Our custom non-slip socks are comfortable, one-size-fits-all socks that are outfitted with 100% custom rubber grips on the bottom to keep feet from slipping. They are a great choice for hospitals, spas, airlines and yoga studios, among other places. Available in up to 6 yarn colors (3 PMS matched) with your own design or logo. Lead time is 3-5 business days.

With hospital-acquired infections at such a high rate, there is strong interest in anything that can reduce the risk of transmission from the foot to the rest of the body. With this in mind, there has been a rise in the use of ‘non-slip socks’ which have been designed to improve underfoot traction by providing a tread pattern on the sole of the sock.

However, there is limited evidence on whether these products actually work to reduce slips in the hospital setting. To investigate the effectiveness of these products, a two-phase study was undertaken. In phase one, a convenience sample of commercially available non-slip socks and compression stockings were tested for slip resistance using the Wet Pendulum Friction Test (commonly known as the Wet Pendulum test). Testing was carried out at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) Materials, Surfaces and Finishes laboratory in Highett, Victoria. Testing was conducted in a controlled environment by a materials scientist, who was blinded to brand and manufacturer details of samples provided (all labels and identifiers removed). The Wet Pendulum Test is an alternative to the Inclined Ramp test that is often used for measuring friction between bare feet and floor surfaces.

Results of the phase one test indicated that the non-slip sock provided marginally improved slip resistance compared with the compression stocking. These findings were not replicated in the phase two test. The discrepancy between the two tests is likely to be due to a combination of factors including variation in participant foot anatomy and biomechanics, skin characteristics, and the fact that the phase one test was performed on clean vinyl, whereas the phase two test was carried out on contaminated vinyl.

It is also possible that the relative performance of the non-slip sock and compression stocking might be altered by fluid contamination, which would be expected to increase the amount of surface area in contact with the floor. However, the lack of congruence between phase one and phase two testing conditions suggests that this possibility is unlikely.

In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the clinical benefits of non-slip socks are questionable given their poorer performance compared with bare feet. This is particularly worrying, as previous studies have found that barefoot or ‘non-ideal’ footwear mobilisation has been associated with an increased risk of falls.

Furthermore, ensuring that the sock tread pattern is aligned with the foot would require frequent and ongoing assessment by clinical staff. This could be a substantial additional resource burden, especially for patients with cognitive impairment who may not wear the sock correctly or remember to check it frequently. custom non-slip socks