Are running socks beneficial for comfort? The role of the sock and sock fiber type on shoe microclimate and subjective evaluations

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of socks (different in fiber type) and the effect of not wearing a sock on perceptions of thermal comfort in relation to changes in foot skin temperature and shoe microclimate (temperature and humidity) during rest and exercise. Ten females completed five trials on separate occasions. Four socks (cotton, wool, polyester, Coolmax) and no sock were evaluated. Trials were conducted at 23°C, 50% relative humidity and consisted of rest (10 min seated), treadmill running (40 min, 7.5 km·h−1) and recovery (15 min seated). Foot skin temperature and shoe microclimate were measured at seven sites on the right foot. Foot skin hydration was measured at nine foot sites. Perceptual responses were recorded. Foot thermo-physiological and foot perceptual responses were similar for all sock conditions ( p > 0.05). Similar foot thermo-physiological responses were also observed between the sock and no sock conditions ( p > 0.05). Interestingly, however, not wearing a sock resulted in greater perceptions of foot wetness, stickiness and discomfort ( p < 0.05). As tactile interactions caused by foot movement within the shoe are strong predictors of foot wetness perception (a key contributor to wear discomfort), socks are important in reducing the tactile cues generated. The sock is therefore an important area for development and relevant for overall improvements in footwear comfort.

Usage Durability and Comfort Properties of Socks Made from Differently Spun Modal and Micro Modal Yarns

“…Many scientific papers have analyzed the improvement of the properties of socks using different types of fibers, e.g., cotton, wool, acrylic or their blends, and either blended or not with polyester, polyamide and/or elastane [ 1 , 5 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Few authors include viscose and bamboo, soybean, flax [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ] and even reclaimed the cotton fibers [ 20 , 21 ] in the analysis of the sock knits.…”

“…Since this test requires rectangular seamless samples measuring 510 × 510 mm, the thermal resistance of the sock fabrics was also measured on the smaller knit samples using the Permetest or Alambeta tester (equivalent to ISO 8301:1991) [ 16 , 21 ] and calculated as the quotient of the fabric thickness and thermal conductivity parameters of the sample [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Several studies have been conducted on the wearing of socks in humans, generally focusing on the perception or measurement of the thermal comfort and foot dryness directly on the wearer’s feet [ 14 , 38 ].…”

Consumer expectations and perception of clothing comfort in sports and exercise garments

“…Exercising without a sock enhances the perception of foot wetness, stickiness and thermal discomfort. Socks have a positive impact on the reduction of tactile and mechanical inputs generated between the foot and the shoe and are, therefore, relevant for the overall improvements in foot-wear comfort (West et al, 2021). Furthermore, Barkley et al (2011) investigated the role of socks within the shoe-foot system and determined how the perception of comfort was influenced during a treadmill run with different socks.…”

Preparation of sock impregnated with microcapsules based on olive oil for the antibacterial and antifungal therapy of athlete's foot

“…Surface roughness and water content of the textiles had no influence on sock comfort [11]. The sock is therefore an important area for development and relevant for overall improvements in comfort [12]. Socks, being a necessary item of clothing, must be comfortable and maintain their quality throughout their life [13].…”