It all started with a tiny 450 square foot sock boutique in 1988, where Ellen and Eric Gil began to uncover a whole new world of footwear. Like their hometown of Santa Cruz, they carried socks that were unique, fun and quirky. They had no idea where it would take them, but before long the community was in love with finding that perfect pair of socks. They were running out of space and their loyal customers were looking for even more to compliment their cozy feet.
After years of expanding, evolving and adding new products, it seemed time to go back to the basics. Sockshop Santa Cruz, the name of the first storefront, was reborn. This time on the historic Santa Cruz wharf with a small boutique consisting of nothing but socks by Socksmith Design.