Friction Blisters and Sock Fiber Composition, a Double Blind Study
[This study was a comparison of two types of padded socks, both done in the patented design for runners.]
Thirty-five long distance runners (twenty-one male and fourteen female) completed 80 run trials wearing activity-specific clinically-tested padded socks made from 100 percent acrylic fibers. Runners also completed 80 run trials wearing activity-specific padded socks made from 100 percent natural cotton fibers. Average run duration was 6.5 miles, an average of 5 to 6 times per week. In the study population the results were as follows:
- The clinically-tested padded socks construction with acrylic fiber kept feet drier than the padded socks construction with cotton fiber.
- Participants testing the clinically-tested padded socks construction with acrylic fiber showed 50 percent fewer blisters than they did with the padded socks construction with cotton fiber.
- When blisters did occur, the clinically-tested padded socks construction with acrylic fiber showed blisters that were only one-third the size of those resulting from the padded socks construction with cotton fiber.
Conclusion: The clinically-tested padded acrylic fiber sock products were associated with fewer blistering events and smaller blisters (as measured in mm2) when compared directly to the cotton fiber sock products.