CUSTOMIZABLE SOCKS FOR ANY SPORT.

Based in the US, Hype Socks is a hosiery manufacturer and distributor specializing in the design and development of Odor-Resistant, Moisture-Managing Performance Socks for athletic programs or other organizations and special occasions.

Turn Around Time

It's simple...we're the fastest. Because we're manufacturing the product in our own US facility, we boast the best turnaround time in the world for custom socks: only 1-4 weeks for customers in the US and Canada.

Manufacturing

In 2015, we announced the grand-opening of our very own hosiery manufacturing facility. Located in the Former Sock Capital of the World, Fort Payne, AL, we leverage an incredible 300+ years of combined experience. Our highly skilled team of designers and hosiery technicians allow us to offer the best product with unlimited customization.

Minimums

We offer a low minimum of only 10 pairs per size but 30 total pairs per design/order. This allows our customers to choose a wide variety of socks; home, away, alternate, you name it!

Josh M. Wintermantel

Josh M. Wintermantel

Founder/CEO

Meet Josh, the dynamic founder and driving force behind Hype Socks. Born and raised in Ohio, Josh’s entrepreneurial journey started on a humble note. His deep-rooted fascination with business began when he was selling socks during high school, paving the way for the inception of Hype Socks in 2013.

Always one to seize a growth opportunity, Josh reinvested his earnings at the young age of 22 into a hosiery mill factory in Fort Payne, Alabama, once the Sock Capital of the World. This 2015 key expansion allowed the company to manufacture our own products and control our own destiny on our orders.

A former college basketball player at Emory University, Josh leveraged his sports industry relationships and harnessed his online marketing prowess to propel Hype Socks from a budding idea to a thriving business. The company rapidly expanded from 2015 to 2020 under his leadership, tripling its revenue and building a robust sales force across the company’s Atlanta and Columbus, Ohio offices. Since 2020, Hype Socks has proudly operated from its headquarters located in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

His vision didn’t stop there. In 2021, he broadened Hype Socks’ horizon by investing in a sock manufacturing company in the Dominican Republic, thus tripling the companies’ manufacturing capabilities.

Under Josh’s strategic leadership, Hype Socks has vertically integrated into an industry powerhouse. With the launch of Hype Yarn, the company sells sock materials to other factories. Socks Quick, another successful venture, manufactures socks for businesses in the team dealer and promotional product industry. Further, Wintermantel Manufacturing, a part of the Hype Socks enterprise, performs contract manufacturing for other sock companies.

Luke A. Griffith

Luke A. Griffith

President of Sales & Operations

Introducing Luke Griffith, an Ohio State alum, an enthusiastic sports fan, and a crucial part of the Hype Socks’ success story. Proud of his Ohio roots, Luke joined Hype Socks in 2015, starting as an Inside Sales Representative. His love for sports and analytical approach became instrumental in connecting with customers and managing their needs.

In 2020, acknowledging his dedication and talent, Luke was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing. A year later, he took on the role of President of Sales & Operations. Today, he adeptly steers the day-to-day operations at Hype Socks. Luke’s scope of work is extensive, encompassing sales and marketing performance, employee management, and facilitating communications between our sales force and factories. Luke also manages key accounts for our sock factories, showcasing his effectiveness in the B2B area of the business. His role requires him to work closely with CEO Josh Wintermantel every day, ensuring that their collaborative efforts continue to steer the company towards its strategic objectives.

Luke is more than just an executive; he’s a leader who embodies the spirit of Hype Socks. His unwavering commitment to the company and his passion for sports extend beyond the office. During his off-time, Luke doubles as a Fantasy Football Guru, displaying a knack for picking winning plays each week. He’s also a dedicated supporter of Cleveland sports teams, further exemplifying his sports-driven persona. Through his leadership, Luke continues to drive the growth of Hype Socks, taking immense satisfaction in working with a great customer base. His journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and hard work.

Howie Chaney

Howie Chaney

Plant Manager/ Programming Director

Here is Howie Chaney, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the sock industry, and the guiding force behind Hype Socks’ domestic manufacturing operations. As the Plant Manager and Programming Director in Fort Payne, Alabama – once hailed as the Sock Capital of the World – Howie seamlessly blends his industry knowledge and leadership skills to ensure top-notch production standards.

Howie’s role at Hype Socks extends beyond the day-to-day management of the plant. As the Programming Director, he oversees the finalization of all designs and customizations that pass through the manufacturing facility, ensuring every product that leaves the factory meets the highest standards of quality and design.

His expertise in the sock industry doesn’t stop there. He was part of a team assembled by Walmart to investigate an incident involving a sock’s loose thread that led to a child’s toe amputation. This experience not only showcased Howie’s ability to handle complex issues but also demonstrated his unwavering commitment to product safety and consumer well-being.

Beyond his professional life, Howie is an avid sports fan. As an Atlanta Falcon season ticket holder, you can often find him rooting for his team with enthusiasm. During weekends, his loyalty lies with the Crimson Tide, where he passionately supports his favorite team.

Howie’s enduring dedication to his work, combined with his deep industry knowledge and leadership skills, has made him an invaluable asset to the Hype Socks team. His tireless efforts in maintaining high-quality production and his passion for sports make him a true embodiment of the Hype Socks spirit.

Thilip Kumar Venkatamaran

Thilip Kumar Venkatamaran

Chief Product Officer

Thilip Kumar Venkatamaran is a skilled technician hailing from Malli Pudur, Tamil Nadu, India. He completed his education at Arulmigu Kalasalingam Polytechnic College in Krishnankoil, India. In July of 2009, Thilip began his career as a Junior Technician at Winfro Apperalz in Coimbatore, India.

Thilip is fluent in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, and Tamil, which is his mother tongue. He has gained extensive experience working in countries such as Dubai, Lebanon, Russia, Dominican Republic, and Egypt. Throughout his career, Thilip has had the opportunity to work with well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Hurley, Copper Fit, Kit Locker, and Saucony.

In November of 2021, Thilip joined the Hype Socks team as Chief Product Officer. In this role, he is responsible for improving the quality of socks and meeting the growing demands of our customers. Thilip brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the textile industry, which has been instrumental in helping us enhance the quality of our products and expand our offerings. Since joining our team, Thilip has been legendary in driving innovation and introducing new technologies to improve our manufacturing processes. He has also been working closely with our design and marketing teams to create new and exciting products that meet the evolving needs and preferences of our customers.

In his free time, Thilip enjoys playing cricket, with Herschelle Gibbs from South Africa being his favorite player. Thilip also enjoys watching golf, wrestling, and baseball. He follows these sports with great interest and enjoys keeping up with the latest news and updates in each of them.

When it comes to music, Thilip is a fan of the renowned Indian composer Ilayaraja. He enjoys listening to Ilayaraja’s music and appreciates the composer’s unique style and contribution to the Indian music industry.