Thorlos Sock Technology ®
There are 4 things that that differentiate a Thorlos from any other sock
1) Sock engineering
Thorlos has a dedicated research and development department, who go through many stages in the creation of a new product. The whole process normally takes 12 to 18 months. During this period the sock will go though around 12 different versions including extensive field testing by expert end users.
Thorlos have identified 7 key elements to providing comfort and performance and apply these criteria to the design of every style of Thorlos.
2) The Fibres.
Thorlos uses many different fibres in the construction of their socks.
THOR•LON®: A special Acrylic yarn invented by Thorlos. Wicks moisture well, good bulk, good resistance, excellent at retaining shape when wet or damp, good hand, the best all round sock fibre.
Coolmax®: Dupont manufactures this fiber with a unique four channeled cross section that produces a soft, cotton like yarn with superio moisture transport qualities, skin temperature feels perceptably cooler in comparison yarn testing. Tholo's with Coolmax® provide excellent blister protection while keeping your feet comfortably cool
Nylon: Continuous filament fibre plaited to the outside of the sock. Gives durability, stretch, and high loft-to-terry loop. Minimal wicking or insulation properties. This gives the sock its framework.
Wool: Thorlos do use wool in a number of products where insulation is a key factor. This wool content varies in percentage and is always blended with other fiber's to increase the overall performance of the sock.
50/50 Wool/Acrylic: Great combination of fibers. Insulation and vapor absorption of wool; wicking of Acrylic. Good bulk, resilience and shape retention. Used in cool to cold applications.
65/35 Wool/Silk: All the benefits of wool, plus additional strength and insulation from silk. Silk helps durability of fine grade wool. Used in cool to cold applications with good bulk and resilience.
Thermolite®: gives superior heat retention due to its hollow fibers. Also rapidly transports moisture and speeds evaporation - very important for cold climates. A high performance cold weather fiber.
Did You Know?
Sheep are generally sheared in the spring, so they don't overheat in summer. When you are working up a sweat the temperature inside your shoe can reach 50 C - save the wool for snow and ice!
Thorlos recognizes that as with most things, fibers have their strengths and weaknesses. Crucially, we blend these together to make the best of all them. The different combinations reflect the different end users. Thorlos knit different fibers into different areas of the sock to utilize the best of their properties.
Do you wear Cotton T-Shirts or wool jumpers for active sports in the U.K?
No, you have realised the benefits of technical fibre's in travel clothing, base layers, fleece mid layers and shells. All thoroughly researched man made fibres with wicking, durability and easy care properties. Natural fibers such as wool provide excellent insulation - ideal for very cold, dry climates but man made fibres have other benefits. That's why we blend the two.
3) The PADS
Thorlos use specially designed machines to produce their socks, this way, Thorlos can create the famous and patented Thorlos Pads.
Where the pads lie will depend on the activity (click here for 'Which Thorlos for me?'). For example a walking sock will have the bulk of its padding under the heel and forefoot to protect from the walking impact. However a mountaineering sock or ski sock has shin pads to help protect from 'Shin Bang'.
Thorlos use a unique terry knit to create their pads this gives the pads specific density and volume dependent on the activity, climate and forces the sock will encounter. The Density of the pad provides the protection and the volume provides resistance to shearing.
Only Thorlo's provide varying thickness of pads under the foot - dense at pressure points, lighter under the arch for support.
Did You Know?
When you run, each time your foot hits the ground, it absorbs 3 to 4 times your bodyweight - that's over a tonne on each foot in 30 minutes! Thorlos padded running socks help to protect your body from these forces.
Take a look at the difference in padding inside a Thorlos sock.
Another important feature created by the knitting process is the Y gore design of the heel. This feature creates a 3 dimensional pocket to retain the heel. It is this attention to detail which sets Thorlos apart.
4) The research and testing
Every pair of Thorlos goes through no less than 7 quality checks before it is shipped.
Thorlos have invested heavily into scientific and medical research about foot health. We have 20 years worth of evidence to substantiate our claims. Thorlos are an authority in this area.
Below are a couple of examples of research funded by Thorlos
Shawn Flot, MPT; Von Hill, MPT; Wesley Yamada, DPM; Thomas McPoil, PHD, PT, ATC; and Mark Cornwall, PHD, PT.
The Effect of Padded Hosiery in Reducing Forefoot Plantar Pressures, in The Lower Extremity - Vol. 2, No. 3 September, 1995.
Eight healthy subjects ranging in age from 23-44 years were tested with Specific Thorlos padded sock product for eight weeks.
- Test results were recorded from within the shoe.
- Temperature and moisture were also recorded.
- Forefoot plantar pressure was significantly reduced in the hallux and the central forefoot.
Conclusion: The results indicate that padded hosiery (Running Thorlos) can significantly decrease forefoot plantar pressures.
Authors: Dr. Alice Brown, Pharm D.; Dr. Jack Brown, DO; in Osteopathic Physician.
"The Use of Thorlos Walking and Support Hosiery in the Treatment of Circulation Problems of the Feet and Legs" Authors: Dr. Alice Brown, Pharm D.; Dr. Jack Brown, DO; in Osteopathic Physician.
Thirty-six men with venous insufficiency (swelling of legs, or varicose veins) participated in the study; 18 patients wore Specific Thorlos for four months.
- Specific Thorlos improved circulation in feet and in legs nearly 100%.
- The use of Specific Thorlos dramatically reduced swelling in one month.
- Deep vein circulation went from abnormal to well above normal in three months.
Conclusion: Chronic aching and foot fatigue, due to prolonged standing and walking, can be significantly improved with the use of Specific Thorlos.
Furthermore Thorlos receive countless letters from the medical community here are just a few examples:
Dear Sir:
"As a Podiatrist who treats a multiplicity of foot pathology, I recommend your socks for the many painful foot conditions which I treat. With the majority of foot problems created by the shearing force of ambulation, I recommended Thorlos products to athletes and senior citizens as well."
Sincerely,
Michael L.Wodka,D.P.M.
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Dear Sir:
"I am writing to you because of my interest in applying your product for my patients who have had reconstructive surgery of the foot. I have started to recommend use of your socks for many of my patients who have chronic wound problems involving the foot and lower extremity, as well as those of my patients who have had foot surgery, and can benefit from the Thorlos PADDS."
Sincerely,
Paul C. Zwiebel, M.D.,D.M.D.
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Dear Sirs:
"I have recommended your socks to many of my patients and the response has been very positive. They are specifically helpful in those patients with painful friction calluses. The unique design of Thorlos socks alleviated their symptoms. Keep up the quality work!"
Sincerely,
Dr.David P.Vona