Walmart Socks, History and Brands

Walmart is one of the largest retailers globally. This American multinational corporation runs a chain of supermarkets, supercenters and discount department stores. Here is a summary of Walmart’s characteristics:

Basic Information

• Founded: July 2, 1962, by Sam Walton
  
• Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
  
• Type: Public company (traded as WMT on NYSE)
  
• Business Model: High-volume, low-cost retailing
  

Here’s a clear, concise and punchy history of Walmart—from a single store to a global retail giant:

History of Walmart

The Vision Starts (1962)

Sam Walton opened the first Walmart Discount City in Rogers, Arkansas, on July 2, 1962, marking the beginning of the company’s history. His objective? Sell more for less money. He felt that by keeping prices low, customers could save money and improve their quality of life.

Sam Walton’s philosophy was simple—keep costs low, pass savings to customers.

Rapid Growth in the 1970s

Walmart grew fast throughout the South and Midwest. By 1970, Walmart had become a publicly traded company (WMT on the NYSE). The stock launch helped fuel rapid expansion. The first distribution center and home office were built in Bentonville, Arkansas. In just 10 years, Walmart had expanded to over 275 stores and achieved $1 billion in sales.

National Expansion (1980s)

Expanded coast-to-coast in the U.S., Introduced Sam’s Club (1983), a membership warehouse club. Launched the first Walmart Supercenter in 1988, combining groceries with general merchandise. This changed retail forever; one-stop shopping became the new norm.

Going Global (1990s)

Walmart went international, entering Mexico (1991), Canada (1994), and China (1996). Acquired U.K. chain ASDA in 1999, continued to dominate the U.S. with thousands of stores and innovations in logistics and supply chain. Walmart’s efficiency in supply chain management became a global benchmark.

Digital Shift (2000s–2010s)

Focused on e-commerce to compete with Amazon. Acquired tech companies like Jet.com and invested in online grocery pickup. Expanded grocery delivery, mobile apps, and introduced Walmart Pay.

Modern Walmart (2020s–Now)

Launched Walmart+, an Amazon Prime-like subscription service.
Pay attention to omnichannel retail, which is the smooth transition between online and in-store purchasing. Continued expansion in health care (Walmart Health), fintech, and automation.
Sustainability became a top priority, including renewable energy and waste reduction.

Walmart Today

• Over 10,500 stores worldwide.
• 2.1 million+ employees globally.
• Ranked among the world’s biggest corporations in terms of revenue.
  

What Walmart Does

Walmart provides a large range of goods, such as

• Groceries (fresh, frozen, and packaged)
• Clothing & shoes
• Electronics
• Home goods
• Pharmacy & health products
• Toys & baby items
• Automotive & hardware
• Socks and fashion basics
  

Global Reach

• Walmart U.S.: Over 4,600 stores
• International: Operations in countries like Mexico, Chile, China and Canada (though it has exited some markets)
• Sam’s Club is a Walmart warehouse club that is exclusive to members.

Why Walmart Is So Popular?

Walmart isn’t just popular—it’s a cultural and retail phenomenon. With millions of customers visiting its stores or shopping online each day, Walmart has built a reputation on trust, convenience and unbeatable value. But what exactly makes Walmart stand out in a world full of retail giants?

Let’s break it down:

1. Everyday Low Prices (EDLP): 

If there’s one reason shoppers keep coming back to Walmart, it’s low prices—not just on sale days, but every single day.

Sam Walton’s original mission was simple: “Give the customer what they want at a lower price, and they’ll come back.”

Walmart has perfected the Everyday Low Price (EDLP) model by:

• Negotiating directly with suppliers for better deals
  
• Buying in bulk to reduce unit cost
  
• Limiting advertising overhead to pass on savings
  
• Using private label brands like Great Value, Equate and George for even more affordable options
  

It’s not just about cheap items—it’s about consistent value, whether you’re buying groceries, electronics, or a pair of socks.

2. One-Stop Shopping: Everything Under One Roof

Need groceries, baby diapers, cat litter, a microwave and school supplies—all in one trip?

At Walmart, you can get it all. And more.

Its Supercenter format, introduced in 1988, revolutionized retail by blending:

• Full grocery store
• Pharmacy and health services
• Home improvement
• Auto care
• Electronics and media
• Clothing and shoes
• Seasonal goods
• Garden and outdoor items
  

Add to that services like:

• Vision centers
• Photo printing
• Money transfers and bill pay
• On-site hair salons or nail bars in select locations

Walmart helps you save time. You don’t have to go to five different stores because everything you need is in one place. Customers remain loyal because of the low prices and ease of use.

3. Walmart+: Convenience, Savings & Speed

Walmart launched Walmart+, a premium membership service, in 2020 in an attempt to rival Amazon Prime. And for consumers who are tech-savvy, it has emerged as a powerful value driver.

What does Walmart+ include?

• Free unlimited delivery from your local store (on $35+ orders)
• Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, and Murphy USA gas stations offer fuel discounts.
• Scan and go on your phone for contactless in-store payment
• Priority access to sales and promotions
• Paramount+ streaming access is bundled in for free (as of 2023)
  

The service is competitively priced, and unlike Amazon, Walmart leverages its massive store network to deliver from local warehouses, ensuring same-day or next-day service in many areas.

Walmart+ saves time and money — and adds extra value in everyday life. For families, commuters and frequent Walmart shoppers, the membership quickly pays for itself.

4. Strong E-Commerce Presence: Walmart.com

Once considered a slow starter in the online space, Walmart has now become a major force in e-commerce, second only to Amazon in the U.S.

In the previous ten years, Walmart has:

• Spent billions on the Walmart app and Walmart.com.
• Acquired tech platforms like Jet.com, Flipkart, and Parcel
• Expanded Walmart Marketplace, allowing third-party sellers to list products
• Rolled out Grocery Pickup, curbside delivery, and mobile ordering nationwide
• Introduced a streamlined returns process, even for Marketplace items
• Piloted drone delivery and AI-driven order fulfilment
  

Walmart’s secret advantage? Its 5,000+ physical stores across the U.S. double as distribution hubs. This makes shipping faster, cheaper and more localized than traditional warehouse-only competitors.

Why shoppers love it:

• Easy-to-navigate site and mobile app
• Real-time inventory from local stores
• Combined online + in-store experience
• Competitive prices with frequent rollbacks

Retail Types

• Walmart Supercenter – Full grocery store + general merchandise
  
• Walmart Discount Store – Basic general merchandise
  
• Walmart Neighborhood Market – Focused on groceries and pharmacy
  

Walmart Socks : National & Owned Brands

Walmart isn’t just a grocery and household giant—it’s also a major player in sock retail, offering everything from budget basics to name-brand performance wear. Whether you’re looking for athletic socks, dress socks, fashion styles or cozy winter options, Walmart has it all—across multiple price points and age groups.

Let’s break down the top sock brands you’ll find at Walmart:

Private Label Brands (Exclusive to Walmart)

These are Walmart-owned or exclusively distributed brands. They deliver great value and consistent quality and are often priced lower than national competitors.

Over the years, it has built a portfolio of private labels that offer quality, affordability, and style, especially when it comes to socks. From men’s basics to kids’ prints and athletic wear, Walmart’s in-house brands cover every foot and fashion need. Let’s explore the most prominent Walmart-owned sock brands, including their background, ownership, and the kind of socks they offer.

• Athletic Works
• George
• Time and Tru
• Wonder Nation
• No Boundaries (NOBO)
• Genuine Dickies
• Layer 8
• Joyspun
• Mainstays
  

1. Athletic Works

Launched in the late 1990s, Athletic Works is Walmart’s go-to brand for affordable activewear. Owned entirely by Walmart, it caters to families seeking quality performance gear without the big-brand price tag. 

The sock collection includes ankle, low-cut and crew styles made for everyday wear and light workouts. Most pairs feature stretch fabric, moisture-wicking fibers, and cushioned soles—perfect for gym sessions or daily errands.

Sock Types: Ankle socks, low-cut socks, crew socks

Best For: Light workouts, gym sessions, and daily errands. Athletic Works socks feature cushioned soles, moisture-wicking materials, and a supportive fit ideal for casual athletic use.

2. George

Created in 1989 by British designer George Davies for ASDA, the George brand made its way to the U.S. when Walmart acquired ASDA in 1999. By 2000, it was introduced as Walmart’s core menswear label.

The George sock line focuses on classic, everyday styles for men like dress socks, ribbed crews, and cotton basics. Affordable and functional, George socks typically come in muted tones such as black, navy, or grey, making them ideal for both office wear and casual use.

Sock Types: Dress socks, ribbed crew socks, cotton basics, workwear socks

Best For: Office attire, business casual looks, and everyday wear. George socks are budget-friendly and designed in versatile colors like black, navy, and gray.

3. Time and Tru

Time and Tru debuted in 2018 as part of Walmart’s fashion revamp for women. Designed in-house, it combines modern style with practical comfort. The sock range includes fashion-forward options like no-show liners, ankle socks, and cozy knit crews. 

From lace-trimmed socks for ballet flats to plush socks for lounging at home, Time and Tru blends feminine design with affordability. Many of their packs also feature seasonal prints and soft materials suited for all-day wear.

Sock Types: No-show liners, ankle socks, cozy crews, plush socks

Best For: All-day casual wear, pairing with flats or sneakers, and cozy home lounging. Many designs include feminine details like lace, soft knits, and seasonal prints.

4. Wonder Nation

Launched alongside Time and Tru in 2018, Wonder Nation is Walmart’s children’s apparel brand. It offers socks designed with both fun and function in mind. Kids can choose from colorful ankle socks, themed crew socks, or character-inspired patterns like dinosaurs, unicorns, or superheroes. 

Reinforced heels and toes, stretch-fit cuffs, and breathable cotton blends make these socks perfect for school, sports, or playtime. Wonder Nation is known for offering large value packs, which parents love.

Sock Types: Ankle socks, crew socks, character-themed socks

Best For: School, sports, and playtime. Reinforced toes and breathable cotton make them durable, while fun prints like dinosaurs and unicorns appeal to kids.

5. No Boundaries (NOBO)

No Boundaries, often abbreviated as NOBO, was introduced in 1991 to cater to teens and young adults. It’s one of Walmart’s most style-forward labels, frequently updating collections to reflect current fashion trends. The sock range includes bold patterns, tie-dye effects, emoji prints, and novelty designs. 

Whether you’re looking for cozy crews, fuzzy winter socks, or ankle styles with quirky graphics, No Boundaries offers variety and affordability for trend-conscious youth.

Sock Types: Graphic ankle socks, novelty crews, fuzzy socks, colorful liners

Best For: Trend-focused youth looking for expressive, bold, or quirky sock designs. Great for casual outfits, cozy seasons, or standing out on social media.

6. Genuine Dickies

Genuine Dickies is a special Walmart-exclusive line created under license from the original Dickies brand. This extension began in the early 2000s and focuses on durable workwear at competitive prices. The socks under Genuine Dickies are tough, thick, and built for job sites. 

Expect high-performance features like reinforced heels, arch support, sweat control, and cushioned soles. They pair perfectly with steel-toe or work boots and are ideal for long shifts or outdoor labor.

Sock Types: Work boot socks, crew socks, thermal socks

Best For: Outdoor labor, factory work, and long shifts. These socks offer support, sweat control, and durability for heavy-duty wear.

7. Layer 8

Layer 8 began as a performance brand around 2001 and was developed by Galaxy Brands. While it’s not owned by Walmart, many of its products—including socks—are sold exclusively or semi-exclusively through Walmart stores and online. Layer 8 socks are built for serious workouts. 

You’ll find low-cut and ankle-length athletic socks with mesh zones, compression arch bands, and extra padding in high-impact areas. They are well-liked by runners, fitness enthusiasts, and anybody else who needs additional assistance when moving.

Sock Types: Ankle socks, low-cut performance socks, compression socks

Best For: Running, training, and gym workouts. With features like compression arch support, mesh zones, and impact padding, they’re built for motion.

8. Joyspun Socks 

Launched in October 2022, Joyspun is Walmart’s elevated private label for women’s sleepwear and intimates. In April 2025, Walmart expanded the brand into sustainable hosiery by introducing eco-friendly socks.

Sock Types: Ankle socks, crew socks, no-show liners made with REPREVE® recycled fibres

Best For: Eco-conscious shoppers who want soft, cozy, and stylish socks for lounging, sleepwear, or daily comfort. Designs are minimalist, feminine, and sustainably made from textile and plastic bottle waste.

9. Mainstays

Mainstays is one of Walmart’s oldest and most recognized private label brands, primarily known for its home goods like bedding, furniture, kitchenware, and décor. It was launched in the early 1990s as Walmart’s value-focused home essentials line. While the brand’s core strength is not fashion or apparel, Mainstays does offer a limited selection of basic socks—typically bundled in value multi-packs for men and women.

These socks are usually found in the essentials or seasonal sections and are marketed under Walmart’s broader everyday living categories.

Sock Types: Basic crew socks, ankle socks, and no-show socks (limited)

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers looking for household essentials and basic socks in bulk. Mainstays socks are functional, simple, and affordable-suitable for daily use around the home or casual wear.

National Socks Brands at Walmart

For well-known, mass-distributed brands you’ll find across major retailers:

• Hanes
• Fruit of the Loom
• Gildan
• GoldToe
• Dr. Scholl’s
• Dickies
• Wrangler
• Champion
  

These brands are known for quality, comfort, and value. Ideal for everyday wear, work, or casual basics.

1. Hanes

One of America’s oldest and most trusted underwear and sock brands, founded in 1901. Known for comfort, basics, and mass-market appeal. Sold in almost every major U.S. retailer.

Sock Types: Crew, ankle, no-show, cushioned, dress, work socks
Best For: Everyday comfort, bulk packs, budget-friendly basics

2. Fruit of the Loom

Founded in 1851, this brand offers affordable apparel essentials. A direct competitor to Hanes, widely sold across Walmart and other retailers.

Sock Types: Crew, ankle, no-show, sport, cushioned
Best For: Affordable multi-packs, everyday wear, family value bundles

3. Gildan

Canadian apparel manufacturer best known for low-cost T-shirts and socks. Popular for bulk packs and private label production.

Sock Types: Crew, ankle, sport socks, basic cotton
Best For: Budget buys, schoolwear, multi-pack essentials

4. GOLDTOE

A high-end sock brand that dates back to the 1930s. Known for their signature gold-tipped toe and durable construction.
 

Sock Types: Dress, crew, over-the-calf, cushioned casual
Best For: Business wear, comfort dress socks, long-lasting quality

5. Dickies

Founded in 1922, Dickies is a tough workwear brand trusted by laborers and tradesmen. Walmart carries both original and Genuine Dickies lines.

Sock Types: Work socks, boot-length, cushioned crew, thermal
Best For: Boots, long shifts, construction, job site durability

6. Wrangler

Iconic American brand known for jeans and western workwear. A staple in rural and outdoor markets.
Sock Types: Crew, boot socks, thick thermal styles
Best For: Outdoor work, ranch wear, cooler climates, rugged use

7. Champion

Heritage athleticwear brand re-popularized for streetwear. Known for quality basics and collegiate looks.
 

Sock Types: Crew, ankle, cushioned sport, retro styles
Best For: Gym wear, classic athletic style, casual street fashion

Athletic & Sports Performance Brands

Brands focused on performance, gym, and activewear:

• Nike
• Reebok
• AND1
• Penn
  

Best for gym-goers, athletes, and anyone needing performance cushioning, moisture-wicking, and support.

1. Nike

one of the largest sportswear companies in the world. Nike socks are trusted by athletes and are designed for performance.

Sock Types: Dri-FIT ankle, crew, elite basketball, cushioned training
Best For: Athletics, high-performance sports, long workouts

2.Reebok

Now owned by Authentic Brands Group, this international fitness brand has a long history in sports.

Sock Types: Performance ankle, low-cut, compression, gym-ready socks
Best For: Running, training, sporty everyday wear

3. AND1

Basketball-inspired brand launched in 1993, focused on performance and streetwear style. Often found in Walmart as licensed products.
 

Sock Types: Athletic crew, quarter, performance socks
Best For: Basketball, gym workouts, sporty streetwear look

4. Penn

Originally a tennis brand (famous for tennis balls), it also offers socks for court sports and training.

Sock Types: Cushioned ankle, low-cut, performance crew
Best For: Tennis, light training, racquet sports

Modern & Fashion Lifestyle Brands

For trendy, stylish, or cozy sock styles:

• Pair of Thieves
• Loritta
• Cooplus
• Eiyebisi
  

Best for fashion-conscious wearers, cozy lounging, and giftable designs with a fun twist.

1. Pair of Thieves

Modern lifestyle brand known for stylish, comfy socks and underwear with a fun twist. Founded in 2014.
Sock Types: Fashion crew, performance ankle, lounge socks
Best For: Trendy looks, soft feel, bold patterns, gift-worthy socks

2. Loritta

A boutique-style online brand focused on fashionable women’s socks. Often found on marketplaces.

Sock Types: Fuzzy socks, casual crew, winter thermal, lace-trim
Best For: Cozy lounging, girly styles, gifting, cute fashion looks

3. Eiyebisi

Likely a third-party online brand that offers fashion or novelty socks. Limited retail presence.
 

Sock Types: Printed crew, cute ankle socks, novelty designs
Best For: Casual wear, aesthetic looks, online shoppers

4. Cooplus

A lesser-known online-focused brand offering affordable socks. Often available in bulk through third-party sellers.

Sock Types: Crew, ankle, casual socks, novelty prints
Best For: Budget shoppers, variety packs, basic everyday use

Health & Medical Sock Brands

Specialized brands offering therapeutic support:

• Dr. Scholl’s
• MediPeds

Great for diabetics, sensitive skin, swelling issues, or anyone needing doctor-recommended foot care.

1. Dr. Scholl’s

Famous for foot care and orthopedic comfort. Their socks are built for health, support, and wellness.

Sock Types: Diabetic, compression, circulation socks, soft toe

Best For: Medical needs, sensitive feet, swelling, all-day comfort

2. MediPeds

A medically focused sock brand specializing in diabetic and therapeutic styles. Doctor-recommended.

Sock Types: Diabetic crew, compression socks, moisture-control
Best For: Diabetes, foot care, circulation improvement, sensitive skin

Specialty & Licensed Socks at Walmart

Walmart also features seasonal and character-driven socks for holidays, back-to-school, or fandoms:

• Disney, Marvel, DC, Nickelodeon, and Paw Patrol socks in the kids’ section
  
• Holiday socks (Christmas, Halloween) in seasonal displays
  
• Compression socks and diabetic socks in the health/wellness aisle
  

You’ll also find slipper socks, gripper socks, fuzzy socks, and thermal boot socks under various labels depending on the time of year.

Final Thoughts:

Walmart has become more than just a place to grab groceries or home goods—it’s a go-to destination for quality socks that fit every lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re dressing for the office, hitting the gym, or lounging at home, there’s a reliable pair waiting on the shelves or online. 

With options that span performance, comfort, fashion, and wellness, Walmart makes it easy to stock up without sacrificing style or function. From everyday basics to specialized needs, their sock selection proves that great comfort doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.