Diabetic Sock -Protective Footwear : Sock Material

Commonly used materials and their benefits:
Natural fibres

Cotton - lightweight, moisture absorbing fibre. Normally 100% cotton is not recommended as a diabetic sock material for walking. Cotton absorbs sweat, dries slowly, providing no insulation when wet and this may lead to discomfort and blisters. However, cotton is extremely comfortable and when combined with wool or other wicking and insulating fibres, cotton blends can be a great choice for light walking in summer. It's breathable, washable and biodegradable too.

Silk - A very smooth, soft and moisture absorbing fibre. It boasts a high tensile strength and acts as a natural thermal retainer that does not conduct heat. However, silk type sock is lacks of durability and is mostly used in liner socks for it’s wicking ability.

Wool - Features inherent qualities such as warmth when wet, cushioning, shape recovery  and it breathes with your body. It can be knit in various weights to provide increasing levels of insulation for every temperature. Wool yarn, when knit into a thicker sock, tends to be bulky and lofty. Air becomes entrapped and it becomes an ideal insulator. Wool socks also keep feet drier because wool absorbs as much as 30% of its own weight before it begins to feel damp.

Wool blends (combinations of wool and synthetic materials) are  popular because they overcome problems such as wear-off easily, longer time to dry-up and it can be scratchy/uncomfortable next to your skin.

Unfortunately, wool can take a long time to dry and it can be scratchy/uncomfortable next to your skin (but not merino wool). It can also wear out quickly if not reinforced with other materials. Wool blends (combinations of wool and synthetic materials) are extremely popular because they address many of these problems.

Merino wool is a fine grade of wool that originally came from Merino sheep. It has all of the characteristics to wool that are listed above, but lack of luxurious softness and comfort provided by the fine diameter Merino fibres. Unlike traditional wool, Merino wool does not itch and is shrink-treated to hold its size and shape even after repeated washing.

Synthetic fibres
Design to insulate like wool and wick moisture, but without the weak point mentioned above. These fabrics are available in a variety of sock styles and thickness.

Acrylic - little weight, and high durability. It provides softness and warmth. Acrylic's inherent properties allow it to hold brighter and more brilliant colours than its natural fibre counterparts.

Polyester and Stretch Polyester - Two hydrophobic (moisture repelling) fibres that are known for their durability and are extremely colourfast for vivid coloration.

Nylon - Strong, versatile, hard wearing fibre. Nylon is often combined with other fibres to give added stretch or to improve durability.

Stretch Nylon - Air-entangled or crimped to provide elasticity. It is used to achieve stretch and recovery.

Polypropylene (Olefin) - It is very strong and has the lowest specific gravity (lightest) of any synthetic fibre. These is a  superior moisture repellent fibre that won't accept moisture. It is used alone or with absorbent outer layers that work together to wick moisture away from your body.

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