Diabetic Socks

Sock Manufacturer Cost Material Manufacturer’s claims Supporting Evidence type/Name content

Thorlo Padded Thorlo USA Unisex Padds® ‘Thorlon’ Provide foot protection and comfort to people KM Herring & DH Richie (1990) Friction Socks over-calf socks – acrylic yarn with diabetes whose feet are not at immediate Blisters & Sock fiber composition: double www.thorlo.co USD $19.99 risk of ulceration or amputation Blind study. JAPMA 80:2: 63-71 Thorlos m/activity/the Details not KM Herring & DH Richie (1993) MEDDS® (only rapeutic/padds Unisex Padds® Shin: Constructed with THOR•LON® fibers for states Comparision of cotton & acrylic socks on -socks crew sock with superior softness, resilience, durability and using a generic cushion sole design for prescription THOR.LON ® moisture-wicking for drier, better feeling feet. runners. JAPMA 83:9:515-522 for individuals -USD $16.99 diagnosed Calf: Over-the-Calf length has supportive top with A. Veves, et al (1992) The use of specially with diabetes tighter elastic to help reduce “tired” feeling feet padded hosiery in the Painful & at risk of and legs. Rheumatoid foot. The Foot 1 175- 177 ulceration or A. Veves, et al (1989) Use of amputation) Ankle: Crew and min-crew lengths have relaxed Experiemental padded hosiery to reduce fit at top for added stretch and more comfort. abnormal foot pressure in Diabetic Neuropathy diabetes Care 12:9: 643 – Heel: Unique padding specifically designed for 655 everyday activities, clinically shown to reduce blisters, pain, pressures and moisture for A. Veves, et al (1990) Studies of maximum protection Experimental Hosiery in Diabetic Neuropathic Patients with High Foot Instep: Flat knit instep and cushioned arch for a Pressures Diabetic Medicine 1990:7:324- better fit & support for more comfort. 326 S. Flot, et al (1995) The Effect of Padded Toe: Low profile seam won’t rub or irritate feet Hosiery in Reducing forefoot Plantar Pressures The Lower Extremity 2:3:201 -205 Diabetic Socks

TXG Taiwan TXG 74.9% Acrylic TXG Energy Preventative Compression socks: Compression Compression 15.4% Nylon non-severe diabetic foot, compression socks Stockings: http://txgsocks. socks “Sensitive 7.3% polyester made from anti-bacterial fiber are helpful in com/en/ Foot” 15- 2.4% Spandex lowering extremity edema, bacterial propagation TXG Energy 20mmHg - (Lycra®) avoidance and hasten the wounds recovery Preventative www.txgsocks.c NZD $59.00 Calf: wide Stripe design giving no oppressive Compression o.nz/product/se injuries socks nsitive-foot/ Ankle: Mesh-like ventilation designed for comfort & superb ventilation Toe: Bamboo charcoal yarn is added to be antibacterial deodorant Provide compression level 10-15mmHG

TXG Diabetic Diabetic 84% Acrylic Diabetic Cushion Socks: Cushion Cushion – 7.5% Spandex Designed not to stimulate the skin and cause Socks: NZD $20.00 (Lycra) friction wounds, inflammation or ulceration. 8.5% Nylon Antibacterial socks with zero compression are most suitable for severe diabetic patients with diabetic foot problems. Antibacterial acrylic yarn can keep bacteria away. Bacteria cannot spread & infest in artificial materials unlike natural materials like cotton. In the design of the diabetic foot socks, soft contact with fabrics and design of seamless access any possible wounds caused by friction. Calf: Special weave process allows sock leg stretch up to 22cm gives snug fit without oppression on skin Instep: Ventilation design for extra comfort Toe & Heal: Enhanced padding area for complete toe to heal wrap around Provides compression: 0mmHg Diabetic Socks

LifeSock Ashburton, New Lifestyle sock Lifestyle Med: Created for the medical market and developed in New Zealand Ministry of Health (2004). NZ sock Zealand -NZD $44.95 55% Merino consultation with expert clinical advisors. Diabetes Toolkit. Wellington: Company http://www.nzs Wool Produced with advanced, cutting-edge Ministry of Health. New Zealand. ock.co.nz/shop/ 29% Nylon technology, and incorporating a unique cat- 9% Elastic combination of natural fibres. Socks deliver Bayley, A. (2006). Pharmac Seminar 15/LifeSocks.ht 4% SeaCell outstanding preventative & protective features. Series; The ischaemic diabetic foot m active • reduce friction, shear and pressure presentation. Wellington, New Zealand. 3% Lycra • provide effective temperature & moisture Base Med - BaseMed: management Jirkovska A, Boucek P. et al. (2001). NZD $39.95 Wormen & Men • offer resistance against compression Identification of patients at risk for 60% Merino diabetic foot. A comparison of • assist in providing a bacteriostatic environment Wool standardized noninvasive testing with • adapt to the individual shape of the foot 21% Nylon routine practice at community diabetes • 9% Elastic offer safe, warm, non-constrictive hosiery clinics. Journal of Diabetes and its 7% SeaCell • provide an important protective interface complications 15:63-68 active between the skin and the shoe 3% Lycra Calf: Non-restrictive double cuff for easy slide-on, Burns, P., Gough, S., Bradbury, A.W. Airborne AirborneMed minimal compression & maximum stretch (2003) Management of Peripheral Quarter – Quarter: Ankle: Anatomical cushioning strategically arterial disease in primary care. BMJ, 326 NZD $39.95 58% Merino placed throughout for added protection and 584(5) Airborne Lite Wool comfort flex panel for ergonomic shaping -NZD $34.95 25% Nylon Heel: Y heel for an improved, wrinkle-free fit and American College Foot & Ankle Surgeons 9% Elastic pressure point reduction (2006). 5% SeaCell Instep: Unique* double – density cushion www.footphysicians.com/diabetes. active padding to protect Dorsal bony prominences 3% Lycra from shoe pressure. Target system highlights “Global Burden of foot disease and Protective Plus - Protective Med: Dorsalis Pedis Pulse amputation in diabetic patients.” (2006) NZD$44.95 60% Merino Sole: Ribs and mesh panels to aid airflow and to www.medicalnewstoday.com cited in Wool regulate moisture & temperature. Mesh panels www.who.int.diabetes/en 30% Nylon for increased flexibility 10% Elastic Toe: Seamless toe closure for ridge-free comfort. Pan American Health Organisation Positioning points for correct alignment of sock (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Individual shaping for left and right foot Health Organisation, PAHO Today, Paladin therapeutic sock: Medical socks have a Newsletter of the Pan American Health Diabetic Socks

special alignment points are knitted into the sock; Organization, (Nov 2005) www.paho.org/ these allow the correct location of the Dorsal English/DD/PIN/ptoday20_nov05.htm protection pad, giving protection from shoe and lace pressure. Ragnarson, M., Tennvall, G., Apelqvist, Machine technology allows sock to be shaped J. (2001) Prevention of diabetes-related and place cushioning just where needed for foot foot ulcers and amputations: a cost- protection and comfort. utility analysis based on Markov model Elastic Support System ensures: simulations. Diabetologia, 44: 2077-2087. • a form-fitting system • minimal compression Royal College of General Practitioners • a snug, customised fit (2003). Clinical guideline for type 2 Diabetes; Prevention and Management • no bunching or ride-down of Foot Problems. Clinical Guidelines and • reduce friction & shear forces Evidence Review. www.rcgp.org.uk Uses Merino wool: Merino promises New Zealand Diabetes Guidelines; • a natural, healthy alternative to synthetic NZ Ministry of Health (2003): fibres Management of type 2 Diabetes. • superior softness & comfort Evidence based Best Practice Guideline. • warmth without weight New Zealand Guidelines Group; p. 67-77 • odour resistance 11. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines • an ability to breathe Network (2001). Management of • temperature & moisture management Diabetes. www.sign.ac.uk • strength & durability Armstrong, D. G., Lavery, L.A., Harkless, • extra resilience for impact protection L.B., & Van Houtum, W.H. (1997) Incorporates Seacell technology: Cellulose + Amputation and reamputation of the Seaweed + Silver = SeaCell active diabetic foot. Journal American Podiatric Calf: The double cuff, high-stretch top ensures Medical Association, 87 (6), 255-259 minimal compression. Sole: Mesh and ribs are knitted into the sole of Bayley A. (2006). Pharmac Seminar the sock for moisture management and series; The ischaemic diabetic foot. temperature control. Wellington, New Zealand. Diabetic Socks

SensiFoot JOBST, USA Sensifoot Knee Acrylic "The Complete Diabetic Sock" Website provides medical links to: length – “Offers more than ‘regular socks”: JOBST Vascular Center, http://www.job USD $11.47 -  Non-irritating, smooth toe seam American Venous form st.com $12.67  Extra padding in the foot, heel and toe American college of Phlebology Sensifoot crew – National Lymphedema Network.  Moisture-wicking acrylic multi-fiber yarns USD  Antibacterial, antifungal finish $10.26/$11.17  Non-constricting mild compression Sensifoot mini SensiFoot makes proper foot care an easy & crew – comfortable part of any daily diabetes routine. USD  Flat, low profile toe seam reduces irritation $9.45/$10.05 and pressure on toes  Acrylic padding reduces friction and provides cushioning for comfort  Acrylic yarn wicks away moisture to help keep feet cool and dry  Antimicrobial finish helps prevent growth of bacteria and fungi on the sock and helps eliminate odour  Non-constricting, mild gradient compression helps prevent sliding and bunching which can cause pressure points against the skin  Non-binding top welt won’t restrict circulation DIFOPREV® LVM Difoprev socks - Sock made from Goal: the prevention & restoration of foot’s Dr Stephen R Young, (2008) Difoprev Technologies, NZD $99.00 special fabric & epidermis Pilot study Final Report Italy (UK £49.20 in glycoprotein Clinical test were made in hospitals and 2012) solution = to universities and they demonstrated: G Pirotta (2008) Skin Delivery of Active www.lvmtechno 150ml of  a drastic improvement of the keratosis Ingredients from Fabrics Chapter 52 Skin logies.com Refills – emollient cream  elasticity and integrity of the skin is Barrier: Chemistry of Delivery Systems pp NZD $79.00 Use of improved 551 – 556 nanotechnology  best results in TEWL parameters B. Elisa et al (2008) Use of  improved microcirculation 8.5% Cotone Nanotechnology-Designed Footsock in Diabetic Socks

4.5% meryl®  there are no collateral effects the Management of Preulcerative 1% acrylic Advantages: Conditions in theDiabetic Foot: Results of 0.5% Polyester  absolutely invisible a Single, Blind Randomized Study The  practical and easy, and cause no change in International Journal of Lower Extremity daily life Wounds Volume 7 Number 2 82-87  Results can be seen in a little time DH Richie (2008) Therapeutic Hosiery: An  Application can be ended without any essential component of footwear for the negative effect pathologic foot Podiatry Management  Great help for doctors in emphasizing to 123-33 patients the need for good prevention  Use can be adapted to every patient A Piagggesi et al (2009) Measurements in Diabetic Foot Journal of Wound Technology 3 19 -24 Thenar Gel Tsung Hau, Thenar Gel 86% Bamboo Thenar Gel Insole Gel- disperse forefoot pressure, Protection Taiwan Protection 12% Charcoal preventing formation of corns diabetic socks diabetic socks – Nylon 2% Sole coated with gel – Provide protection from & Full gel www.footnurse. USD $5.94 (Lycra trauma and repair severe dry feet of diabetic protection com.tw spandex)。 Ankle: Loose welt – prevent from constricting the diabetic socks foot with optimum comfort & help blood flow smoothly Sole: Terry cushion – help reducing blisters & minimizing foot irritation Material: Bamboo Charcoal yarn – restrain bacterial breeding & reduce odour. Seamless construction. Graduated Compression – improve Blood Circulation Lyocell Yarn – antistatic, Sweat absorbing

Toe: seamless protect toes Calf: Loose Cuff Comfortable

1. Gradual compression of diabetic support socks can reduce swelling in legs, ankles and feet. Diabetic Socks

2. 20-30mmHg Diabetic support socks can encourage circulatory wellness. 20 -30 mmHg 46% Lyocell 3. Gradual compression help improve poor blood diabetic 25% Polyester circulation keeping warm. support socks 19% Nylon 4. Non-irritating toe seam help reduce blisters (JG-976) 10% and help minimize foot irritation. Spandex(Lycra) 5. Lycra spandex is used for durability, excellent stretch and great fit. Calf: Non-binding cuff, Loose feature at the leg Heel & sole: terry cushion padding 1. Comfortable top band technology prevents from constricting the foot with optimum comfort and helps blood flow smoothly. 2. Sole protection with thick cushioning in sole is for maximum protection against shocks, impacts and blisters caused by sudden stops and starts. 3. Breathability with cooling channels promotes air flow for cooler, direr feet. 4. Roomy feature at the leg for excessive edema condition. 5. Acrylic fiber helps spread moisture out across fabric. 6. White color feature helps notice the wound condition.

Non-binding 80% Acrylic diabetic Crew 10% Nylon Sock (JG-992 10% Spandex & JG-991)

Truform Truform, USA Trusoft Diabetic 73% acrylic, Surround feet with full cushioned comfort. Non- Trusoft Mini Crew sock 22% Nylon, constricting, gentle, graduated compression helps Diabetic sock www.truform.c USD $13.75 5% Spandex keep sock in place to prevent bunching and om Trusoft Crew sliding. Moisture wicking yarns, stay fresh Diabetic Socks

length 8-15– treatment and low profile toe closure help USD $15.95 protect and comfort sensitive feet – ideal for diabetic patient. Trusoft Calf Antibacterial, anti-fungal finish helps reduce length USD odour. $18.15 Calf: Gentle graduated compression Toe: low profile, non-irritating toe seam Heel & Sole: Full-cushioned foot

Truform Comfort Care 100% cotton Designed for anyone with special needs in foot Comfort sock Casual sock care. Non-constricting, gentle, elasticity helps (#1914) – keep sock in place to prevent bunching and USD $15.95 sliding. The natural cotton material helps reduce irritation and blistering and provides exceptional comfort, easy care and excellent absorbancy. Ideal for the diabetic patient, or anyone with sensitive feet issues. Excellent cover for use with medicinal or softening creams. Suitable for wear at night for warmth. Thick cotton construction provides comfort and protection. Calf: Non-binding & comfortable. Cut extra wide & extra deep Toe: Seamless toe closure.

Truform 15 -20 mmHG 60% acrylic, TRUFORM support socks are designed to help Casual & Casual & 33% Nylon, improve circulation and reduce leg discomfort. Atheletic Athletic Socks 7% Spandex Full-cushioned foot, moisture wicking fibers and socks 15 – (#1933) – anti-bacterial, stay-fresh finish provide all-day 20mmHg USD $21.89 wearing comfort. Excellent for business-casual, or leisure activities that require comfort and support.

Calf: Therapeutic graduated compression Moderate support. Diabetic Socks

Sole: Comfortable full-cushioned foot

Sock Manufacturer Cost Material Manufacturer’s claims Supporting Evidence Trials type/Name content

Dr Scholls’s Dr Scholl, Diabetes & 92% Polyester, A sock perfect for Diabetics, those suffering from Diabetes & USA circulatory socks 7% Nylon, circulatory issues, sensitive skin or anyone who circulatory USD $ 4.99 1% prefers a soft, non-binding sock. Moisture- socks www.drschollss Lycra/spandex dispersion technology keeps feet dry and anti- ocks.com microbial technology keeps socks fresh. Durable and easy to put on, these socks provide the foot health benefits you need every day Calf: a soft, comfortable, non-binding ‘morpul’ top that conforms to your legs and won't restrict circulation. Sole: cushioned on the bottom to protect sensitive feet. Toe: Smooth toe seam to add comfort and reduce irritation

Dr Scholl’s diabetic socks have been given the American Podiatric Medical Association stamp of approval for being an exceptional sock to promote quality foot health SmartKnit SmartKnits, USA SmartKnit White CoolMax: Completely free of seams, these patented socks seamless Seamless 97% CoolMax fit like a second skin and are recommended for socks www.smartknit. Diabetic Mini- Polyester 3% people with diabetes, arthritis, or any condition com Crew Socks – Spandex; where protection from irritation is important. USD $12.95 Moisture-wicking fibers wick away moisture. www.diabeticso AUD $27 Black Navy & Lycra® blend. cks.com Grey X-Static: Calf: Form-Fitting Design - fit like a second skin, SmartKnit 97% X-Static with no wrinkling or bunching and help in Diabetic Socks

Seamless polyester blend reducing the chances of circulation restriction Diabetic Crew 3% Spandex. Non-Binding Top - Elastic-free "halo top" helps Socks – prevent the painful leg indentations often caused USD $13.45 by elastic bands that fit too tight AUD $29 Toe: Seamless Toe - prevents blister-causing pressure points often caused by bulky and SmartKnit uncomfortable sock seams Seamless X-STATIC silver fibers in coloured sock options - Diabetic over prevent odor in the sock and are thermodynamic the calf socks (cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter) USD$15.95 AUD $34 TheraSock Therafirm, USA TheraSock Hi-bulk TheraFrim wrap legs in graduated compression, Comfort System acrylic/nylon/sp with most pressure at the ankle with pressure www.therafirm. Plus Socks – andex gradually decrease up the leg. com USD $ 10.95 TheraSock Comfort System Plus Socks  Dense, heavy, comfort padding - provides extra buffer zone of protection  High-tech fibers - wick away moisture and inhibit bacterial growth for a healthier sock environment  Seamless interior - ensures there are no ridges or pressure against the skin  Wears especially well with properly fitted extra depth diabetic shoes TheraSock TheraSock Comfort System Lite Socks Comfort System  Seams on the exterior of the sock, wearers Lite Socks – USD enjoy a completely seam-free feel - no ridges $8.95 or pressure on the skin.  Soft, light padding - extra comfort and relief without extra bulk  High-tech fibers - wick away moisture and inhibit bacterial growth for a healthier sock Diabetic Socks

Therasock Care environment Sox Plus Socks – Therasock Care Sox Plus Socks USD $9.45 Designed especially for people with over-sized feet and lower legs, stretching up to 23" in circumference and provide extra padding and pressure relief. Perfect for use over bandages, dressings & casts. Features:  Stretchable and non-binding materials - totally non-binding for proper circulation  Extra comfort padding provides a buffer zone of protection  Flat toe seam - reduces irritation  High-tech fibers - wick away moisture and inhibit bacterial growth for a healthier sock TheraSock environment Double Sock TheraSock Double Sock System Mini-Crew Socks, System Socks – by WrightSock  Double layer construction "sock within a sock Mini Crew – design" - reduces friction against the feet, USD $10.49 providing maximum protection for sensitive feet Crew - USD $12.95  White inner liner - protects the skin from dyes and additives  High-tech fibers - wick away moisture and inhibit bacterial growth for a healthier sock environment