Best fibers: natural, synthetic or a blend
If you have problem feet regular socks you should substitute your regular socks for diabetic socks.
Natural versus synthetic fibers diabetic socks are available and knowing which can provide the optimum comfort and protection can be confusing, and in the process of trial and error, costly as well. Hopefully this article will shed some light on which fibers can best suit the condition of your feet.
When patented diabetic socks were first introduced to the consumer in the early 80s they were initially made using natural fibers (cotton, wool).
Since that time socks for diabetics have been made of several types of fabrics to include 100% natural (cotton, wool, bamboo fibers), 100% soft-spun weaving synthetic fibers such as lycra and acrylic which mimics natural fibers, and a blend of both natural and synthetic fibers.
With this wide range of fibers there is a diabetic sock that will effectively address a range of perspiration problems from slight to excessive.
Below is a comprehensive list of all fibers and materials that diabetic socks are made of, to include their pros and cons.
Natural fibers:
Diabetic Cotton socks fibers: pros
- Seamless in the toe
- Soft tops and comfortable
- Imbued with anti-microbial chemicals
- Inexpensive
- Breathable
- Suitable for a diabetic whose activity is limited to sitting or walking as opposed to engaging in more rigorous activities where perspiration can cause friction or chafing
- Provides adequate cushioning and padding to pressure sensitive areas of the feet (soles, heels) for protection against skin injuries and acute sensitivity
Cotton fibers: cons
- Absorbs perspiration and moisture like a sponge which is the leading cause of friction and chafing
- Will condense (shrink) around the foot after repeated washings which will restrict blood flow
- Their tops will eventually stretch out of shape causing them to fall down around the ankles.
- Poor quality cotton and sub-standard weaving will eventually cause holes to develop (Although there are some domestic exceptions, most cheap cotton diabetic socks are produced in countries such as China, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, and Thailand.)
- Not recommended for diabetics who are actively involved in sports
- Will absorb moisturizing skin creams
Wool fibers: pros
- Warm when wet
- Seamless in the toe
- Imbued with anti-microbial chemicals
- Cushioned in the soles and heels
- Excellent shape recovery
- Breathes
- Available in various weights to provide increasing levels of insulation for every temperature
- Traps air making them an ideal insulator
- Wool keeps feet dry (Wool absorbs as much as 30% of its own weight before it begins to feel damp.)
Wool fibers: cons
- Scratchy next to the skin
- Absorb moisture though as stated above, holds 30% of its own weight before becoming damp
-pricey and ineffective
Merino wool fibers: pros
- Warm when wet
- Seamless in the toe
- Imbued with anti-microbial chemicals
- Cushioned in the soles and heels
- Excellent shape recovery
- Breathes
- Available in various weights to provide increasing levels of insulation for every temperature
- Traps air making them an ideal insulator
- Wool keeps feet dry (Wool absorbs as much as 30% of its own weight before it begins to feel damp.)
Merino wool fibers: cons
- Can take a long time to dry
- pricey
Wool fiber blends (combination of wool, acrylic, or lycra): pros
- Warm when wet
- Seamless in the toe
- Imbued with anti-microbial chemicals
- Cushioned in the soles and heels
- Excellent shape recovery
- Breathes
- Available in various weights to provide increasing levels of insulation for every temperature
- Traps air making them an ideal insulator
- Wool keeps feet dry (Wool absorbs as much as 30% of its own weight before it begins to feel damp.)
- Luxurious softness and comfort
- Shrink-treated to hold its size and shape even after repeated washing
- Longer wearing time than standard wool
Wool fiber blends (combination of wool, acrylic, or lycra): cons
- Longer drying time
- Can be scratchy/uncomfortable next to your skin
- pricey
Bamboo fiber blend (bamboo and viscous, typically 85-15) diabetic socks: pros
- Imbued with a natural agent (Bamboo-Kun) to that kills bacteria (This is a natural property that protects the plant)
- Wrinkly-proof
- Seamless
- Soft and comfortable
- Wicks away moisture effectively
- Form fitting
- Non-binding tops that hold their low compression elasticity
- Competitively priced to match most synthetic diabetic socks
- Breathable
- Shrink-proof
- cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot
- Will not absorb moisturizing skin creams
- 100% biodegradable
- Durable
- Moderately priced
Bamboo blend (bamboo charcoal and viscous, typically 85-15): cons
- Difficult to find in pharmacies or medical stores (They can be purchased online from manufacturers, retailers and distributors – one of the best selling seamless natural bamboo fiber diabetic socks are made by a Ecosox.)
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
pros
- Seamless
- Non-absorbent
- Soft-spun
- Will not shrink
- Breathable
- Imbued with anti-microbial chemicals
- Snuggly conforms to the shape of the foot without binding
- Wrinkle-proof around the toes
- Retains the low-compression elasticity in their tops.
- Available from domestic (U.S.) manufacturers, Germany, Canada, and Sweden
- Will not absorb moisturizing skin creams
cons
- Costly
Various synthetic materials and their benefits:
Acrylic – light weight, effectively wicks away moisture, durable, shrink-proof, color-fast, winkle-proof, holds its shape, and provides softness and warmth
Lycra – Similar to acrylic
The Journal of American Podiatric Medical Association documented the technical superiority of acrylic and other synthetic fibers over cotton fibers in preventing friction blisters for those who are actively involved in sports.
Their findings were proven reproducible over a series of 1,000 run-trials performed by human subjects.
Polyester and Stretch Polyester – These are two hydrophobic (moisture repelling) fibres that are known for their durability and are extremely colorfast.
Both fibers are light weight, effectively controls moisture, will not shrink, holds their shape, and are wrinkly-proof.
Polypropylene (Olefin) – 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. Will not shrink, holds its shape, and is wrinkly-proof.
Nano-silver (97% Silver cotton and 3% spandex) – A fiber blend containing a natural anti-microbial (no chemicals) agent that kills athlete’s foot and bacteria causing odor and it non-allergenic (Silver is only toxic to bacterial, viral and fungal cells.)
Diabetic socks made with silver provide superior wicking qualities (keeps feet dry). They are solely designed for people with Diabetes, Arthritis and other foot problems.a
In conclusion:
While I have offered the pros and cons of cotton and synthetic diabetic socks, the only true way to discover which fibers would best fits your needs is try both.
Here is a link to an insightful case study regarding diabetic sockwear recommendations that may help you draw your own conclusions.
New fabric available for diabetic socks:
Diabetic socks technology has gone from being composed of various textiles from all cotton, blends, to all synthetic.
Now they may be available in the near future in a synthetic fabric that can be imbued with a porous material termed zeolites by lead Texas researchers Kenneth Balkus and Harvey Liu, to help heal diabetics.
Both researchers have developed a special fabric that releases nitric-oxide gas whose practical applications can be wrapping harvested organs to preserve them for transplantation and as therapeutic bandages.
Nitric oxide-absorbing zeolites are embedded in a special water-repellant polymer that can imbued into various types of various kinds of fibers to deliver healing Nitric Oxide (NO) which helps increase blood flow and regulate a range of other body functions.
“The bandage could be used to wrap a donor organ ensuring intimate contact and direct delivery of nitric oxide,” states the report. “Additionally, these interwoven fabrics could also find applications in smart textiles such as Nitric oxide-releasing socks for diabetic patients, who have been shown to produce less nitric oxide than healthy patients.”
The above study appears in ACS’ Chemistry of Materials, a bi-weekly journal.
