South African performance sock brand, Sox Footwear has entered a three-year partnership with the Epic Series, becoming the Official Sock Partner across the world’s leading mountain bike stage races. The partnership covers all five Epic Series events: the Absa Cape Epic (South Africa), 4Islands Epic (Croatia), Andorra Epic (Andorra), Swiss Epic (Switzerland) and FNB Wines2Whales (South Africa).
Paid partnership with Sox Footwear
Sox Footwear has partnered with the Epic Series, as Official Sock Partner, to bring event-specific designs and leading performance sock technology to the world’s premier mountain bike stage race series. As part of the agreement, Sox Footwear will produce the Official Event Socks, for the Absa Cape Epic, 4Islands Epic, Andorra Epic, Swiss Epic, and FNB Wines2Whales.
The Pretoria based company will also create Category Leader Socks and selected co-branded merchandise across the Epic Series. Riders and supporters will also be able to purchase official Epic Series socks, alongside the broader Sox Footwear cycling range, through official merchandise channels, selected retailers, distributors and online platforms.
Riders during stage 2 of the 2026 Absa Cape Epic. | Photo: Sam Clark/Cape Epic
Known for its bold designs, innovative print technology and uncompromising quality, Sox Footwear backs every pair with an industry-leading five-year guarantee. The same premium socks trusted by world champions, worn during world-record performances, and relied upon by thousands of athletes around the world will now be worn by Epic Series riders.
Sox Footwear is trusted for its products that deliver comfort and durability throughout the most demanding mountain bike races, including the Absa Cape Epic
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Epic Series, one of the most respected mountain bike stage race platforms in the world,” said Francois Theron, CEO of Sox Footwear. “Both our organisations share a passion for innovation, quality and creating unforgettable athlete experiences. Every rider will receive the same premium socks trusted by world champions, used to set world records and backed by our industry-leading five-year guarantee. We look forward to creating products that riders will enjoy during the race and remember long after they cross the finish line.”
The partnership will officially launch at the Swiss Epic, taking place from 19–23 August 2026, where Sox Footwear will supply the Official Event Socks and Category Leader Socks throughout the race.
Danielle Du Toit during Stage 3 of the 2025 Swiss Epic. | Photo: Nick Muzik
“Sox Footwear combines technical performance, premium quality and distinctive design in a way that truly reflects the spirit of the Epic Series,” said Shannon Valstar, Operations Director for the Epic Series. “We’re delighted to welcome another ambitious South African brand to our global partner family and look forward to seeing the products become part of the rider experience across all Epic Series events.”
The partnership represents another milestone in Sox Footwear’s international expansion strategy and reinforces its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing performance sock brands. By combining South African manufacturing with global distribution and continuous product innovation, Sox Footwear continues to prove that world-class products can be designed and manufactured in Africa for athletes everywhere.
For more information about Sox Footwear, visit www.soxfootwear.com. For the latest news from the Epic Series races or to earn more about the events, visit www.epic-series.com.
