Diabetic Socks: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Commercially Available Products
Prabhuraj D. Venkatraman, Giorgio Orlando, Peter R. Culmer, Rory P. Turnbull, Katherine Bradbury, Irantzu Yoldi, Jenny Corser, David A. Russell, Andrew J. M. Boulton, Neil D. Reeves

TL;DR
This review examines the limited evidence on diabetic socks, finding poor quality clinical trials and a lack of clinical support for commercial claims.
Contribution
The paper systematically reviews both clinical and commercial evidence on diabetic socks, highlighting methodological gaps and design challenges.
Findings
Clinical trials on diabetic socks show poor methodological quality and no significant outcomes.
Laboratory studies suggest fiber blends and yarn finishes affect sock performance, but lack clinical validation.
Commercial socks with new fibers often lack evidence to support their effectiveness for diabetes patients.
Abstract
In recent years, various diabetic socks have been developed and introduced to help prevent diabetes related foot ulcers (DFUs). However, the question of which type of sock is most suitable for individuals with diabetes has not been adequately addressed. This review systematically explores the current evidence regarding the performance and structural properties of diabetic socks, along with a narrative analysis of commercial socks. Four databases, including Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Google Scholar, were examined, resulting in the selection of nine articles. Methodological quality of the clinical trials was assessed using the Downs and Black tool. Additionally, 17 commercially available socks were selected for analysis. Among the selected articles, four were clinical trials, two mixed‐design studies, and three laboratory‐based investigations. The clinical…
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Taxonomy
TopicsDiabetic Foot Ulcer Assessment and Management · Peripheral Artery Disease Management · Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies
