These Socks Were Made For Walking… And So Much More

Walking is one of the best exercises for people living with Diabetes. Last year we launched our non-binding wool walking socks. These socks were specifically developed to help manage the symptoms of diabetes and other conditions for people who love walking and the Great Outdoors. Here are just a few of the benefits that have gone into the design process of our walking socks:

• At the core of every sock is our easy stretch non-binding leg which gently shapes to the natural contours of your legs, eases pressure, prevents constriction hotspots, pinching and the unpleasant compression marks typically associated with regular socks.
• Smooth toe seams not only reduce irritation, but also minimise internal chaffing to help eliminate the risk of blisters and cuts that can be more problematic for people living with Diabetes.
• We know that weight on your feet can often be painful, so our soft terry towelling cushioned foot provides extra padding on the soles to help absorb and cushion the impacts of daily mobility.
• Anti-bacterial treatments play an invisible yet important function to help combat the formation and multiplication of bacteria, as well as reducing unpleasant odours. The treatment continues to work around the clock, and even after washing, to aid hygiene and reduce risk of infection. 
• Made with soft touch merino wool for its natural moisture management and thermal regulation properties plus an official TOG rating of 1.54 will help keep your feet warm when it’s cold and cooler if the weathers hot. 
• The full cushion foot will also protect your feet in the boots as well as further protecting against nicks and cuts. Some of you may already know that people with diabetes may be less likely to feel a stone in their shoes, so it's important that our socks work extra hard to provide a comfortable cushion.

But it’s not just walking that these socks are suited for. Matt Hazledine from lymphoedemaunited.com explains how our IOMI FootNurse Diabetic Walker Wool Socks are also great for golf:

“I thoroughly enjoy playing golf, even though I’m not great, as it gives me the opportunity to get out into the fresh air, be one with nature, have some much needed ‘me-time’ and exercise. Playing 18 holes means walking, on average, 6 kilometres or 3.75 miles, in addition to swinging the club more times than I’d like to!

I am incredibly mindful that in 2011, I got a blister by wearing a brand-new pair of golf shoes and inappropriate socks, which caused a horrific cellulitis infection in my left leg, that in turn triggered my lymphoedema. 

Since then, I have been super-cautious to look after my feet and wear the right socks when walking and they are worth every penny. I also have to wear soft top socks, that do not create an indentation in my calf from the tight elasticated sock top. In the past, traditional socks have caused my ankle to swell below the elastic which kind of creates a tourniquet effect, reducing my lymph flow.

I have been keen to inform as many people as possible about Gentle Grip socks as these are all that I wear now. The range is on my website and I am so pleased to tell you about their new product IOMI Diabetic Walker Socks. I have worn these socks several times on the golf course and on long country walks. They are so comfortable to wear and I feel reassured that my feet are being protected.”

To find out more about our diabetic walker socks, click here.