ReviewBioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)2026
Biomechanical Effects of Socks on Plantar Loading and Foot Function: A Systematic Review.
Review in Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe biomechanical interaction within the foot-footwear system plays a critical role in load distribution, impact attenuation, and locomotor function. While footwear and orthoses have been widely studied, the role of socks as an interface component remains poorly understood.
objectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the evidence on the biomechanical effects of socks on human gait, including their influence on plantar pressure, impact attenuation, postural control, and functional performance.
methodsA systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261344641). PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2026. Experimental, observational, and clinical studies evaluating the effects of socks on foot or lower limb biomechanical variables were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using adapted Cochrane RoB domains.
resultsTwenty-five studies were included. Socks with cushioning or specific designs consistently reduced plantar pressure, particularly in the forefoot, with peak pressure reductions of up to 49% in high-risk populations. Socks also contributed to impact attenuation, reducing peak forces by 6-20%, although this was less than that of footwear. Effects on postural control were heterogeneous: compression socks improved balance and neuromuscular response, whereas thick socks impaired plantar sensitivity and stability. Regarding functional performance, high-friction socks improved performance in sports settings by reducing in-shoe foot displacement, although results were inconsistent. Overall risk of bias was high, mainly due to limitations in randomization.
conclusionsSocks are an active component of the foot-footwear system, capable of influencing key biomechanical parameters, such as plantar pressures. However, further high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.
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