Key Industry Developments

Key Industry Developments:

• In May 2024, Enovis Corporation, a medical technology company dedicated to innovation, announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility at its San Daniele site in Italy. This location was previously part of LimaCorporate S.p.A., which Enovis acquired in January 2024.

• In January 2024 Siren announced that a recent study evaluating the health outcomes of using Siren socks among high-risk patients with diabetes-related complications yielded positive results. The findings revealed a 68% reduction in the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers among participants in the program.

• In August 2023, Viasox, a leading name in the diabetic socks market, is excited to unveil a groundbreaking new initiative, the company will release 10 distinctive and colorful designs each month across all three of its product categories: non-binding socks, compression socks, and non-binding ankle socks.

Growth Factors

The Increasing Global Prevalence of Diabetes

The increasing global prevalence of diabetes is a significant driver for the growth of the diabetic socks market. As the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes continues to rise, so does the demand for effective foot care solutions to prevent complications such as ulcers, infections, and amputations. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 589 million adults aged 20–79 were living with diabetes in 2024, and this number is expected to surge to 853 million by 2050. Notably, over 81% of these individuals reside in low- and middle-income countries, where access to preventive care is limited, and the risk of foot-related complications is higher. Diabetic socks, designed to enhance circulation, reduce pressure, and keep feet dry, offer a practical, non-invasive solution for managing foot health. As awareness of diabetes-related foot care grows globally, the market for diabetic socks is likely to expand substantially, especially in regions experiencing the fastest rise in diabetes cases.

Restraining Factors

Limited Awareness among Diabetic Patients

Limited awareness among diabetic patients is a significant limitation to the development of the diabetic socks market. Diabetic patients in most emerging nations are unaware of the risks posed by poor foot hygiene, including infection, ulcers, and amputations. Thus, they might not be aware of the necessity of using specialized diabetic socks, which are worn to improve blood circulation, pressure relief, and prevention of water retention. The use of the same is also discouraged due to the lack of education among healthcare workers, particularly in rural or poor communities where constant access to medical advice is not feasible. Unless properly advised, patients will utilize regular socks that are inappropriate for their health requirements. Public health campaigns, community education, and physician-directed education programs play a vital role in promoting awareness and demand for diabetic socks among such groups.

By Product Type

Calf Length to Occupy Major Share of the Market during the Forecast Period

Calf-high diabetic socks are most in demand because they have the best balance of support, comfort, and therapeutic benefits. Those that come up to the lower leg have light compression to reduce swelling and enhance blood flow throughout the body—a key feature for diabetic patients who are prone to impaired vascular health. Their more extended reach reduces pressure and friction between the foot and ankle, which halts ulcers and skin breakdown. The calf-length design is equally versatile and, therefore, suitable for daily wear, office application, and even physical exercise. Such practicality, combined with the approval of medical professionals, is what fuels them to remain in demand with customers looking for functional diabetic foot care devices. Additionally, increased focus on preventive care and chronic disease treatment is fueling demand for such supportive stockings even more, further cementing the calf-length sock as the market leader in the overall diabetic socks market

By Material Use

Cotton to Occupy Major Share of the Market during the Forecast Period

Cotton blends presently dominate the market for diabetic socks due to the perfect blend of comfort, breathability, and affordability. Pure cotton absorbs moisture and is dangerous to diabetic patients, but when blended with man-made materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex, its wet-wicking ability, elasticity, and durability improve. These traits make cotton blends ideally conducive to individuals with sensitive skin or diabetic neuropathy. They also assist in preventing the risk of foot ulcers and fungal infections by keeping feet dry and comfortable. Cotton mix socks are also readily available and less expensive than high-quality materials such as Merino wool or bamboo, thus a convenient day-to-day choice. It is also ideal for mass production, thereby enhancing large-scale market accessibility. Therefore, health practitioners and consumers opt for cotton blend diabetic socks to wear on a daily basis, cementing their market dominance. Nevertheless, other fibers such as bamboo and acrylic are being increasingly opted for because of their superior quality and the benefits of their environmental profile.

By Geography

North America Region to Occupy Major Share of the Market during the Forecast Period

North America is currently leading the diabetic socks market, primarily due to its high and growing diabetic population, strong healthcare infrastructure, and heightened awareness of diabetic foot care. In the United States alone, approximately 38.4 million people, 11.6% of the population, have diabetes. Of these, 29.7 million have been diagnosed, while an estimated 8.7 million remain undiagnosed, highlighting the widespread prevalence of the condition. The region’s well-developed medical ecosystem supports early diagnosis, preventive care, and access to specialized products like diabetic socks, which are essential for managing foot health and avoiding serious complications such as ulcers and amputations. Additionally, consumer awareness about diabetic complications and the availability of advanced healthcare products contribute to market dominance. The presence of key manufacturers and continuous product innovation in the U.S. and Canada further accelerates growth. Insurance support and physician recommendations also play a vital role in driving diabetic sock adoption, solidifying North America’s leading position in the global market.

List of Top Players in Global Diabetic Socks Market

• Creswell Sock Mills

• Cold Shot Diabetic Socks

• 3M

• DJO

• PediFix, Inc.

• Cupron

• Drew Shoe

• Lingerie Group

• HangZhou Aidu Trading

• Intersocks S.R.L.

• Siren

• Thorlo