When it comes to running, the most important piece of gear to choose carefully might surprisingly be your socks. Shoe sizing varies subtly from brand to brand, and when you’re covering long distances, comfort can be dramatically affected by how the sock feels against your foot. Design and length also influence your overall style, which in turn can have a real impact on motivation.
That’s why I’ve recently been testing socks from VOTED, a sock brand born in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia? Jakarta? Not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of running culture. But after taking a look at the brand’s Instagram, one thing became immediately clear: they have an exceptional sense of style.
The proportions are spot on, the graphics are thoughtfully placed, and the overall aesthetic feels refreshingly unique. Beyond the looks, these are genuine performance socks, offering moisture-wicking properties, breathability, stretch, and durability. They represent a new generation of products that reflect Jakarta’s distinct design sensibility and attention to detail.
I’m excited to see where the brand goes next, and hopefully one day we’ll have the opportunity to collaborate through Totoken as well.
Read the full feature about HOUYHNHNM (Shopping Addict 2025 Apr. page 07 / 20)