New Socks Designed To Keep Toes Toasty

The socks could be the first in a range of “interactive clothes”, which react to the weather, becoming waterproof when it rains or thicker when it is cold.

Canesis Network hopes to launch the socks in the UK early next year and in New Zealand soon after.

The woollen socks are heated by conductive fibres connected to a seven-volt rechargeable battery, which attaches to a stud-like fitting on the garment.

The Lincoln-based company hopes the “smart textile” socks will be a hit with trampers, mountaineers, skiers and even those on the terraces watching rugby matches.

The company’s new ventures general manager Hugh Ross said the technology could be developed for garments worn by the elderly and disabled, or others with circulatory problems.

“The batteries clip on to the top of the sock and operate for quite a few hours – although in most cases people would allow the garments to heat up and then switch it on and off as they need it,” said Ross.

It is likely the socks will be sold in packs of three with two batteries and a recharger. A price has not been set, but it will be similar to that charged for ordinary sports socks.

The idea stemmed from similar technology devised by the company to heat blankets and bedding. Canesis has spent nine months developing the socks at its UK base.

“We really believe that in the years to come garments and textiles will be interactive,” said Ross.

“They will sense if it is raining and make themselves waterproof or sense if it gets colder and thicken up for you.

“We are going to see a revolution in our clothing in the future, it will be reactive to the conditions and think for itself.”