Gilnokie is a South African, family-owned business with over 20 years of expertise in textiles. Their heritage is in safety socks. In October 2022, Kalven Armstrong launched the sports brand with a vision to create high-quality, moisture-wicking socks that endure heavy or light use while remaining affordable to athletes of all levels. We ran in them and we rate them highly - they are soft, breathable and comfortable.
Early testing began in 2022 with Durban running legends like Dean Wight from Beloved Long Runs (BLR) who has run 30 Comrades marathons. Feedback from BLR and local running groups shaped the final designs and continue to influence product development today. By building strong technical foundations, Gilnokie sourced premium yarns and incorporated HYDROCOOL® and SILVERPLUS® technologies to ensure moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties. These innovations help keep feet dry, fresh, and free from odours. The result is a sock designed to meet the real needs of athletes, backed by stories of reduced blisters, fewer blackened toenails, and the elimination of hot spots from countless satisfied runners.
While they can’t claim to eliminate blisters outright, they designed socks to address common causes of blistering. Blisters often result from factors like shoe shape, materials, running style, or poorly chosen socks. Cheaper, abrasive polyester socks trap moisture, leading to chafing and discomfort. Gilnockie socks are crafted from soft, high-quality yarns treated with HYDROCOOL® to wick moisture away and channel it out through the ankle area, keeping feet dry and comfortable.
The name "Gilnokie" honours Kalven Armstrong’s Scottish heritage. It is inspired by Johnnie Armstrong, a 16th-century Scottish folk hero, and the historic Gilnockie Tower, built by the Armstrong clan. The tower inspired brand logo reflects this deep connection to legacy and roots, reimagined for South Africa.
Gilnokie is dedicated to building inclusive communities and supporting local economies. By staying local, the brand maintains direct relationships with suppliers and customers, ensuring continuous product improvement and oversight. Looking forward, Gilnokie aims to expand its custom sock division, already serving running and cycling crews, sports clubs, and schools across South Africa. In 2024, the team travelled extensively to meet athletes at road and trail races, gathering valuable feedback. For 2025, the goal is to connect with even more athletes across various sports, offering socks that genuinely improve their performance.
Gilnokie’s mission is simple: to eliminate bad socks, provide real solutions, and help athletes focus on their performance.
To view the range or purchase a pair, visit https://gilnokie.com
