Developed through years of research into podiatry health and
made to the highest standards using natural and bioactive fibres
- LifeSocks™ represents a whole new level of quality and comfort.
This is the premium sock choice.
Promotes healthy circulation - ideal for diabetics, frequent flyers
or general well-being.
Lifestyle PLUS
Everyday
Multipurpose
Midweight
High stretch, non-restrictive double cuff for easy slide on,
minimal compression and maximum stretch
Unique* double-density cushion padding for added protection
Individual shaping for left and right foot
Alignment points for correct positioning
Seamless toe closure for ridge-free comfort
Anatomical cushioning strategically placed
throughout for added protection and comfort
Y heel for an improved, wrinkle-free fit and
pressure point reduction
Flex panel for ergonomic shaping
Ribs and mesh panels to aid airflow and to
regulate moisture and temperature control
Mesh panels for increased flexibility
COMPOSITION: 55% Merino Wool
30% Nylon
8% Elastic
7% Seacell Active®
Diabetes ~ Arthritis ~ Oedema ~ Flying ~ Arch Pain
Base PLUS
Dress/Casual
Women
Work/Everyday
Lightweight
High stretch top for minimal compression
Unique* double-density cushion padding
for added protection
Anatomical cushioning strategically placed
throughout for added protection and comfort
Individual shaping for left and right foot
Y heel for an improved, wrinkle-free fit
Alignment points for correct positioning
Ribs and mesh panels for moisture
and temperature control
Seamless toe closure for ridge-free comfort
COMPOSITION: 60% Merino Wool
15% Nylon
9% Elastic
16% Seacell Active®
Diabetes ~ Arthritis ~ Oedema ~ Flying ~ Arch Pain
Airborne PLUS
Sport/Leisure
Outdoor
Midweight
High stretch top for minimal compression
Unique* double-density cushion padding for added protection
Anatomical cushioning strategically placed
throughout for added protection and comfort
Individual shaping for left and right foot
Flex panel for ergonomic shaping
Alignment points for correct positioning
Y heel for an improved, wrinkle-free fit
Seamless toe closure for ridge-free comfort
Ribs and mesh panels for moisture
and temperature control
Mesh panels for increased flexibility
COMPOSITION: 58% Merino Wool
22% Nylon
9% Elastic
11% Seacell Active®
Diabetes ~ Arthritis ~ Oedema ~ Flying ~ Arch Pain
Airborne Lite
Sport
Leisure
Midweight
Minimal compression top
Unique* double-density cushion padding
for added protection
Individual shaping for left and right foot
Alignment points for correct positioning
Seamless toe closure for ridge-free comfort
Flex panel for ergonomic shaping
Y heel for an improved, wrinkle-free fit
Anatomical cushioning strategically placed
throughout for added protection and comfort
Ribs and mesh panels for moisture
and temperature control
Mesh panels for increased flexibility
COMPOSITION: 60% Merino Wool
20% Nylon
8% Elastic
12% Seacell Active®
Diabetes ~ Arthritis ~ Oedema ~ Flying ~ Arch Pain
Base PLUS
Dress/Casual
Men
Work/Everyday
Lightweight
High stretch top for minimal compression
Unique* double-density cushion padding
for added protection
Individual shaping for left and right foot
Alignment points for correct positioning
Y heel for an improved, wrinkle-free fit
Anatomical cushioning strategically placed
throughout for added protection and comfort
Ribs and mesh panels for moisture
and temperature control
Seamless toe closure for ridge-free comfort
COMPOSITION: 57% Merino Wool
19% Nylon
9% Elastic
15% Seacell Active®
Diabetes ~ Arthritis ~ Oedema ~ Flying ~ Arch Pain
Protective PLUS
Work
Adventure
Outdoor
High stretch top for minimal compression
Unique* double-density cushion padding
for added protection
Anatomical cushioning strategically placed
throughout for added protection and comfort
Individual shaping for left and right foot
Ribs and mesh panels for moisture
and temperature control
Alignment points for correct positioning
Reinforced heel and toe for durability
Smooth toe closure for comfort
COMPOSITION: 60% Merino Wool
30% Nylon
10% Elastic
Diabetes ~ Arthritis ~ Oedema ~ Flying ~ Arch Pain
Design and features
Benefits
LifeSocks™ have an important role of being the interface between the skin and the abrasive
compressive, shear and frictional forces of the inner shoe. These socks assist in injury
avoidance, provide protection from mechanical, chemical and thermal trauma. LifeSocks™
are comfortable to wear and offer long lasting comfort and foot protection.
Merino is nature at its best. It is a fine, natural, renewable fibre with outstanding insulating abilities. The unique alpine environment
in which Merino thrive is renowned for producing exceptionally high quality fibre, superior in its softness, strength and durability.
Entwined within the thread of the Merino yarn is Seacell® Active. A cellulose, seaweed and silver based fibre. While the merino fibres
are working to insulate the foot, the soft and highly absorbent Seacell® Active fibre help to regulate moisture and hydrate the skin.
Seacell® Active benefits:
Merino benefits:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Skin compatible
Anti-microbial
Bacteriostatic
Anti-fungal
Anti-inflammatory
Hypo-allergenic
Odour inhibiting
Environmentally friendly
Safe, stable, and permanent in action, even after frequent washing
Our trademark Elastic Support System™ (ESS™) locks the sock onto the foot and
the lower leg with minimal compression, providing support particularly under the
arch of the foot. By fitting snugly to the skin, this sock works to maintain regular
skin temperature. Elasticity is defined as the ability of a stretch fibre to return to
its original size. In the therapeutic sock we employ only the highest quality elastics
available to provide stretch and recovery.
A natural, healthy alternative to synthetic fibres
Superior softness and comfort
Warmth without weight
Odour resistance
An ability to breathe
Temperature and moisture management
Strength and durability
Extra resilience for impact protection
the therapeutic sock
The therapeutic sock
the therapeutic sock
1.0 Therapeutic Sock. An Introduction
There
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1.0 There
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e goal is to prevent breaches in skin integrity and keep skin
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page 1
1ED 02/07
page 1
1ED 02/07
Thermal Regulation
Of particular importance is the role of temperature control and protection from thermal insult in diabetic foot health.
Merino wool is the best natural fibre at regulating temperature and is particularly well known for its thermal properties.
Merino wool provides warmth at a constant temperature, combating the effects of sweating and fluid accumulation
and cooling capabilities, when required. Maintenance of skin temperature and prevention of temperature fluctuations
to the feet prevents chilling and thermal insult.
An even regular temperature will also reduce the risk of chilblain formation or vascoconstriction of the extremities. This can occur because the body short-circuits blood flow to preserve heat for the vital organs during time of
temperature fluctuation.
Merino wool is the best natural fibre
at regulating temperature and is
particularly well known for its thermal
properties.
The mesh panels in the upper part of the sock and the ribs knitted into the sole of the sock also open up the sock to
breathe and enhance air flow. This feature in conjunction with Merino wool also assists in temperature regulation.
The close snug fit of the sock due to the ESS™ system also enhances the Thermal regulation. All these features
combined and working together make Therapeutic LifeSocks™ one of the best for thermal regulation.
Moisture Management
The breathability of merino wool assists airflow to the foot and prevents excess body fluid accumulation. The ability of the sock to control moisture plays an important role in blister prevention and callus formation, both portals for
bacteria invasion. This is of particular relevance to people with diabetes, as they require a sock that can warm the foot
and maintain a stable temperature for long periods of the day and retain moisture to keep the skin well hydrated. The
added lanolin properties within the merino wool fibre provide additional emollient action and the added moisture
retention assists in the prevention of skin dryness and cracking or splitting, particularly of concern in people with diabetes. Frequently, if left undetected, the breech in skin integrity becomes the pivotal event that leads to the sequelae
of acute infection, ulceration and amputation. When blisters are prevented, so too are the catastrophic sequelae.
It is important for people with
diabetes to exercise safely.
SeaCell® is highly absorbent and is used to anticipate and support the absorption of excessive fluid accumulation in
the foot. SeaCell® Active fibres work to absorb and retain the moisture, creating an optimal moisture environment.
This leads to the issue of hydrating. With the merino and SeaCell® Active providing an optimal moisture environment,
the superficial epithelial cells (the last layer of skin cells on the sole of the foot) absorbs the excess, it also regulates
that moisture and any dry skin cells can be re-moistened, similar to applying an emollient to the skin. The balancing
between too much moisture and not enough is a fine line and this is where natural Merino wool and Seaweed do so
well in helping keep this balance of local absorption better than a synthetic product.
Sweat glands in a foot with diabetes can be erratic in their production of sweat or they can produce little or no sweat
at all drying the skin of feet out and thus making the skin prone to cracks -portals for bacteria. Therapeutic LifeSocks™
are able to assist with this problem by controlling moisture so the foot is in a dry enough environment to help prevent
blisters but whilst also being able to release some moisture back into the skin to help nourish the skin of the foot.
LifeSocks™ natural moisture
management properties help
prevent breaches in skin integrity
Antibacterial and odour control
Bacteria live in the moisture of sweat, skin and other organic material in the region. The combination of heat,
moisture, and sooth continuous fibre structures, such as those of synthetics that absorb liquid moisture and create an
environment suitable for bacteria growth. As a result this bacteria causes an unpleasant odour and is un-hygenic, this
is why synthetic socks tend to smell after one wear.
Merino wool is well known for its wear-ability without having to be washed as frequently as synthetics. The moisture
absorption properties and the rough cuticle layer of cells surrounding the fibre make Merino wool highly undesirable
for bacteria growth.
SeaCell® Active is a seaweed based fibre
and is a natural selection to inhibit
bacteria and fungal growth, promoting
a hygienic clean environment for the
foot.
Therapeutic LifeSocks™ leave your
feet feeling fresh and clean.
SeaCell® Active fibre, works to provide increased absorption coupled with antimicrobial properties that will discourage skin contamination in a warm, moist environment. Less bacterial and fungal growth means less odour. Non toxic
silver ions which are contained within the SeaCell fibre play a key role inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi and
therefore reducing odour.
Merino knitted with SeaCell® Active in LifeSocks™ provide a safe clean environment for the foot.
Protection
Due to the changing structure of a person’s foot affected by Diabetes, new and abnormal bony prominences develop,
often the skin covering these bony prominences is thin and delicate and not designed to take pressure or friction
forces. It is important that we pre empt these changes and that the sock can still keep protecting the areas most at
risk to developing abrasions. Changes in bone and muscle structure also mean that a person can change they way they
walk, thus increasing pressure on parts of the foot, sometimes on areas of the foot that are not normally used to the
force of pressure. These changes also mean their shoes might not fit them properly any more and so increased friction
from the shoes on the delicately covered bony prominences can result in abrasions taking considerable time to heal.
Loop pile cushioning providing comfort
and protection for the foot.
A common deformity is ‘retraction’of the lessor toes,where the toes are drawn upwards causing the exposed joints
covered in delicate skin to rub on the top of the shoe. To protect this area, the entire toe pocket is cushioned, the
cushioning is carried past the seamless toe closure to provide a slightly larger area of cushioning to accommodate for
structural changes in this part of the foot. The cushioning is also extended underneath the toes past the metatarsal heads
which is where most impact is placed when walking. This part of the foot is subject to shear, friction and downward
forces all of which place this area of the foot under immense stress, as a result the area is prone to calluses which can
crack when dry and let bacteria in.
The unique U shaped double density cushioned pad on top of the foot protects dorsal bony Prominences from
downward shoe pressure. This U shaped pad is built up so it absorbs some of the pressure from the shoe and
therefore helping to reduce the pressure on the boney promince and also deflect the pressure off the Dorsalis
Pedis Artery, the main artery feeding the foot.
The cushioned heel pocket extends slightly above the shoe line to protect the back of the heel from harsh rubbing in
this area. The area around the ball of the foot is also cushioned as bunions often develop in this area, unprotected
bunions can rub against the inner of the shoe causing abrasions which must be prevented.
Comfortable and friendly to wear
The inclusion of the high stretch top and ridge free toe seams were perhaps two of the most important features that
people already look for when purchasing a sock for a person with diabetes. The ridge free toe seam means no harsh
seam to rub across the top of the toes, rubbing can cause blisters and breaches in the skin which we want to avoid,
therefore it is important to have a seam free sock.
The high stretch top means that the sock is easy to pull onto the foot. This is important for those who lack flexibility
and mobility who have difficulty reaching down to pull a sock on. This high stretch top also won’t leave uncomfortable
compression marks on the leg and will accommodate for ankles and legs of all shapes and sizes most importantly
without riding down and bunching inside the shoe.
Your feet will enjoy the experience
of wearing natural Therapeutic
LifeSocks™.
Beautifully soft Merino wool is pricklefree
and harmonious with our skin
Above all the technical features and benefits, the sock had to feel soft and natural, so consumers would want to wear
them and enjoy the experience. This is why pure Merino Wool was used as the dominant fibre in LifeSocks™. The
micron, staple length and twist factor play an important role in yarn softness so considerable research was carried out
on these factors to get the best Merino yarn for this sock. Therefore a soft prickle free fabric was created in the form of
the LifeSocks™ range. The inclusion of SeaCell® Active further enhanced the beautiful soft handle of the yarn.
Conforming to the foot
Feet affected by diabetes often become deformed, such deformities include retraction of the lessor toes
where the toes are drawn upwards making the joints vulnerable to forces from the top of the shoes
creating blisters. Also the ball of the foot can change in shape and protrude out from the foot exposing
it to shear forces from the side of the shoe. The arch can flatten or fall out, and the region on top of the
foot can also change exposing bony prominences to downward pressure from shoes.
With this range of deformaties, the sock must be able to stretch around boney prominences and
conform to the shape of the individuals foot whether it be deformed or relatively normal. This is
achieved in a number of ways.
Mesh is used not only for breathability and airflow but also for its ability to stretch. Mesh is knitted into
the cushioning surrounding the ball of the foot so the ball is still protecting by the loop pile cushioning from friction and shear forces but the mesh also allows this part of the sock to stretch around a
protruding boney prominence should it need to. Forth is reason, mesh is also knitted through the arch
and over the top of the foot. SeaCell® has the ability to conform to any shape. As it absorbs the fluid, it
will increase its capacity to adapt to the specific shape of the foot.
The SeaCell® yarn will yield to forces and not fight against pre-determined shapes and this is important
as the sock yields to external force and conforms rather than fighting to retain its shape.
The high stretch top combined with the ESS system, the Y heel and the left and right toe shaping
ensures a close, snug fitting sock that will stay in place and won’t bunch. Bunching of the sock or excess
fabric within a shoe can rub on the skin and cause breaches in the skin integrity. LifeSocks™ have 4 sizes
across each style within the range so the perfect fit can be achieved (with the exception of the men’s and
women’s specific styles where there are 3 sizes per style).