Cushioning
As with performance fibers, how and where a sock uses
cushioning is important to overall wearer comfort. Thor-Lo makes socks for 32
different activities, each with a specialized cushioning system. Walking and
running socks have more padding in the heel. Skiers need additional shin
padding while snowboarders need padding on the backs of their legs. Hikers may
want to cushion the tips of their toes.
And it isn't good enough to just pad everything. Aside from
the fact that wearers would probably have to buy bigger shoes, too much padding
can actually cause discomfort. Seligman says that some X-Socks are thinner in
the area around the Achilles tendon to prevent pressure from the shoe. Excess
padding can lead to wrinkling within the shoe and Damian Loth, SmoothToe, says
this causes blisters.
Fit
The other major cause of blisters is abrasion from a loose
sock. Fit becomes even more important when socks feature specially-placed
vents, pads, and elastic. If the sock doesn't fit correctly, the high-tech
components can't do their jobs. One solution adopted by several companies is
narrow size ranges. Instead of the one-size-fits-all approach to commodity
socks, there may be three or four size ranges, although Chesebro admits that
with newer socks, it is not unusual to be more conservative in the number of
sizes produced.
For certain features, it is necessary to have a separate
left and right sock shape. Men's and women's socks are different too. Several
manufacturers design narrower socks for women's feet. Seligman explains that
the socks should also allow for expansion and contraction because womens feet
are more prone to swelling.
Manufacturers use several techniques to keep socks in place
once the customer finds a pair that fits. Elastic fibers are a big part of all
these techniques. Roth, who specializes in medical socks, stresses the
importance of spandex throughout the sock to provide gradual compression and
return blood pressure. Other companies focus on the arch and cuff areas where
socks are particularly likely to slip out of place.
But Wait...There's More
The right combination of seam type and location can maximize
comfort. Typically, the seams should be as smooth and flat as possible. The toe
closure may be located on the top of the foot rather than at the very end of
the toes.
More and more companies are offering antimicrobial
protection for fresher-smelling socks. This could be in the form of a special
fiber or finish.
Once you find that perfect pair of socks, you want them to
last. The conventional wisdom for making a durable sock is to use nylon in the
heel and other areas requiring reinforcement, but Skurka says the sock
stitching can be as important as its fabric.
And of course, there are hundreds of choices for sock color
and length-some socks are soft and fuzzy. Others are plain and simple.
So, whether youre waiting tables or running a marathon,
there is probably a pair of socks out there just for you!
Originally published in AATCC News;
November 2008
© AATCC
About the Author
The author;
Diana A. Wyman is associated with AATCC.
