Preference and Comfort of Wool Socks--Study on Development of Diabetic Socks

摘要

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of four different socks types (wool socks, cotton/polyester socks, linen/polyester socks, and silver/polyester socks) and barefoot walking on foot skin temperature and to investigate any impact on whole body thermoregulation. The heart rate, canal temperature, foot skin temperature, weighted mean skin temperature and sweat rate during rest were measured. Subjective sensations such as thermal, wet, soft feeling, and comfort to wear were evaluated. Despite there being no significant physiological or thermal differences among socks, the wool socks was perceived to be more comfort and was the preferred socks. The results demonstrated that the wool socks and the linen/polyester socks demonstrated an increased comfort compared to cotton/polyester socks.