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{{Short description|Sock with individual toes}}
[[File:Red Pink Orange rainbow toesocks.jpg|right|thumb|Striped toe socks]]
[[File:Red Pink Orange rainbow toesocks.jpg|right|thumb|Striped toe socks]]

'''Toe socks''' (also known as '''fingersocks''', '''glove socks''', '''5-toe socks''' or '''digital socks''') are [[sock]]s that have been knitted so that each toe is individually encased the same way as fingers within a [[glove]].
'''Toe socks''' (also known as '''fingersocks''', '''glove socks''', '''5-toe socks''' or '''digital socks''') are [[sock]]s 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 barefootedness for yoga. Toe socks are designed and available for both men and women.
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 ==
==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 – [[United States patent law|patent law]] does.<ref name="Russell_v_Trimfit">{{cite news|title=RUSSELL v. TRIMFIT, INC. 428 F.Supp. 91 (Civ. A. No. 75-1764).|url=http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?page=1&xmldoc=1977519428FSupp91_1493.xml&docbase=CSLWAR1-1950-1985&SizeDisp=7|accessdate=July 21, 2012|newspaper=United States District Court, E. D. Pennsylvania|date=February 15, 1977}}</ref>
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 – [[United States patent law|patent law]] does.<ref name="Russell_v_Trimfit">{{cite news|title=''Russell v. Trimfit, Inc.'' 428 F.Supp. 91 (Civ. A. No. 75-1764).|url=http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?page=1&xmldoc=1977519428FSupp91_1493.xml&docbase=CSLWAR1-1950-1985&SizeDisp=7|access-date=July 21, 2012|newspaper=United States District Court, E. D. Pennsylvania|date=February 15, 1977}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Vaughan|first=Walter|title=An Essay, Philosophical and Medical, concerning Modern Clothing|publisher=Gillman|year=1792|location=London}}</ref> 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 [[novelty item]] worn by adolescents. During the 1970s, it was fashionable for girls to wear [[Clog (shoe)|clogs]] or buffalo sandals with toe socks.<ref name="Mansour_David">{{cite book|last=Mansour|first=David|title=From Abba To Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia Of The Late 20th Century.|year=2005|publisher=Andrews McMeel Publishing|location=[[Kansas City, Missouri]]|isbn=0-7407-5118-2|pages=59|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=hK0rPUF85loC&pg=PA59&lpg=PA59&dq=toe+socks+1960s&source=bl&ots=B1tafNaFCW&sig=qFe2Av6NsIOpU6Ieczhq62yOtW8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=QHMDUKKoKIn49QSKiNWMCA&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=toe%20socks%201960s&f=false}}</ref> In colder weather, they may be worn with [[flip-flops]].<ref name="Stoller_Debbie">{{cite book|last=Stoller|first=Debbie|title=Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics.|year=2010|publisher=Workman Publishing Company, Inc.|location=[[New York City]]|isbn=978-0-7611-3597-5|pages=186|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=0LZfvXudsHAC&pg=PA186&lpg=PA186&dq=%22toe+socks%22%2B%22flip-flops%22&source=bl&ots=GVY7SiXq-E&sig=dm2iafNy2ADeOztzFF1YsvyG4pI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Xk8IUNrUE6fz0gHszbiIBA&ved=0CD4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22toe%20socks%22%2B%22flip-flops%22&f=false}}</ref> During this time, such socks were typically [[Knee highs|knee high]] in length with bright stripes and glittery threads in their design. They also had a practical value in keeping the feet warm, including the spots between the toes.<ref name="Sagert_Kelly">{{cite book|last=Sagert|first=Kelly Boyer|title=The 1970s.|year=2007|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|location=[[Westport, Connecticut]]|isbn=0-313-33919-8|pages=125|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=9feBCLNhcFQC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125&dq=toe+socks+1970s&source=bl&ots=2EGFej4lDW&sig=rxIm8au03hJboylyX-VUMOzT_30&hl=en&sa=X&ei=RXUDUK2xEIiC8QT5wo20CA&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=toe%20socks%201970s&f=false}}</ref>


⚫
Toe socks became popular in the United States during the 1970s and made a comeback in the 1990s as a [[novelty item]] worn by adolescents. During the 1970s, it was fashionable for girls to wear [[Clog (shoe)|clogs]] or buffalo sandals with toe socks.<ref name="Mansour_David">{{cite book|last=Mansour|first=David|title=From Abba to Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of the Late 20th Century|year=2005|publisher=Andrews McMeel Publishing|location=[[Kansas City, Missouri]]|isbn=0-7407-5118-2|pages=59|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hK0rPUF85loC&q=toe+socks+1960s&pg=PA59}}</ref> In colder weather, they may be worn with [[flip-flops]].<ref name="Stoller_Debbie">{{cite book|last=Stoller|first=Debbie|title=Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics.|year=2010|publisher=Workman Publishing Company, Inc.|location=[[New York City]]|isbn=978-0-7611-3597-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/stitchnbitchsupe0000stol/page/186 186]|url=https://archive.org/details/stitchnbitchsupe0000stol|url-access=registration|quote=toe socks+flip-flops.}}</ref> During this time, such socks were typically [[Knee highs|knee high]] in length with bright stripes and glittery threads in their design. They also had a practical value in keeping the feet warm, including the spots between the toes.<ref name="Sagert_Kelly">{{cite book|last=Sagert|first=Kelly Boyer|title=The 1970s.|year=2007|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|location=[[Westport, Connecticut]]|isbn=978-0-313-33919-6|pages=125|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9feBCLNhcFQC&q=toe+socks+1970s&pg=PA125}}</ref>
⚫
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.<ref name="NASA_photo">{{cite news|title=International Space Station Imagery.|url=http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-28/html/s135e007401.html|accessdate=July 20, 2012|newspaper=[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]|date=July 11, 2011}}</ref>


⚫
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.<ref name="NASA_photo">{{cite news|title=International Space Station Imagery.|url=http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-28/html/s135e007401.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718103207/http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-28/html/s135e007401.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 18, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2012|newspaper=[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]]|date=July 11, 2011}}</ref>
⚫
== Variants ==


<gallery widths="200" heights="160">
File:Stockings XIX century.jpg|19th-century stockings with toes exposed at Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, near Rome, Italy.
File:STS-135 Sandy Magnus with a cargo transfer bag.jpg|Sandra Magnus in toe socks (STS-135).
</gallery>

⚫
==Variants==
[[File:Japanese tabi socks, black.jpeg|right|thumb|Japanese [[tabi]] socks]]
[[File:Japanese tabi socks, black.jpeg|right|thumb|Japanese [[tabi]] socks]]


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 [[Zōri]] or [[Geta (footwear)|geta]] sandals.<ref name="Marshall_John">{{cite book|last=Marshall|first=John|title=Make Your Own Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear.|year=1988|publisher=Kodansha International, Ltd.|location=[[Tokyo]]|isbn=0-87011-865-X|pages=108–114|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=ljOuuy0OO0UC&pg=PA108&lpg=PA108&dq=japanese+tabi&source=bl&ots=CbMmxoAZu5&sig=iz0_elDi4fJXoLOSF8mrKVOc2iM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9HcLUJu0OoOI8QSC9KX0Cg&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=japanese%20tabi&f=false}}</ref>
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 (footwear)|geta]] sandals.<ref name="Marshall_John">{{cite book|last=Marshall|first=John|title=Make Your Own Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear.|year=1988|publisher=Kodansha International, Ltd.|location=[[Tokyo]]|isbn=0-87011-865-X|pages=108–114|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ljOuuy0OO0UC&q=japanese+tabi&pg=PA108}}</ref>


Modern variants of toe socks are designed primarily for either comfort or athletics. In 2004, a patent was filed with the [[Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom)|Intellectual Property Office]] in the [[United Kingdom]] for a product called "toe socks"; however, their description differs: "A half sock which covers the toes to provide comfort under footwear. Preferably the socks are unseen when worn with [[Mule (footwear)|mules]] or [[slingback]] shoes."<ref name="Woolley_Stephanie">{{cite news|last=Woolley|first=Stephanie|title=Toe socks - United Kingdom Patent GB2419802A.|url=http://patent.ipexl.com/GB/GB2419802A.html|accessdate=July 21, 2012|newspaper=[[Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom)]]|date=May 10, 2006}}</ref>
Modern variants of toe socks are designed primarily for either comfort or athletics. In 2004, a patent was filed with the [[Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom)|Intellectual Property Office]] in the [[United Kingdom]] for a product called "toe socks"; however, their description differs: "A half sock which covers the toes to provide comfort under footwear. Preferably the socks are unseen when worn with [[Mule (footwear)|mules]] or [[slingback]] shoes."<ref name="Woolley_Stephanie">{{cite news|last=Woolley|first=Stephanie|title=Toe socks - United Kingdom Patent GB2419802A.|url=http://patent.ipexl.com/GB/GB2419802A.html|access-date=July 21, 2012|newspaper=[[Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom)]]|date=May 10, 2006}}</ref>


Variants have also evolved to include [[compression socks]] and other specialty performance models for [[professional sports]] as well as uses which require high durability. In sports, athletic versions of toe socks may be useful to [[triathlon|triathletes]] who suffer from frequent interdigital friction blisters.<ref name="Werd_Leslie">{{cite book|last=Werd, Matthew B.; Knight, E. Leslie.|title=Athletic Footwear and Orthoses in Sports Medicine.|year=2010|publisher=Springer|location=New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London|isbn=978-0-387-76415-3|pages=180|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=W50VfqSXbW4C&pg=PA180&lpg=PA180&dq=athletic+toe+socks&source=bl&ots=HYk9yTwJLZ&sig=fBbeIQxhDwZxgYBW9dZZT5mo6Ik&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9WkLUKORE5Cm8gT5vZHwCg&ved=0CEUQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=athletic%20toe%20socks&f=false}}</ref><ref name="Vonhof_John">{{cite book|last=Vonhof|first=John|title=Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes (5th Edition).|year=2011|publisher=Wilderness Press|location=[[Birmingham, Alabama]]|isbn=978-0-89997-638-9|pages=235|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=7gpb8nlQjKkC&pg=PA235&lpg=PA235&dq=injinji+toe+socks&source=bl&ots=XUgWHdc9dV&sig=y0WeRFTXTZRx3XuK08B76CGw7-o&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NGwLUJ2yBYak8ASlhOzJCg&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=injinji%20toe%20socks&f=false}}</ref> One version of sock referred to as "toe socks" is actually a reverse version – this is a covering for the foot and ankle with the toes cut out, leaving them bare. This provides a non-slip surface and provides for a more complete range of motion for form-fitting [[yoga]], [[pilates]], or [[Wii Fit]] exercises.<ref name="Loguidice">{{cite book|last=Loguidice, Christina T.; Loguidice, Bill|title=Wii Fitness For Dummies.|year=2010|publisher=Wiley Publishing, Inc.|location=[[Indianapolis, Indiana]]|isbn=978-0-470-52158-8|pages=236|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=SBRi4dp8J4sC&pg=PA236&lpg=PA236&dq=toe+socks&source=bl&ots=B-HG1812S2&sig=rjmRgJeWRgVG7gpwoQeEQCp_r3g&hl=en&sa=X&ei=aXMLUK3zHIK49QSu0P3CCg&ved=0CEQQ6AEwAjgK#v=onepage&q=toe%20socks&f=false}}</ref>
Variants have also evolved to include [[compression socks]] and other specialty performance models for [[professional sports]] as well as uses which require high durability. In sports, athletic versions of toe socks may be useful to [[triathlon|triathletes]] who suffer from frequent interdigital friction blisters.<ref name="Werd_Leslie">{{cite book|author1=Werd, Matthew B. |author2=Knight, E. Leslie. |title=Athletic Footwear and Orthoses in Sports Medicine.|year=2010|publisher=Springer|location=New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London|isbn=978-0-387-76415-3|pages=180|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W50VfqSXbW4C&q=athletic+toe+socks&pg=PA180}}</ref><ref name="Vonhof_John">{{cite book|last=Vonhof|first=John|title=Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes (5th Edition).|year=2011|publisher=Wilderness Press|location=[[Birmingham, Alabama]]|isbn=978-0-89997-638-9|pages=235|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7gpb8nlQjKkC&q=injinji+toe+socks&pg=PA235}}</ref> One version of sock referred to as "toe socks" is actually a reverse version – this is a covering for the foot and ankle with the toes cut out, leaving them bare. This provides a non-slip surface and provides for a more complete range of motion for form-fitting [[yoga]], [[Pilates]], or ''[[Wii Fit]]'' exercises.<ref name="Loguidice">{{cite book|author1=Loguidice, Christina T. |author2=Loguidice, Bill |title=Wii Fitness For Dummies.|year=2010|publisher=Wiley Publishing, Inc.|location=[[Indianapolis, Indiana]]|isbn=978-0-470-52158-8|pages=236|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SBRi4dp8J4sC&q=toe+socks&pg=PA236}}</ref>


== See also ==
==See also==
* [[Anklet (sock)|Anklet]]
⚫
{{commons category|Toe socks}}
* [[Dress socks]]
⚫
* [[Vibram FiveFingers]] – a five-toed, [[barefoot running|minimalist running]] shoe


⚫
==References==
⚫
*[[Vibram FiveFingers]] – a five-toed, [[barefoot running|minimalist running]] shoe

⚫
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
{{hosiery}}
⚫
* {{Commons category inline|Toe socks}}


{{Footwear}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Toe Socks}}
{{Hosiery}}
⚫
[[Category:Socks]]

[[Category:1970s fashion]]
[[Category:1980s fashion]]
[[Category:1980s fashion]]
[[Category:1990s fashion]]
[[Category:1990s fashion]]
[[Category:1970s fashion]]
[[Category:2000s fashion]]
⚫
[[Category:Socks]]
[[Category:Toes]]
[[Category:Toes]]

Latest revision as of 20:54, 11 November 2024

Striped 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

[edit]

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 novelty item worn by adolescents. During the 1970s, it was fashionable for girls to wear clogs or buffalo sandals with toe socks.[3] In colder weather, they may be worn with flip-flops.[4] During this time, such socks were typically knee high in length with bright stripes and glittery threads in their design. They also had a practical value in keeping the feet warm, including the spots between the toes.[5]

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]

  • 19th-century stockings with toes exposed at Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, near Rome, Italy.
    19th-century stockings with toes exposed at Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, near Rome, Italy.
  • Sandra Magnus in toe socks (STS-135).
    Sandra Magnus in toe socks (STS-135).

Variants

[edit]
Japanese tabi socks

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 Intellectual Property Office in the United Kingdom for a product called "toe socks"; however, their description differs: "A half sock which covers the toes to provide comfort under footwear. Preferably the socks are unseen when worn with mules or slingback shoes."[8]

Variants have also evolved to include compression socks and other specialty performance models for professional sports as well as uses which require high durability. In sports, athletic versions of toe socks may be useful to triathletes who suffer from frequent interdigital friction blisters.[9][10] One version of sock referred to as "toe socks" is actually a reverse version – this is a covering for the foot and ankle with the toes cut out, leaving them bare. This provides a non-slip surface and provides for a more complete range of motion for form-fitting yoga, Pilates, or Wii Fit exercises.[11]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "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.
  2. ^ Vaughan, Walter (1792). An Essay, Philosophical and Medical, concerning Modern Clothing. London: Gillman.
  3. ^ Mansour, David (2005). From Abba to Zoom: A Pop Culture Encyclopedia of the Late 20th Century. Kansas City, Missouri: Andrews McMeel Publishing. p. 59. ISBN 0-7407-5118-2.
  4. ^ Stoller, Debbie (2010). Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics. New York City: Workman Publishing Company, Inc. pp. 186. ISBN 978-0-7611-3597-5. toe socks+flip-flops.
  5. ^ Sagert, Kelly Boyer (2007). The 1970s. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 125. ISBN 978-0-313-33919-6.
  6. ^ "International Space Station Imagery". National Aeronautics and Space Administration. July 11, 2011. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  7. ^ Marshall, John (1988). Make Your Own Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear. Tokyo: Kodansha International, Ltd. pp. 108–114. ISBN 0-87011-865-X.
  8. ^ Woolley, Stephanie (May 10, 2006). "Toe socks - United Kingdom Patent GB2419802A". Intellectual Property Office (United Kingdom). Retrieved July 21, 2012.
  9. ^ Werd, Matthew B.; Knight, E. Leslie. (2010). Athletic Footwear and Orthoses in Sports Medicine. New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London: Springer. p. 180. ISBN 978-0-387-76415-3.
  10. ^ Vonhof, John (2011). Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes (5th Edition). Birmingham, Alabama: Wilderness Press. p. 235. ISBN 978-0-89997-638-9.
  11. ^ Loguidice, Christina T.; Loguidice, Bill (2010). Wii Fitness For Dummies. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wiley Publishing, Inc. p. 236. ISBN 978-0-470-52158-8.
[edit]
  • Media related to Toe socks at Wikimedia Commons
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