Lets Talk About Socks
Socks tend to be the most overlooked piece of workwear. The type of socks you wear have a great impact on how your feet feel at the end of a long day. Let’s look at the history of socks and how they evolved to what they are today – an important part of foot protection for every worker.
The word sock is derived from the old English word socc, which means "light slipper". This word originates from the Latin word soccus, a term to describe a "light, low-heeled shoe" worn by Roman comic actors. Soccus is derived from the Ancient Greek word sykchos.
In ancient times, socks were made from leather or matted animal hair, gathered up and tied around the ankles. Machine knit socks were first produced in the late 16th century. Machine knitting became the predominant method for producing socks after 1800, before that both hand knitting and machine knitting were used to produce socks.
The next revolution in sock production was the introduction of nylon in 1938; before that, socks were commonly made from silk, cotton, and wool. Using nylon was the beginning of blending two or even multiple yarns to produce socks, a process that continues to this day. Very specific fabric blends are also used in the production of workwear socks.
Understanding how socks work will help and encourage you to choose the right pair and, in the process, prevent a range of problems and protect your and your employees’ feet.
Socks provide your feet with protection from the inside of your shoes and help to keep your feet healthy. Workers spend many hours on their feet each day - many problems can be avoided when their feet feel healthy. Doing as much as possible to protect your employees’ feet is vital, as many leg, back and other health conditions begin with the feet.
Workwear socks are engineered in such a way to minimize foot fatigue and have a drastic impact on how feet feel after hours of standing and moving.
Some socks are engineered to provide extra comfort when wearing safety footwear with toe caps. When wearing steel toe caps in cold weather conditions, socks that are heavily insulated at the toe will provide extra warmth. The strength of the knitting in the arches of the sock is also increased to provide arch support. Socks that are constructed with a double layer at the sole provide comfortable cushioning and help the wearer to absorb shock during running, walking or climbing.
One of the roles of socks is absorbing perspiration. The foot is among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body. Workwear socks have been engineered to wick away moisture - it absorbs the sweat and draws it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration.
Antibacterial properties have also been engineered into workwear socks. Sock fibers like wool and bamboo help to keep feet dry and at a comfortable temperature.
Too much friction inside a shoe can lead to painful blisters. This directly affects an employee’s efficiency and productivity.
The socks you select for your staff should be appropriate for the job being done, as well as for the temperatures and other weather conditions they are working in.
Dromex offer a variety of socks, each one designed for a specific purpose:
Dromex Workwear Socks
These industrial socks are designed for daily use and long work hours, especially when wearing steel toe cap footwear.
They are constructed with a soft cotton and polyester blend providing extra comfort as it cushions the feet and sole. They also feature a reinforced heel and toe for durability.
These socks are ideal for use in manufacturing, construction, mining and agriculture environments.
Dromex Flame Retardant Socks
These socks are designed with flame retardant treated yarn that will not burn when exposed to heat or flames.
They are constructed with polyamide and polyester. They absorb moisture quickly and wick perspiration away from the foot, keeping it dry, comfortable and odour-free. They feature a natural insulator keeping feet thermally balanced - cool in hot temperatures and warm in cold conditions. The smooth cuticle structure of the fibre used in the foot region results in a smooth surface, reducing chafing and blisters.
These socks are suitable for use in manufacturing environments such as steel mills, oil, gas, petrochemical, and electrical industries and must be worn with thermal protective footwear.
Dromex Anti- Static Socks
These socks are designed to safely prevent and eliminate electrostatic charge by conducting static build up away from the worker and equipment when worn with anti-static footwear.
They are constructed with innovative silver yarn, and they feature a thermoregulator, which absorbs and transports heat energy out of the sock and into the safety boot, keeping your feet dry. They are antibacterial and odour-free. The cotton composition also prevents skin irritations and keep’s the user’s feet warm.
These socks are suitable in manufacturing environments, refineries, clean rooms, and hospitals.
Non-Abrasive Socks
These industrial work socks are designed to safely prevent and eliminate blisters and hot spots when wearing heavy shoes such as steel toe boots.
They are constructed with terry cotton and mohair. Being a natural fiber, it prevents bacterial build up and allows your feet to breathe whilst keeping them dry. They feature a natural insulator, keeping feet thermally balanced. The smooth cuticle structure of mohair fiber used in the foot region results in a smooth surface, reducing chafing and blisters.
These socks are suitable for use in manufacturing environments, construction, mining, and agriculture.
Our trained sales representatives are always available to assist with expert advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch.