A LEADING sock and hosiery brand based in Bolton have developed specialised socks for those with diabetes.

Sockshop, which employs around 50 people in the borough, produce a range of socks under their brand IOMI Footnurse which are designed to cater for specific conditions.

Now they have launched a new type of socks endorsed by The College of Podiatry which help those with diabetes to manage their symptoms.

They are created from bamboo fibres and are designed to mould to legs without pinching and have smooth seams to prevent any sores that could lead to infection.

Diabetics have to pay particular care to their feet as extra sugar in the blood stream can cause nerve damage and lead to poor blood flow to the feet.

Shane Doughty, buying director, said: "We already have designed socks for various health conditions.

"Previously these have included heat retention socks for those with Raynaud's and extra-large socks for people with oedema.

"We realised that diabetes was one of the biggest problems for foot health and came up with a specialised sock to help those with the condition.

"Lots of people don't realise that you need to look after your feet, which is particularly important for those with diabetes.

"There can be serious consequences if their feet are not looked after.

"As they are made from bamboo they are extremely comfortable, and they can be worn by anyone."

During the pandemic Sockshop have seen a huge growth on the online side of their business.

Alok Ruia, director of Sockshop, said: "We've done really well over the past year under the circumstances.

"Fortunately we were in the positive as a multi-channel business where we had the online side to it which has been successful.

"It's been an incredible 12 months, I would say we've seen five years' worth of development online in the space of 12 months.

"With people staying at home more they want to invest in high-quality and comfortable socks.

"I think in the current climate too your foot health is also very important.

"We are still very much a family run business, and we ship all across the world from Bolton."