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 barefeet for yoga. Toe socks are designed and available for both men and women, although traditionally are targeted toward women.

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.

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. In colder weather, they may be worn with flip-flops. 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.

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.

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Wikipedia