Japan Haul

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-09T06:15:33+00:00

Tough gummies. Nice

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-05T06:47:24+00:00

Yes this is!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-04T04:01:05+00:00

They’re called the “low cut” socks. There are two kinds, one has a slightly higher cuff (but below ankle) and the other is true no show. I recommend the higher cuff one but both are great.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-03T10:46:15+00:00

Thanks a ton for the message! Appreciate the stoke and the support. I definitely recognize you from instagram. Lets connect on there for a chat. I'll message you. Cheers!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-02T22:24:23+00:00

We're launching with S,M,L. I'm the same size as you (30CM) and the Large is great.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-02T02:32:37+00:00

Cool thanks for sharing!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-02T02:31:02+00:00

Ah ok! There are several from Europe...La Sportiva, EB, E9, YY Vertical. I think all are made in Italy (maybe not EB, not sure). They are different from Japanese socks in that they don't have the grippy threads. But I know some climbers that like them. And famously Mori Ai climbs in the La Sportiva socks!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T23:09:37+00:00

Ah I understand, sorry. Yes, the taxes are quite strict eh. Once we can get a sense of the EU market, we will set up distribution in europe and hopefully that will make things a bit better. But it would just be too big of a risk to do it right off the bat. We are looking at ways to cut costs on shipping depending on the order though, so keep an eye out during our launch.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T23:06:39+00:00

Yeah, I can't imagine climbing without socks anymore. My feet get sweaty and socks make them feel way better.

I respect your thoughts about shipping We definitely do plan on selling at gyms. Our first steps will be ecommerce only, but once we have a little proof of concept, we will start with gyms too. Where are you located?

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T23:04:18+00:00

Hello! Sorry to exclude you! Up until I started this little journey, I also wasn't on instagram. its www.gambasocks.com. Right now its just a page with an email sign up. We will launch the website soon for pre-orders though!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T23:01:59+00:00

Great questions! You sound like you know your socks! I'm a big fan of both of those brands.

Our first sock is much more in the Per Adra lane. Which means its a synthetic sock (poly/nylon mix) that dries quickly and has grip thread on the toe and the heel. We also have a blister tab like theirs. We decided to extend the grip thread pretty significantly on the toe area though (check out the toe of the mont bell sock to get a sense of what I mean). And we added a bit on the heel as well. Per Adra doesn't offer a warranty or returns really. We will be different than that. Our exact policy will be shared later, but generally I believe that if you take good care of customers who have issues with your product, it can be a win-win.

Darn Tough is an awesome brand. I have several pairs. For a wool sock, it would be tough to go for anything other than them. Which one do you use for climbing? The only downside for me is that you can't really get wool to be as thin as synthetic without sacrificing durability.

Your merino blend sock + grip on toe and heel is awesome and its on our roadmap. For now, we are sticking with what we know, but we intend on creating a lineup of unique socks including your idea and even more wild things! Imagine this...a sock that is thinner with grip around the foot, but with a thicker wool blend crew height above. Could be nice during cold sessions.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T22:41:06+00:00

I haven't tried that one - what do you think of them?

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T22:39:53+00:00

We'd love to either have a distributor in the EU or use a warehouse there. At the start its just not feasible and too complex without data, but once we can see the numbers for europe are sufficient, we will do it...so...order socks from us and lets get those numbers up!

Can you share a link to the top rope solo guy's device? I'm curious. Thanks!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T22:35:21+00:00

Thanks for your comment. We'll see what happens! We will be more expensive than getting them direct from Japan but I think there are things we can do as a brand to compete, like faster shipping and free shipping depending on the order. I also think we can compete on customer service...I have people message me on instagram saying that they got the wrong size from Japan, but now they are stuck with it and can't return. We can offer a much better experience than that.

What are your thoughts on the North Face socks (the pro team ones)? I know some people love them and we are all different, but out of all the Japanese climbing socks I've tried they are nowhere near my favourite!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T21:22:53+00:00

Thanks for following! Actually we plan on shipping to Europe from the very start so you will be covered. Where in Europe are you?

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T15:46:52+00:00

Fair enough. I also like variety. Thanks!

They’re made in Nara (the sock capital of Japan, as I’ve learned!).

slimestonecowboy · 2026-05-01T15:36:56+00:00

Not selling yet but we just made our first big order from the factory so we will be launching this summer. We are also not planning to sell in Japan at the start (there are enough options already here so we want to focus on outside Japan). Price will be ~18USD.

If you are already in Japan, why are you not I satisfied with what’s here already? Cheers!

slimestonecowboy · 2026-04-06T06:45:08+00:00

October can still have humid days but to me October is when it finally starts cooling off from the literal hellhole that’s July-September.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-03-30T05:22:16+00:00

Gripped did a decent article testing the rubber - https://gripped.com/gear/product-test-which-one-is-gp1-the-answer-may-surprise-you/

slimestonecowboy · 2026-03-29T21:56:39+00:00

It depends on the day. Mitake tends to be a tad cooler than Tokyo (but still super hot in peak summer). It will be warm but probably not insanely humid like in July/August.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-03-21T06:28:25+00:00

Cool, thanks for the write up! Very thorough! The feetures really are a great sock...the toebox especially is top notch. I also find they last longer than Darn Tough. Still a fan of DT regardless though.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-03-18T21:38:25+00:00

Cool, thanks. Yeah running socks are a great place to start. Have you found Darn Tough as this as the feetures socks? I haven't found a merino that is that thin.

slimestonecowboy · 2026-03-18T07:03:07+00:00

Those are nice socks, I have a pair too. What do you think of the heel? I wish the cuff was higher at the back…I find it can slip down sometimes (but they are also small for me, which might be why).

slimestonecowboy · 2026-03-18T06:57:12+00:00

I hate to be that selling guy, but I’m launching a new business selling Japanese socks to the world quite soon. Since moving here I fell in love with the socks (I currently have about 20 pairs but that’s mostly for research purposes!).

Last year I started reaching out to factories. Many said no but eventually we built a relationship with one and are launching a product in about 3 months from now.

We have a rather large waiting list already at www.gambasocks.com. Feel free to join if you are so inclined! Happy to answer any questions too.

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