Toe socks
Toe socks (also known as fingersocks, glove socks, 5-toe socks or digital socks) are socks that have been knitted so that each toe is individually encased the same way as fingers within a glove.
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.
History
The original concept of toe socks may be attributed to Ethel Russell (also known as Ethel Wynhym) of Pennsylvania. On June 14, 1969, she filed a copyright with the United 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, because copyright 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 a
By 2004, toe socks were available in plain colors and being adopted as normal footwear. They have even been worn in outer space – notably by astronaut Sandra Magnus on the International Space Station during the STS-135 mission in 2011.[6]
Variants
One of the earliest variants of toe socks is the Japanese tabi, 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 with zori or geta sandals.[7]
Modern variants of toe socks are designed primarily for either comfort or athletics. In 2004, a patent was filed with the
Variants have also evolved to include
See also
- Sock
- Dress socks
- Anklet
- Vibram FiveFingers – a five-toed, minimalist running shoe
References
- ^ "Russell v. Trimfit, Inc. 428 F.Supp. 91 (Civ. A. No. 75-1764)". United States District Court, E. D. Pennsylvania. February 15, 1977. Retrieved July 21, 2012.
- ^ Vaughan, Walter (1792). An Essay, Philosophical and Medical, concerning Modern Clothing. London: Gillman.
- ISBN 0-7407-5118-2.
- ISBN 978-0-7611-3597-5.
toe socks+flip-flops.
- ISBN 978-0-313-33919-6.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration. July 11, 2011. Archived from the originalon July 18, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
- ISBN 0-87011-865-X.
- ^ Woolley, Stephanie (May 10, 2006). "Toe socks - United Kingdom Patent GB2419802A". Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom). Retrieved July 21, 2012.
- ISBN 978-0-387-76415-3.
- ISBN 978-0-89997-638-9.
- ISBN 978-0-470-52158-8.