Comparison of cotton and acrylic socks using a generic cushion sole design for runners

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1993 Sep;83(9):515-22. doi: 10.7547/87507315-83-9-515.

Abstract

A longitudinal single-blind study was conducted to test the friction blister prevention properties of synthetic acrylic socks in a generic construction. This study serves as a comparison with the authors' previous work comparing acrylic and cotton socks in a patented padded construction. Twenty-seven long-distance runners provided data regarding dampness, temperature, friction blister incidence, severity, and size. Two different socks were tested; each was identical in every aspect of construction except the fiber content. One test sock was composed of 100% synthetic acrylic fibers, and the other was composed of 100% natural cotton fibers. These results were unsuccessful at demonstrating any superiority of cotton or acrylic fibers when knitting produced a generic "cushion sole" sock. The superiority of acrylic fibers has thus far been demonstrated only when sock knitting provides adequate anatomical padding [corrected].

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acrylates
  • Adult
  • Blister / prevention & control*
  • Clothing*
  • Female
  • Foot Dermatoses / prevention & control*
  • Gossypium
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Running / injuries*
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Textiles

Substances

  • Acrylates