A simple (but wonderful) idea

WOLFEBORO – Kara Brunetta had an idea. It was a simple one, but it turned into a product that is popular with those who appreciate warm, comfy socks and durable and convenient outdoor footwear.

Winnies Socks of Wolfeboro offers customers a blend of a sock and a boot, which were born of necessity … and a stack of wood.

Winnies Socks founder Brunetta said, “The idea for Winnies Socks was conceived at my cottage in Wolfeboro on a chilly winter’s evening in 2017, followed by the actual invention of the socks in 2018.”

While enjoying time with her family in front of the fire, Brunetta was venturing in and out for firewood throughout the evening. She remembers, “Each time, I had to take my cozy, thick slipper socks off to put my shoes on. The more trips in and out over the season, arms filled with firewood and struggling to remove my shoes at the door, I knew there had to be a better way. Winnies Socks, (Winnie is named after Lake Winnipesaukee), was born.”

Brunetta put a great deal of thought into the invention of the slipper socks. “I had the idea, but at first I didn’t know how to make it work,” she explained. With some trial and error, she worked it out, and the result was Winnies Socks.

The construction of the socks is brilliant in its simplicity, yet not a design just anyone would conceive of. Brunetta explained, “I use the same materials for all the socks: Sherpa lined fleece and rubber oversocks.”

The socks come in men’s and women’s sizes in boot-cut and ankle-cut slipper socks in various colors and designs. They are 100% polyester fleece, and the oversocks are 100% rubber and have anti-rust metal with copper rivets.

Winnies Socks are attractive and cozy and have become extremely popular with customers. Additionally, they are immensely practical and solve the problem of constantly putting on and removing outdoor boots when going in and out of the house. Winnies Socks also keep feet warm in the cold winter months and come in various fun colors and designs.

Brunetta enjoys her home and living in the Lakes Region. “I grew up in Massachusetts, and in 2011, I bought a house in Wolfeboro.”

From her home base, Brunetta conceives of new ideas for Winnies Socks colors and styles to keep things fresh. Her home is near Lake Winnipesaukee; she loves the lake and the outdoors and finds her sock invention to be perfect for those who need ease-of-use footwear when walking the dog, bringing in wood for the stove, sitting on the deck, patio, or dock with friends, or doing any of the multitude of chores one might do throughout the day.

Using the slipper socks is simple: stretch the slipper and step into it. The oversock (slipper) connects to the slipper sock via a magnet. When the wearer wants to remove the oversock they simply stretch and step out of it, keeping the sock portion in place to wear indoors.

It couldn’t be simpler, and fans of Winnies Socks love the convenience as well as the trendy look of the footwear. Brunetta explained that she is always working to perfect her product and offer something new, “Since Winnies was first launched, I’ve expanded into different color socks and a new oversock design.”

Currently, the most popular set is the new Wolfe design oversock and the Wolfe Big Bear socks (taller socks), according to Brunetta. A look at the Winnies Socks website attests to the various styles, colors, and designs on the fabric.

“Since Winnies Socks was first launched, I’ve expanded into different color socks and a new oversock design (the oversock is what connects to the slipper sock via a magnet),” Brunetta said.

After the busy Christmas holiday season when Brunetta ships Winnies Socks all over the U.S. to customers who find the footwear makes a perfect gift, she relishes the slower pace of winter in the Lakes Region.

The socks are so popular that Brunetta says she sold out now and then and is constantly tweaking products and coming up with new designs.

Brunetta has always enjoyed sharing the outdoors and the lake with her niece and nephew and she knows how important summer camp can be for a child. Thus, she gives 10% of the proceeds from Winnies Socks to help send kids to camp.

From an act of carrying wood into the house and wanting an easy transition from outdoor boots to slippers to an ever-growing and evolving business, Brunetta’s idea is a popular way to keep feet dry and cozy outdoors and indoors.

Brunetta explained what she envisions for the future of her product, “I want to continue to generate more awareness of Winnies Socks.”

Visit WinniesSocks.com.