Born in New Zealand · Built for the Trail
Socks made by a
trail runner,
for trail runners.
A physio with monkey toes, blisters that wouldn't quit, and a stubborn idea that socks could be so much better.
Our Story
The Founder's Story
My socks failed me. So I made better ones.
It started on my feet. Long days as a Physiotherapist will do things to you — red, sore, irritated skin, cracked between the toes. And come race day, training for half marathons and mountain races up in the Southern Alps, I'd get blisters on my toes like you wouldn't believe. Chafe. Of the foot. Not ideal.
I tried everything. Different brands, different materials, different techniques. Nothing worked. Not with my sweaty feet and, let's just say it, my rather enthusiastic toe spread. My socks just weren't built for the way my feet actually work.
That's when I discovered toe socks. They helped immediately. And honestly? They felt bloody good. Like — genuinely, why had I never tried these before? You don't know what you're missing when you stick with the status quo.
But I wanted better. I wanted a toe sock made with softer material, that kept my feet dry even longer, that performed at the level I was asking of it on the trail. So I got to work designing my own. Late 2021, the first Creepers Merino Toe Sock was born. The only socks I'll ever need. All. Day. Long.
These aren't just socks. They're a statement that what goes on your feet actually matters — and that the trail deserves to be met with the right gear.
S
Shaun Clark
Founder, Creepers Socks
Trail runner, Physiotherapist, Proud Kiwi
"I ran 610km at Backyard Ultra World Champs and 228km a couple of weeks later. Not a single blister. What is this sorcery?!"
— Verified Creepers customer
350K+
Pairs Sold
3000+
5-Star Reviews
2021
Founded in NZ
0
Corners Cut
Our Mission
Free your feet.
Nail every trail.
Creepers exists for one reason: to make the best performance toe socks on earth, so that no trail runner, ultra runner, Backyard Ultra athlete or thru-hiker ever has to bail early because of blisters. We're a small New Zealand brand, designed and tested in the shadow of the Southern Alps, with a deep belief that nature's best materials beat synthetic shortcuts every single time.
🏔️
Built for Real Trails
Every Creepers sock is designed, tested and refined on actual trails — not in a lab. If it doesn't survive the Southern Alps, it doesn't make the cut. We run in these things. We know what works.
🌿
Natural Over Synthetic
We believe nature already figured out the best performance fabric. Merino wool — not petroleum-based fibre — is at the heart of every pair. Renewable, biodegradable, and genuinely better for your feet.
❤️
No Dicks, No Divas
Small team, big standards, no ego. We're here to help you run further, feel better, and enjoy every step. Everyone's welcome on this trail — whether you're chasing a podium or just chasing a good time.
Nature's Superfibre
Merino doesn't ask
for your trust.
It earns it.
Synthetic fibres are engineered in labs. Merino wool has been engineered by millions of years of evolution on the harshest hillsides on earth. We'll back nature's version every time.
01 — Softness
Not Your Grandma's Wool
Merino fibres are ultra-fine — which means no itch, no scratch, just a second-skin feel. It's soft enough that you'll forget you're wearing socks, while tough enough to go the full distance. We use superfine grade merino for maximum comfort and minimum friction.
02 — Moisture
Dry Feet, Happy Trail
Merino can absorb up to 35% of its weight and still feel dry to the touch. It pulls sweat into the core of the fibre, keeping the surface dry and your skin fresh. Wet trails, summer heat, back-to-back days — your feet stay comfortable.
03 — Temperature
Your Own Personal Climate Control
Hot day on the trail? Merino breathes. Cold morning in the mountains? Merino insulates. It thermoregulates naturally, working with your body rather than against it. The go-anywhere, do-anything fibre that never feels overbuilt or sweaty.
04 — Odour
Back-to-Back Days, Zero Regrets
Merino fibres absorb the odour molecules that cause that post-run funk, keeping them locked away from your skin until wash day. You can wear these for multiple days on a multi-day trail tour without offending anyone in your crew.
✓
Responsible Wool Standard
100% RWS Certified yarn — ethical, traceable
✓
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Tested safe for skin, free of harmful substances
🌱
Renewable Natural Fibre
Sheep grow a new fleece every year. Simple.
The Creepers Difference
Why thousands of runners
are ditching regular socks.
Toe socks look a bit different. We know. But once you've run a 50km trail race blister-free, finished a multi-day thru-hike without a single hot spot, or survived a Backyard Ultra without your feet falling apart — you stop caring what they look like. Here's exactly what makes Creepers the sock the trail running community trusts.
01
Anatomically Correct Fit
Your toes aren't supposed to be squashed together inside a tube. Toe socks are the natural, foot-shaped design your feet were waiting for. Individual sleeves eliminate skin-on-skin friction — the root cause of almost every toe blister — while allowing your toes to splay naturally for better grip and balance on technical terrain.
02
Superfine Merino Construction
We don't cut corners on materials. Our superfine merino blend (50% merino, 45% nylon, 5% elastane) is chosen specifically for performance toe socks — thin enough to feel barefoot-like, strong enough to last hundreds of kilometres. Seamless toe sleeves, a performance knit body, and a cuff that actually stays up.
03
A Physio Designed These
Shaun isn't just a runner — he's a Physiotherapist. Every design decision is informed by how feet actually work, what causes injury, and what long-term foot health looks like. That means wider toe sleeves, correct toe length, the right compression in the right places, and zero compromises on the details that matter most.
Trusted by the Trail
Worn by elites.
Loved by everyone.
From Backyard Ultra World Championship runners and 100-mile ultramarathon athletes, to thru-hikers grinding the Te Araroa in soaked shoes — Creepers is built for the people who ask the most of their feet. Trusted by the elites. Proven on the longest, hardest, wettest trails on earth.
★★★★★
"Ran the South Island 100km ultramarathon in the pouring rain wearing Creepers and had zero issues the whole race. No need for a sock or shoe change. Which is massive."
— Verified Runner, NZ
★★★★★
"1,100 odd km of the South Island Te Araroa trail in the same pairs. Not one blister, even though my shoes were constantly wet and muddy. I'm still wearing them every day."
— Te Araroa Thru-Hiker
★★★★★
"I ran 610km at Backyard Ultra World Champs and 228km a couple of weeks later. Not a single blister. What is this sorcery?!"
— World Championship Ultra Athlete
3000+
Add new text here
350K+
pairs out on trails
#1
for blister prevention
Join the Crew
Set your feet free.
See you out there.
Come for the blisters you'll never get again. Stay for the community of runners, hikers, and wanderers who've discovered that the right sock changes everything. Your trails are waiting.
NZ-Owned
& Operated
Ship Worldwide
from NZ & USA
RWS Certified
Responsible Merino
500km
Quality Guarantee