When developing BraceLiner AFO Socks, we wanted to understand what people actually experience with the socks they already wear under their orthotic braces.
So we asked 71 brace users and families about their current socks, the problems they experience and what matters most to them.
The results highlighted several recurring issues.
Sweating was the most common problem
92% of respondents reported sweating or clamminess under the brace.
Another 62% said their socks were too short to fully protect the leg, while slipping, bunching and odour were also common.
What stood out was that these problems rarely appeared alone. Most respondents reported several issues with the socks they currently use.
Do socks really affect AFO comfort?
We also asked whether sock-related problems ever made the brace harder or less comfortable to wear.
90% said this happened sometimes or often.
A sock cannot compensate for an AFO that does not fit properly.
But the sock sits between the skin and the orthotic brace for hours at a time, so moisture, wrinkles, slipping and unnecessary bulk can all influence the everyday wearing experience.
That's why we think the interface deserves more attention.
What matters in socks for AFOs?
Comfort came first.
87% prioritised comfort, followed by preventing rubbing or irritation at 75%. Staying dry, staying in place, ease of putting socks on, full leg coverage and low bulk were also important.
This gives us a much clearer brief for what a purpose-designed orthotic sock needs to do.
What happens next?
These findings tell us what to test.
Thirty brace users will now trial BraceLiner AFO Socks and compare them with the socks they normally wear. We'll be looking particularly at:
- comfort
- moisture and clamminess
- coverage
- slipping and bunching
- rubbing and irritation
- bulk and fit inside the brace
We'll share what we learn once the trial is complete.
[Explore BraceLiner AFO Socks →]
BraceLiner AFO Socks pre-trial survey, n=71. Self-reported responses; multi-select where stated. Respondents were self-selected.