begins

Kelly Nester sets out to create an all-American sock — US wool, US processing, US knitting, US packaging.

2013
Farm to Feet® launches

Made with 100% US ingredients by US workers, Farm to Feet® debuts at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.

2017
First to join the Responsible Wool Standard

Nester becomes the first sock manufacturer to join the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), committing to traceable, responsibly sourced wool from farms with progressive animal-welfare and land-management practices.

Ariat
2020
Ariat licensee

Nester becomes the official licensee for Ariat socks, slippers, and throws — bringing its manufacturing expertise to one of the most trusted names in western and outdoor footwear.

Fox River
2025
Acquired Fox River Mills

Nester acquires Fox River Mills, adding its heritage brands — Pistil and FoxSox — and the Pendleton license to the Nester family of brands.

2026
U.S. Army Cold Weather Program

Nester receives the novation of the U.S. Army Cold Weather Program contract, continuing its commitment to equipping American service members with the highest-performance hosiery made in the USA. See our tactical division →

Today
Ready for the future

With deep roots from wool growers to software developers, Nester produces the most innovative socks on the market — always with an eye on community, locally and globally.

Process

From raw wool to a perfect pair.

Top MakingWool opened & blended
Top MakingScouring
Top MakingCombing wool tops
Yarn DyeingInside a dye kettle
KnittingMonitoring the line
KnittingSeamless toe closure
FinishingLaser-guided steam boarding
FinishingFinal inspection & pairing