Toe socks (also known asfingersocks,glove socks,5-toe socks ordigital socks) aresocks that have been knitted so that each toe is individually encased the same way as fingers within aglove.
All sock lengths are available as toe socks, from no-show style to anklet and ankle socks through to knee-high and over-knee socks. They are also available with rubberised undersides, as an alternative to bare feet for yoga. Toe socks are designed and available for both men and women.
The original concept of toe socks may be attributed to Ethel Russell (also known as Ethel Wynhym) ofPennsylvania. On June 14, 1969, she filed acopyright with theUnited States Copyright Office for two drawings of footwear which she termed, "mitten toe socks" and "glove socks". She was unable to maintain the exclusive rights for their manufacture, however, becausecopyright law of the United States does not afford this protection –patent law does.[1]
An earlier reference to "stockings with toes" was made by physician Walter Vaughan in 1792, speculating that these would prevent discomfort from the accumulation of sweat between the toes.[2] It is not clear whether Vaughan ever put this idea into action.
Toe socks became popular in the United States during the 1970s and made a comeback in the 1990s as anovelty item worn by adolescents. During the 1970s, it was fashionable for girls to wearclogs or buffalo sandals with toe socks.[3] In colder weather, they may be worn withflip-flops.[4] During this time, such socks were typicallyknee high in length with bright stripes and glittery threads in their design. They also had a practical value in keeping the feet warm, including the spots between the toes.[5]
By 2004, toe socks were available in plain colors and being adopted as normal footwear. They have even been worn inouter space – notably byastronautSandra Magnus on theInternational Space Station during theSTS-135 mission in 2011.[6]
One of the earliest variants of toe socks is the Japanesetabi, dating back to the 16th century. These are split-toed socks with two compartments – one smaller compartment for the big toe, and a larger compartment for the four remaining toes. This allows them to be worn withzori orgeta sandals.[7]
Modern variants of toe socks are designed primarily for either comfort or athletics. In 2004, a patent was filed with theIntellectual Property Office in theUnited Kingdom for a product called "toe socks"; however, their description differs: "A half sock which covers the toes to provide comfort under footwear. Preferably the socks are unseen when worn withmules orslingback shoes."[8]
Variants have also evolved to includecompression socks and other specialty performance models forprofessional sports as well as uses which require high durability. In sports, athletic versions of toe socks may be useful totriathletes who suffer from frequent interdigital friction blisters.[9][10] One version of sock referred to as "toe socks" is actually a reverse version – this is a covering for the foot and ankle with the toes cut out, leaving them bare. This provides a non-slip surface and provides for a more complete range of motion for form-fittingyoga,Pilates, orWii Fit exercises.[11]
toe socks+flip-flops.
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