Year: 2021

If you run regularly or have been to a podiatrist, sports doctor or physio you will have heard of the term pronation. Pronation is the way your foot tilts during running. There are different forms of pronation, namely overpronation and under pronation. If you do not wear the right running shoes and socks which match your pronation pattern, this will increase the risk of injury. Below, we will explain more about the different forms of pronation during running.

What is Pronation?

Pronation is the way your foot rolls inwards to absorb the impact of the landing. It describes the tilting motion of the foot just after it hits the ground. This moment is called the initial landing contact and is part of the stance phase of the gait cycle. It is a natural movement to absorb the shock of the foot landing. With “normal” pronation, the tilt is about 15 per cent. During running, pronation helps to cushion the shock of landing. In addition, pronation supports the offloading of the ball of the foot. Pronation also helps the foot “recognize” what surface you are running on by stabilizing the foot and adapting it to the terrain.

The ability of the foot to properly deflect upon landing depends on the strength and height of your foot arch. Some runners have too little pronation, which is referred to as under-pronation or supination. Other runners have too much pronation, which is referred to as over-pronation.

Neutral Runner

If you are a neutral pronator, your shoes wear in an S-shaped pattern, from the outside (lateral) of the heel to the big toe. People with a normal pronation pattern have a wide range of shoes to choose from, but special neutral running shoes, which offer cushioning and support, are most suitable.

What is Underpronation?

Underpronation (also called supination) is when the foot does not pronate much. The outside of the heel strikes the ground at a greater angle and there is little or no normal pronation, so most of the shock is transmitted to the lower leg. In the push-off phase, most of the work is done by the smaller toes on the outside of the foot. The extra load on the foot can lead to iliotibial band syndrome (on the outside of the knee), as well as complaints to the Achilles tendon or the tendon plate under the foot.

Runners with under-pronation usually have extra wear on the outside of their shoes and the entire upper may be pushed outwards. Runners with under-pronation should therefore choose neutral running shoes with a lot of cushioning. The extra cushioning will reduce the impact of the landing on the legs during running.

What to Do Against Underpronation?

To prevent supination, you can do extra stretching and strength exercises for your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps and the muscles on the side of your thigh. You can also prevent injuries by wearing running shoes which are suitable for under-pronation. Besides choosing the right type of running shoes, wearing the right socks is just as important. With the Enforma pronation control socks, you get optimal support for the rolling off of the foot during walking and running. The V-shaped technology on both sides of the foot ensures full control.

What is Overpronation?

One speaks of overpronation when the foot tilts or twists excessively at times when it should not, for example at the end of the stance phase of the gait. The outside of the heel initially makes contact with the ground, but the foot sinks in during the landing. This means that the foot and ankle have difficulty keeping the body stable. In addition, shocks are absorbed less efficiently. With overpronation, the push-off is mainly done with the big and second toe. This is the opposite of under pronation. These two toes are therefore put under extra strain.

Therefore, the shoes of an overpronator, as opposed to an under pronator, will show wear on the inside of the heel and under the ball of the foot, especially the big toe. Overpronators need shoes with structured cushioning and stability.

What to do about Overpronation?

Over-pronation causes extra tension in certain muscles of the lower leg in particular. You can prevent this with stretching exercises. The excessive movement of the ankle during the landing can cause a number of complaints, including the formation of calluses, inflammation of the Achilles tendon or tendon plate under the foot or a runner’s knee. Enforma’s pronation control socks also offer a solution for overpronation. These special socks prevent overpronation by lifting the arch of the foot thanks to the V-shaped technology on both sides of the foot. By lifting the arch of the foot to prevent overpronation, the heel stabilizes in a neutral position, reducing the risk of injury.

Pronation Control Socks from Enforma Socks to Prevent Over- and Under-Pronation

The Enforma Socks specially developed for pronation have Kinesiology. This technology provides optimal support for the rolling off of the foot during walking and running. Thanks to the V-shaped technology on both sides of the feet, over- and under-pronation is prevented when lifting the arch of the foot. By lifting the arch of the foot to prevent over- and under-pronation, the heel stabilizes in a neutral position, reducing the risk of injury.

Want to know more about the pronation control socks from Enforma Socks? Please feel free to contact us for appropriate advice.

To prevent tired legs, arthritis, sore feet and blisters while hiking, wearing good compression socks is essential. With the right compression socks, walkers can walk more comfortably and for longer periods of time, or even start walking again. Read more about the effect of compression socks on your hiking enjoyment below.
Difference between compression socks and regular socks

The main difference between compression socks and regular cotton socks is that compression socks are able to wick away perspiration. The reason is that compression socks are not made of cotton, but of other fabrics such as polyester, polyamide and elastane. These fabrics keep your feet dry longer, which prevents skin irritations and blisters. Cotton is comfortable and cheap, but dries slowly, shrinks and wears quickly and does not retain its shape. Furthermore, compression socks have a defined pressure profile.
Compression socks

Compression socks are an aid based on the compression stocking. Compression socks stimulate blood circulation which reduces or even eliminates complaints such as swollen legs, tired legs, swollen feet and heat rashes. Many walkers suffer from heat rashes: red spots on the calves and shins. Heat rash is caused by the inability to drain fluids and waste products properly. When the temperature is high, the blood vessels dilate even more, which makes it more difficult to drain. Compression socks stimulate the blood flow to prevent heat rash.
How compression socks work

Compression socks provide a compression that slowly decreases in the direction of the heart. This improves blood circulation so that muscles can efficiently take up oxygen and therefore recover faster. As a result of the improved blood circulation, the muscles warm up and injuries are prevented. In addition, the relieving compression ensures that unpleasant muscle vibrations are prevented during walking, preventing premature fatigue. The elimination of waste products is also improved as a result of the compression socks, which helps to prevent acidified muscles.
Enforma compression socks are extremely light and have a temperature and moisture regulating effect.

Benefits of compression socks

There are many more benefits to wearing compression socks when hiking.

Blister-free

The pleat-free fit with compression and moisture-wicking material wraps around your foot like a second skin. This ensures that the socks do not slip and blisters are prevented.

Better step retention

The perfect fit with compression ensures that the socks are continuously wrinkle-free and stay in place. This ensures more feeling in your shoes.

Fresh legs

Already while walking, the precisely defined pressure profile stimulates blood circulation. This provides your legs with important nutrients so that your legs are always fresh.

Stable joints

The pressure profile on the compression sock stimulates your muscles and joints in a profound way. This prepares them optimally for any hiking terrain and makes your running even more stable.

Compression socks for young and old

Compression socks are not only suitable for older hikers, but also for younger people who can benefit from wearing compression socks. People of all ages can benefit from wearing compression socks, for example after an injury, when recovering from surgery or if you easily suffer from tired legs.

Compression socks from Enforma

At Enforma Socks you will find a wide range of compression socks. These are characterised not only by their excellent performance, but also by the wide choice of colours. The compression socks give the right support and ensure a better drainage of waste products. This ensures that the blood flows more quickly during walking, which ultimately results in better recovery after a walk or run. Our compression socks are also ideal to wear during other intensive sports such as tennis, skiing and cycling.

More information about our compression socks for hiking? Please feel free to contact us or browse our assortment of compression socks.

Quick solution with compression socks

Do you suffer from restless legs, whereby you feel an uncontrollable restlessness in your legs? This is of course an annoying condition, which can be made more pleasant with good compression socks from Enforma Socks. Read more about what restless legs are and what you can do about them below.

What are restless legs?

Restless legs, or Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), is a chronic condition in which you suffer from an indeterminate and irritating feeling in the lower legs. The sensation often forces you to move, so you feel relief. The irritation can be so great that it interferes with your daily activities, such as sleeping, working and social life. The condition seems to be more common in the elderly and in pregnant women.

The symptoms of restless legs

The symptoms of restless legs are annoying, but the condition is basically harmless. The symptoms:

– A restless feeling in the legs that is reduced with movement.
– An unpleasant tingling, nagging, burning, itching or nervous, but not painful, sensation.
– The feeling occurs when you are relaxed.
– The unpleasant feeling in the lower legs is felt especially in the evening and at night. In your sleep, your legs sometimes even jerk.
– You sleep less well because of the restless legs and you can be tired or sleepy during the day.
– When you sit for a long time, you get restless legs.

How do restless legs develop?

Exactly where restless legs come from remains unclear. Restless legs are generally more common in the elderly and in pregnant women. The condition can therefore often be linked to pregnancy, certain medicines and a reduced functioning of the kidneys. The symptoms can be worsened mainly by smoking, excessive coffee and alcohol consumption, obesity and lack of exercise.

What can be done about restless legs?
There are several causes of restless legs. To combat or reduce the condition, you can make changes to your lifestyle. You can also reduce restless legs with the right compression socks.

Less coffee and alcohol

Much coffee and alcohol consumption can cause restless legs. Therefore, it is advisable to consume less alcohol and coffee, especially in the evening. Try not to drink more than two glasses of alcohol a day.

More exercise

Try to move more throughout the day, as movement can reduce restless legs by stimulating the blood circulation. Sitting down too much and standing up for too long in a row will reduce circulation. It is recommended to exercise during the day instead of in the evening.

Compression socks

Poor circulation is a major cause of restless legs. This can be caused by little exercise or excessive alcohol consumption. To prevent this, wearing compression socks is a good option. These socks stimulate the blood circulation, thus reducing the symptoms of RLS. Our compression socks are ideal for restless legs!

The right diet

Your diet can also contribute to restless legs. Adjust your diet by taking extra vitamin C, E and zinc. Magnesium should also help with the symptoms of restless legs, as magnesium stimulates the muscles and nervous system. Beans, nuts, spinach and pulses contain a lot of magnesium. You can also choose to take magnesium supplements.

Massages and special treatments

An unproven but plausible remedy is manual therapy or podiatry. Massages and yoga would also help reduce RLS symptoms, as they are supposed to improve blood circulation,

Compression socks for restless legs

When you suffer from restless legs, you may have an uncomfortable feeling in your lower legs. Compression socks can soothe this restless feeling. Especially when you wear compression socks all day, you may experience less restless legs in the evening. The compression stimulates your blood circulation and activates the calf muscle, even when you are sitting or standing.

Compression socks from Enforma Socks against restless legs

At Enforma Socks we manufacture special compression socks that reduce restless legs, for example the ENFORMA Recovery socks. The socks stimulate blood circulation throughout the day, reducing the symptoms of restless legs. We understand that this condition is very annoying. Fortunately, there are several solutions to the symptoms of restless legs, such as compression socks.

Our compression socks against restless legs are unisex and therefore do not distinguish between men’s socks and women’s socks. The socks from Enforma Socks are able to cope with the difference between men’s and women’s feet. Therefore we use smaller sizing arcs. These arches indicate the sizes for which the socks are suitable. More information about our compression socks against restless legs? Please feel free to contact us for appropriate advice or browse our range of compression socks.

Discover our socks for optimal warmth and comfort at home

Do you like to come home and give your feet a well-deserved rest and support after a busy day? Enforma Socks compression socks are multi-functional and don’t just need to be worn when you’re out training, walking or cycling. Our socks can also be used at home as home socks. Especially in the winter months you want to keep your feet warm. In our range of socks, you will find a variety of comfortable and soft ‘home socks’ in different sizes and styles, for every moment of the day. Read more about our socks for the home below.

Enforma socks at home

The right sports socks are an important part of your sports outfit. Therefore, we offer a wide range of socks: running socks, hiking socks, cycling socks, ski socks, field and ball sports socks, tape socks, compression socks and merino socks. These sports socks ensure hygiene in the shoe by keeping your foot at the right temperature and regulating the removal of sweat. Our socks are not only ideal to wear during sports, they also lend themselves well as home socks. So are you looking for the ideal socks to wear at home? All of our socks offer extra support and are nice and soft. Thick socks keep your feet warm and have an anti-slip layer, perfect for at home!

Indoor socks

Whether you have underfloor heating or not, especially in the autumn and winter months, a pair of warm home socks is a necessity. Even in the spring months when it is not yet so warm, our socks are ideal. And you don’t have to compromise on style when it comes to our socks. There is always a colour that matches your outfit or style. Besides that, our socks with Merino wool are extra warm and perfect for those who get cold feet easily and suffer from chilblains.

The care of our socks

Enforma socks are designed to ensure excellent quality and durability. Also when you want to use our socks as home socks, good care is of great importance in order to maintain the quality of the socks. If you want to keep your socks in good condition, we recommend that you wash the socks inside out so that they do not lose colour and look like new. Wash them at a maximum temperature of 30º with a non-aggressive liquid detergent. Avoid at all costs using the dryer and ironing, as the high temperatures affect the elasticity of the fabrics.

Discover Enforma’s indoor sports socks

Footcare and comfort for your feet starts with fine (house) socks. Whether you need warm winter socks, sports socks or ski socks, at Enforma Socks you will easily find everything you need when it comes to comfortable socks. Check out our range of sports socks that can be used as home socks. Place your order and we will deliver your socks as soon as possible! Throughout the order and delivery process, we will send you updates on your order and delivery.

If you need any help choosing the right pair of socks to use as your home socks, please contact us. We can give you the best advice for your sock choice.

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in our body. It transfers forces from the calf muscles to the heel bone. This ensures a powerful push off of your foot when running, walking or skiing. If overloaded, an Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendon injury can occur and even rupture your Achilles tendon. Do you suffer from this or do you want to prevent it? Then read more about Achilles tendonitis and what you can do about it with for example the tape socks from Enforma Socks.

When is it inflammation of the Achilles tendon?

Normally, the fibres of the Achilles tendon are in the direction of the pulling forces. In the event of overburdening due to sports or if the sports load is built up too quickly, a reaction can occur in the Achilles tendon. You can then suffer from pain in the Achilles tendon, which is aggravated by (sports) strain. This is referred to as ‘Achilles tendinopathy’. There is then a considerable increase in fluid and cells in the Achilles tendon.

In addition, the ‘normal’ arrangement of the tendon fibres can change. This often results in a painful Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendon injury. If this is short-lived, it can recover relatively well and quickly.

How do you recognise an Achilles tendon inflammation or injury?

An Achilles tendon injury can be recognised by pain in the Achilles tendon that occurs during (sports) exertion. The term often used is ‘Achilles tendinopathy’. With an Achilles tendon inflammation or injury, there is often a reduced structure of the tendon fibres. An Achilles tendon injury can occur at the attachment on the heel and in the middle part of the Achilles tendon.

Symptoms of Achilles tendon injury

– Progressive pain
– Local swelling and pain in the Achilles tendon
– The pain is caused by (sports) strain
– The injury or inflammation makes it impossible to play sport properly or at all
– Sometimes there is ‘morning stiffness’.

Achilles tendonitis recovery with Enforma Socks

Enforma Socks have introduced a range of tape socks to the market which are designed to provide additional support for an Achilles tendon injury or Achilles tendonitis using the kinesio tape formula. Our tape socks offer medium compression with extra support and comfort. The tape in the socks is made of tightly woven elastic cotton. The quality of the cotton is crucial for the wearing comfort and how well it resists deformation. The adhesive layer of the tape is made of polyacrylate. This adhesive layer is very durable and waterproof. As a result, the tape remains in place better and longer when moving. The Achilles tendon thus receives extra support in the places where it is needed. The tape socks for Achilles tendonitis can positively influence the recovery process.

An Achilles tendon injury or inflammation often lasts a long time because the tendon is poorly supplied with blood. Massaging the Achilles tendon alone often does not work. Compression is needed exactly where the injury or inflammation of the Achilles tendon is located. This is possible with our socks!

What does kinesio tape mean?

Kinesio tape is frequently used in medical taping to support the muscles and your Achilles tendon without restricting movement. The idea behind this is that socks with kinesiotape support the blood circulation, as well as the body temperature. Kinesiotape stimulates the body’s ability to repair itself.

Advantages of kinesio tape socks for Achilles tendonitis

– Excellent anatomical fit
– Breathable and antibacterial material
– Compression for improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
– Maintains freedom of movement
– Less Achilles tendon discomfort
– Improved recovery from an Achilles tendon inflammation or injury
– Immediate reduction of pain

Range of socks against Achilles tendonitis

We have various tape socks with the revolutionary technology of kinesio tape in a sock. This technology provides extra support, protection and assistance to the Achilles tendon. Our socks are ideal for training sessions where the calf muscles and Achilles tendon are subjected to high intensity loads for a long period. By reducing tension and strengthening the function of the tendon, the risk of Achilles tendonitis or an Achilles tendon injury is reduced.

Our tape socks contain medium compression, anatomical fit and breathability. Ideal for strengthening, protecting and repairing your Achilles tendon in case of Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendon injury! The tape is skin-friendly and is also permeable to air and moisture. Curious about our socks that you can wear to protect your Achilles tendon? Check out our tape socks here. More information about these socks? Then please contact us.

Prevent swollen feet with travel compression socks

Many air travellers suffer from swollen feet and/or thick ankles. Your shoes may pinch during a long journey, making your legs restless. When you sit still for a long time, the blood and fluids in your body sink into your legs and ankles. At worst this can cause blood clots, but often it just causes discomfort. Your blood does not flow enough and can clot. When a blood clot obstructs the vein, this is called traveller’s thrombosis. The low pressure in an aeroplane can also prevent the flow of blood in your body. Below, we explain the cause of swollen feet and ankles during your flight and give you tips, such as aeroplane socks and more!

Swollen ankles and/or feet during air travel

Swollen feet and ankles have a simple cause: too little exercise and no airline socks. This is not surprising since you sit in the same position for a long time during a long flight. This has an effect on your blood circulation.

The veins play an important role in the circulatory system. Veins ensure that blood from all parts of the body is returned to the heart. To pump the blood from our legs back up, we usually contract our calf muscles. The calves then make a pumping movement to push the blood upwards. When you sit still for a long time, your blood circulation does not get the support of your body and your heart has to work hard to pump the blood back up. This is why you may experience swollen ankles and feet when flying.

Problems during your flight

Problems can arise when you do not use your calf muscles or use them infrequently and you do not wear aeroplane socks. This happens when you sit or stand for a long time. Due to lack of movement, the blood is not pushed back sufficiently and remains in the lower part of your legs and feet. Hence the swollen ankles and feet.

People at risk

Who suffers more from swollen and thick feet? Overweight people are more likely to have swollen feet and ankles, as the upward thrusting blood has to overcome more gravity. People with a tendency to varicose veins are also at greater risk of swollen feet. If your blood circulation is naturally poor, you are more likely to get swollen feet. People who often travel on long distances are more likely to suffer from swollen feet and ankles.

Aeroplane socks

The right aeroplane socks improve blood circulation in the legs by supporting the veins. Not only people who suffer from heavy or swollen feet in everyday life will benefit from special aeroplane socks with compression. Anyone who has to stand or sit still for a long time can benefit from it. On Enforma Socks you will find several airplane and travel socks with compression. This way, a flight becomes a lot more pleasant!

How to prevent swollen ankles during your flight?

Wear comfortable clothing

When you are going to make a long flight, it is recommended to avoid tight clothes and to wear comfortable clothing. This way your veins won’t be pinched off and your skin will get enough oxygen. Leave your jeans at home and go for loose-fitting jogging trousers with a pair of trainers and aeroplane socks with compression.

Take a walk before you fly

Basically, no matter how long you fly, a good walk before your flight is definitely recommended! This will get your blood flowing properly. By going for a walk, you ensure that your feet and ankles don’t swell up until later.

Do not sit with crossed legs

Crossing your legs can cause some discomfort during a flight. Crossing your legs over each other pinches your veins, which is bad for blood circulation. It also increases the risk of varicose veins.

Get special airline socks

Just like during and after a run or a hike, you can also improve your blood circulation in the plane by wearing aeroplane socks with compression. Enforma Socks has special compression socks that are useful for people who travel a lot by plane, train or car. The socks are mainly made of merino wool and regulate the temperature in your legs. With our aeroplane socks you will reduce the fatigue and pain in your legs.

After the flight

After a long flight, it is advisable to go for a walk and leave your airline socks on for a while. It is also a good idea to limit your salt intake in the days after your flight. This is because salt retains moisture.

Offer of aeroplane socks

In our offer you will find different types of aeroplane socks: from socks with a lot of compression to socks with light compression. But also for extra ankle stabilisation and circulation promotion, our aeroplane socks offer a solution. Not sure what kind of aeroplane socks to choose? Then you can always contact us. We can give you advice about the different types of aeroplane socks.

Socks against sweaty feet? All about anti-sweat socks!

Sweaty feet can be very annoying, especially when you are just starting to exercise. But sweating is essential: we sweat to get rid of our excess body heat. Still, it’s not pleasant and you might not be able to get the most out of your training session. But help is at hand with socks against sweaty feet. Enforma Socks has an extensive range of anti-sweat socks. There is a perfect pair for everyone!

The consequences of sweaty feet

Sweaty feet smell unpleasantly and make the feet moist. The skin becomes softer and in some cases even soft. This can lead to the development of fungus between the toes. There is also a higher risk of blisters. If you regularly suffer from sweaty feet due to wearing the wrong socks, the life span of your shoes is reduced. By wearing good moisture absorbing anti-sweat socks, you increase the life span of your shoes.

What to do about sweaty feet?

A good remedy for sweaty feet usually starts with the shoes and socks. Because shoes are often not cleaned properly and not ventilated enough, they are full of bacteria that start to sweat when exposed to heat and moisture. As a result, bacteria can give off a sweaty odour. Therefore, socks against sweaty feet are highly recommended!

Socks against sweaty feet

Socks can be a good remedy against sweaty feet. But they should be socks of good material, which ventilates the socks and wicks away moisture. Bacteria love heat and moisture and can multiply very quickly. Choose socks made from materials that keep your feet dry. For example, avoid cotton for socks that prevent sweaty feet. This material ventilates well, but cotton stays moist longer and therefore also your feet. Wool, on the other hand, can absorb a lot of moisture without your feet getting damp.

Anti-sweat socks: the materials

There are a number of materials that work very well against sweaty feet. For example, silver socks, bamboo socks, Coolmax socks or merino wool socks. Bamboo textile, silver yarn and Coolmax have an antibacterial effect.

Merino wool socks against sweaty feet

Socks made of wool or merino wool are a good choice as socks against sweaty feet! Especially when it gets colder outside and you want to keep your feet warm and dry. Therefore, wool socks are an especially good choice against sweaty feet in the winter.
Merino wool is extremely soft and itch-free. The wool is very strong and durable. Merino wool has a much finer fibre than ‘normal’ wool and therefore itches less than normal. Some merino wool socks have an anti-slip layer. Handy and safe for in the house or on slippery floors.

Sweaty feet socks with special specs

We at Enforma Socks have several special specs that make sure you will find the best socks against sweaty feet! It may seem a bit complicated, but if you read something about moisture wicking, moisture absorbing, anti-bacterial or quick drying properties, you are on the right track! All those socks are resistant to sweaty feet.

Why choose Enforma Socks against sweaty feet?

When you choose Enforma Socks for socks against sweaty feet, you get many advantages:
– Excellent quality
– Cooling effect
– Absorb a lot of moisture
– Dries quickly
– Antibacterial
– Breathable properties
– Choice of models

Socks against sweaty feet from Enforma Socks

In our catalogue you will find different kinds of anti-sweat socks: from anti-bacterial socks to moisture wicking socks. Not sure which anti-sweat socks to choose? Please contact us. We can give you advice on the different kinds of anti-sweat socks. We will help you get rid of your sweaty feet fast!