Can there be any relation between socks and technology? Well, this may seem to be strange to you but, as per experts, there is indeed and this also exceeds other sectors. Take for instance Karen Deniz of Optimer Performance Fibers. As stated by Deniz, new technology appears first in socks frequently. Reason? There is the need of a moderately small investment by manufacturers and consumers. Well, Deniz is not alone. Even a Fox River representative explains that “it’s all to keep feet dry.” What is more he states that socks keep feel warm or cool, and provide more or less cushioning in particular areas thanks to the precise application of technology.

It has also been learnt that keeping feet dry happens to be the first and foremost objective of sock manufacturers and this leads to the application of technology. Fox River makes use of a combination of Ingeo (corn-based polylactic acid) and polyester fibers to keep feet dry. Dri-Release fabrics also combine natural and man-made elements to absorb moisture, move it away from the foot, and release it.

Speaking on this Dave Seligman, Brand Manager of X-Socks, makes it very clear that his company was “not content to wick moisture to the outer layer of the sock.” The challenge, as a result, was to get it out of the shoe. How does X-Socks do this? Well, it is done with the help of an “air conditioning” chamber in the arch. To the same degree the wearer walks, the arch compresses the sock and pumps air out by means of specifically knit channels. When pressure is released, fresh, dry air is pulled in.

Don’t get amazed by this only? There is also Wigwam socks that employ quite a lot of fiber combinations to transport and evaporate perspiration. Hydrophobic (moisture-repelling) nylon or olefin fibers near the foot transport moisture to absorbent fibers that draw it to the outside, or up and out of the shoe, where it can evaporate. Nevertheless Dahlgren Footwear is known for making use of the opposite approach. In its zone system, natural fibers in the toe and heel absorb moisture. Synthetic, hydrophobic yarns in the arch, instep, and leg transfer the moisture away from the foot.