Fort Payne, Alabama 🇺🇸

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, zkano is rewriting the story of Fort Payne, Alabama. Once recognized as the "Sock Capital of the World," Fort Payne saw its industry decimated by outsourcing in the early 2000s. In 2009, founder Gina Locklear launched zkano to reclaim that heritage, merging her family’s decades of knitting expertise with a modern, eco-conscious vision.

A Family Legacy

zkano is a true family affair, operated out of the same mill where Gina’s parents, Terry and Regina, have been knitting since 1991. While many American mills shuttered, the Locklears adapted, shifting from mass-market athletic production to high-quality, sustainable small batches. Today, the team—including Gina’s parents and a dedicated crew of local master technicians—oversees every step of the process under one roof.

Sustainable by Design

The company’s commitment to the planet is as deep as its commitment to its community. zkano socks are crafted with a "farm-to-foot" philosophy:

• U.S. Organic Cotton: Every pair begins with certified organic cotton grown on family farms in West Texas.

• Low-Impact Dyes: The yarn is spun and treated with non-toxic, low-impact dyes in North Carolina before arriving in Fort Payne.

• Zero-Waste Initiatives: Manufacturing waste is recycled into automotive carpet padding, and "irregulars" (socks with minor cosmetic flaws) are donated to local homeless shelters and community organizations..

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