We don’t often dedicate an entire post just to socks here at Run Oregon, and for good reason. At the end of the day, most companies have the fundamentals dialed in—snug fit, moisture management, and enough cushioning to keep blisters at bay. It’s not usually the place where you see wild leaps in innovation.
But socks are also one of those running essentials we can’t live without. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got a drawer overflowing with pairs in varying states of use, from your “race day favorites” down to the threadbare back-of-the-rotation backups. So, when something local and interesting pops up, it feels worth highlighting.
That brings us to East Peak, a Northern California–based apparel brand that’s quietly bringing both function and flair to the humble running sock. Yes, the tech is all there: a comfortable, stay-put fit, lightweight breathability, and fabric blends that wick moisture up to 700 times better than cotton (seriously). These socks are also built to last, which matters when you’re putting in daily miles.
Still, what first drew us in weren’t the specs—it was the designs. East Peak isn’t afraid to have a little fun with patterns, and they’ve created some looks that genuinely stand out on the run. Personally, I’m a sucker for florals, so the Ultralight Poppy Trail Sock was an instant favorite.
It’s playful but not over-the-top—three bright poppies sprouting up from the base of the sock, almost as if your stride itself is giving life to the trail around you. Maybe that’s just poetic license, but it’s also a design that makes me smile every time I lace up.
Beyond the poppy series, East Peak offers a handful of other colorways and even some non-floral designs in their midweight line, so there’s something here no matter your style.
At the end of the day, we all need socks—and if you’re ready to freshen up your collection, East Peak is a fun and functional place to start. Each pair runs $22, or you can grab three for $59 if you want to stock up and rotate through each of the poppy designs.
