Socksmith began with simple beginnings in 1988. Ellen and Eric Gil opened a 450-square-foot sock boutique called Sockshop and Shoe Company. That modest store has now grown to become an iconic cornerstone of downtown Santa Cruz. In 2007, after nineteen years in retail, the Gils used their extensive industry knowledge to create Socksmith Design: a sock design company focused on fresh, fun, novelty graphics made of high-quality materials, by the state of the art manufacturing. This combination was a missing link within the industry, the Gils partnered with a friend, Cassandra Aaron, to create this unique brand with a West Coast point of view. Designed with love in Santa Cruz California, in-house artist designs are tailored to fit every taste, lifestyle, and smile.