A team of 25 employees has acquired Lorpen, the Basque sock manufacturer, which was previously taken over by the Ternua Group in August 2014. The employees’ identification with their company has always been exceptionally strong. The factory produces its goods in the village of Etxalar (Navarra), located at the foot of the Spanish Pyrenees. Most of the employees come from the village and nearby surroundings, with women making up 70% of the workforce. This acquisition is a significant milestone for the entire workforce, the village, and the region, where the courageous decision has been met with widespread approval and support.

 A Unique Centre for Sustainable Manufacturing

The team has recently invested substantial energy into repositioning the brand, designing an innovative collection, and creating a modern design language. Against this backdrop, it was extremely important for the employees to seize the opportunity and, through the employee buyout, reap the rewards of their efforts in the coming years while securing and developing the factory in Etxalar for the long term.

The site in Etxalar is a unique centre, specifically designed for modern and sustainable production. Only recycled, reusable, certified, and biodegradable materials are processed. Additionally, 100% renewable, regionally generated energy is utilised, and unavoidable textile waste is repurposed as insulation in the automotive and construction industries. This responsible approach is embraced by the employees. It also includes the durability-focused quality of Lorpen’s socks, which come with a lifetime guarantee. This dynamic, sustainable approach has contributed to Lorpen becoming one of the leading outdoor brands worldwide, committed to ecological, social, and economic well-being while meeting the highest standards.

 Technological Excellence

Lorpen is currently ranked among the world’s top five providers of technical outdoor socks. Its product range is diverse and tailored to various categories such as outdoor, mountaineering, trail running, running, skiing, as well as a focused line of Merino base layers. New for spring/summer is a “lifestyle” series.

A highlight is Lorpen’s trail running segment, where high-quality Merino wool is combined with Coolmax for the first time. This gives the socks a very soft feel, effective climate and moisture regulation, odour neutrality, and excellent wearing comfort.

 Completely Revamped Product Range

For winter 2026/27, Lorpen has completely overhauled its ski sock range, introducing anatomically designed left-right sock construction. This functional feature complements the brand’s already well-known exclusive technologies.

The centrepiece of the collection is functional socks featuring the exclusive T3 construction, where three different yarns are strategically used to create three separate layers within a sock. This allows for the creation of targeted functional zones tailored to specific usage requirements and anatomical needs, such as effective cushioning, ventilation zones, or skin-friendly comfort zones. The thoughtful selection of different yarns considers the intensity level and environmental conditions under which the activity is performed. The brand is a pioneer in developing the T3 layering technology, using flat seams in the toe cap, and employing compostable materials in its performance models.

 Matthias Faller for the DACH Market

The restructuring is accompanied by the appointment of Matthias Faller, whose agency Moving Consulting has taken over country management for the DACH markets. The experienced industry professional sees great potential in these countries for socks made in Spain, which perfectly meet the demands for technically high-quality and responsibly produced socks in the sports and outdoor retail sector.

The leading company in Spain is represented in over 50 countries through agents and distributors. Currently, 60% of its revenue is generated outside Spain. Lorpen sponsors top athletes and has a partnership agreement with the French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs (FFCAM).