The answer is a resounding YES. In April a new sock brand was launched, MINT, and for every pair of socks sold through their website, $1 goes to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). The concept behind this new company is a minted collection of three fresh designs is introduced quarterly with models being archived once sold out.
HOT
Unique, cool designs
Italian yarns comfortable in a variety of temps
$1/pair donated to NICA
NOT
Some shrinkage if machine dried
www.thefreshlyminted.com
Price: $20
Source: Online, bike shops
Sizes: Unisex – XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
Material: Italian Filanca nylon yarn (cuff/calf), Italian Meryl Skinlife (foot bed)
How obtained: Sample from company
RBR advertiser: No
Tested: 20+ hours
To me, cycling socks are an inexpensive way to add that finishing touch on an awesome kit or “dress up” even the most mundane. In my opinion, the more colorful the socks, the better. And what a great way to show off your unique personality. Tim Vangilder, former Creative Director of Crank Brothers, designed the first three MINT pairs. They are colorful, unique and creative.
I was lucky enough to receive two of the first minted designs before they debuted at Sea Otter Classic. I’ve been wearing them during Chicago’s menopausal weather where one day it’s in the 50s and the next in the 90s. My feet are comfortable no matter what the temps.
What’s great about MINT is you are not only getting a great pair of socks, you are enabling revenue sharing with NICA, which translates to getting more kids on bikes.
Suzette Ayotte, co-founder of MINT and former NICA Development Director said, “The simple fact is, NICA gets more kids on bikes, and those kids get their parents on bikes which is ultimately growing our consumer base. NICA has made high school mountain biking a sport where no one is benched and where everyone participates in practice and in every race. We’re talking 16,000 active students in 2017 with annual growth of 35% year-over-year. NICA is literally contributing toward a healthier society and building a foundation for our industry tomorrow. And yes, it means more people wearing socks.”
Care instructions for your MINT socks say to wash by hand or on delicate, then line dry to avoid shrinking. I normally wash my better cycling socks in cold water with my kits. Once in a while, they sneak in with my regular laundry and get tossed in the dryer. One pair of my MINT socks did get dried. There was a little shrinkage but remained very wearable.
Bottom Line
More and more companies are adopting corporate responsibility policies and revenue sharing with non-profits is one way. MINT is a company that launched in April and is donating $1 per pair of socks sold through their web site to NICA. What a great way to look stylish on your bike while giving back to the next generation of cyclists.
Are these socks considered “compression” socks too? Since I have been wearing compression socks during my rides, my feet are extremely comfortable!