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About the socks

Our socks are made from a wide range of materials, including pure New Zealand Merino wool and Possum fibre, a unique New Zealand blend.

Merino is a unique breed of sheep. The New Zealand Merino wool is famed for being the finest, softest and purest in the world due to natural evolution and a pure, pollution-free environment. This has resulted in a lightweight, soft sock that is also warm, cosy and insulating yet totally breathable, which means no sweaty, smelly feet. Unlike traditional wool, Merino wool doesn’t cause irritation and is nature's intelligent fibre. Unlike synthetics, merino has superb temperature regulating qualities which enables Merino sheep to live comfortably through the freezing winters and scorching summers of New Zealand's Southern Alps. So whatever the season, activity or location, merino's active breathability keeps your temperature well regulated and your feet moisture-free.

Merino Wool holds many unique properties including:

  • Natural moisture content in the fiber of 8%. As a result, excess moisture is wicked away from the foot when perspiring, yet dry/cracked skin is moisturized by the fiber’s natural moisture content
  • Insulation from the cold (even when damp)
  • Superior moisture transfer to Cotton
  • Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin
  • Machine Washable and Dryable

 

Possum wool fibres are hard-wearing, super-soft, warm and toasty, and in abundant supply. The hollow fibres of possum fur are the lightest and warmest natural fibres around, are luxurious to wear, lightweight, anti-static and non-pilling. Possum wool is versatile for both summer and winter, and provides superior comfort.

About 150 years ago Brushtail Possums were introduced into New Zealand from Australia. Since then they have multiplied to over 70,000,000. As a non-native species the possum has no predators, and thus has become a pest, decimating huge tracts of New Zealand native forests and eating 21,000 tons of vegetation nightly.

Both bird life (including the endangered Kiwi) and many unique types of trees are threatened with extinction because of the brushtail possum. This marsupial is only very distantly related to the American Opossum and has a fur similar in quality to mink.

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Diabetes and circulation problems

Merino Wool Possum Blend Comfort Socks are ideal for diabetics.  The soft non-restrictive top of the sock doesn’t restrict circulation and thus makes it a must for people with fluid retention and poor circulation in their feet. The fibres are also completely breathable which prevents the build up and retention of fluid; and our socks actively draw moisture away from the foot. Comfort Socks are specifically designed with this in mind. The socks are seamless, very loose around the top and slightly thicker and longer in the leg.

The medical sock and hosiery industry has recognized that Diabetic Patients have special sock and hosiery needs that must be addressed. Through their research, specific medical designs have been developed to enhance protection for the Diabetic Foot.

Excerpt from: The Techniques and Analysis of Comprehensive Shoe Fitting For Diabetic Patients
By Jerry Lockard, President of the National Association of Certified Diabetic Footwear Specialists

Key features unique and critical to socks for Diabetics are as follows:

  1. Focal Pressure: Diabetic socks should be truly seamless. Seams, present in standard socks, present pressure points that could lead to the development of ulcers. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio studied the evidence that supported the anecdotal clinical evidence that sock seams introduced localized high pressure points and concluded that manufacturers could be encouraged to continue the production of seamless socks, which they found could reduce pressure by 60%.
  2. Anatomical Fit: Perfect conformity of the sock to the natural anatomical shape of a foot is critical to provide a smooth, wrinkle free fit that eliminates unnecessary pressure points caused by looseness or bunching. Socks constructed of all directional stretch (corespun) yarns yield the best results.
  3. Friction and Shear: A smooth, non-bulky fit functions as an interface preventing friction between the skin and the shoes.
  4. Dry Skin: Fibers such as CoolMax four-channel polyester and other wicking acrylic fibers transport moisture away from the skin to the surface of the sock where it can evaporate or be absorbed by the shoe bed to keep the skin's surface dry and prevent sores. These fibers have also been proven to be less compacting (i.e. protect better against shear) than the cotton fibers traditionally recommended. It is worth noting that these fibers will not absorb moisturizing skin treatments.
  5. Circulatory Insufficiency: Corespun stretch yarns must be calibrated to exert low compression so that the form fitting, seamless socks will fit without restricting circulation. Socks with limited stretch can be harmful, especially as feet typically swell during a day's wear.
  6. Infection: Proper diabetic socks will have permanent antibacterial inhibitors, (permanent being the life of the sock, or a minimum of 50 wearings and washings). Wearing white socks gives the advantage of being able to easily detect any discharge that might occur. The availability of properly constructed socks in fashion colors will likely increase patient compliance.
  7. Edema (or Obesity): Low compression yarns with 4-way stretch allow the stretch needed for patients with swelling or excess weight. Having the ankle calf portion knitted with a looser stitch gives even greater stretch in that critical area.

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