Custom designed anti-slip socks, personalized with your company logo & grip pattern on the sole of the sock. Great for hospitals, clinics & more!
Non-slip socks are a popular item of hospital clothing, as they can help patients to maintain underfoot traction when mobilising over slippery surfaces. These socks are typically worn over compression stockings and have a treaded design on their sole, or ventral surface, to improve traction. While they appear to be an attractive solution, there is limited clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of these products in reducing underfoot falls and their effect on patient safety.
The purpose of this study was to determine the slip resistance of commercially available non-slip socks compared with compression stockings and bare feet. A two-phase study was undertaken at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Physiotherapy Gait Laboratory. A convenience sample of three sock products was tested in a simulated footfall environment using the Wet Pendulum Friction Test, also known as the Inclined Ramp Test (see Figure 1). This test is commonly used to measure footwear slip resistance, and provides a continuous measurement of friction over time. The ramp surface was wiped down periodically to minimise the build-up of contamination during testing.
Each sock was tested in two conditions, wet and dry, with participants standing on the inclined ramp wearing their preferred footwear. The wet condition was chosen as the primary testing procedure, however it is possible that results may differ when tested on other floor materials, particularly those with a high level of contamination. The relative performance of the socks was determined by comparing their results against the performance of compression stockings and bare feet in both wet and dry conditions.
In both wet and dry tests, the non-slip socks demonstrated a marginal improvement in slip resistance compared with the compression stockings. They were, however, found to have significantly poorer slip resistance than bare feet when wet. The poor performance of non-slip socks when wet was a concern, given previous studies that have shown that the risk of slipping increases with the wearing of footwear in situations where fluid contamination is present.
It is therefore suggested that clinicians consider the use of non-slip socks with caution in conditions where underfoot traction is likely to be compromised. In addition, a further investigation is required into the relative slip resistance of these socks when used in conjunction with fluid contaminants, as this could have clinical implications when they are used with elderly patients who have bladder continence problems.
Whether your team is working hard on their feet or relaxing at home, they deserve the best footcare available. Custom branded grip socks are the perfect recognition gift to show your crew how much you care about their comfort and safety. Each pair of cotton blend socks is made from soft, breathable yarn and includes color-accented toes and heels. Plus, your custom message is printed on the soles for all to see. So go ahead, make someone’s day a little brighter — order custom non-slip socks today..