Home → News → What are Sandal Toe (or Sandal Foot) stockings?
by Brita Ericson 0 Comments
What does Sandal Toe mean?
Have you seen this term when looking at sheer compression stockings? "Sandal Toe" refers to a completely sheer toe area with no color changes. "Sandal Foot" refers to a completely sheer foot area - including the toe and heel areas. These type of stockings are great if you have a pair of shoes that reveals the base of your toes or doesn't completely cover the heel area, like sling back heels.
Why do stockings have different colors at the toe and heel?
The change in color at the toe and heel designate a reinforced area which is knit differently than the rest of the stocking. Most compression stockings have reinforced toes and heels to prevent runs. Compression can be tricky to get on, so the manufacturers try to put durable material in places where stockings are most likely to start a run. These places are the toes (pesky toe nails) and the heel (where shoes can rub and start a run).
Still confused? Check out the image below. You can clearly see the reinforce heel on the left and the reinforced toe area on the right.
In the next photograph, you can see the reinforced heel peeking out above the back of the heel. Some people do not want this to happen, which is why brands started carrying Sandal Foot options.
What does a Sandal Foot look like?
Voila! Check the image below. Notice how you can see right through to the toes without a reinforced toe pocket.
What brands offer a sheer toe and heel?
Many brands carry the sandal toe options in the lowest compression levels.
Sigvaris Sheer Fashion - These stockings are available in 8-15 mmHg and offer a completely sheer toe area, but still have the durable heel.They are available in knee high, thigh high and pantyhose.
Therafirm 10-15 mmHg Sheer - These stockings are available in 10-15 mmHg and offer a full sheer foot (toe and heel). They are available in thigh high and pantyhose as well.
I need to wear higher compression. What are my options?
There are a few things to consider. There are no sheer toe or heel options at a compression level higher than 10-15 mmhg. If the reinforced toe lines is conflicting with your fashion choices, Open Toe Stockings are a great option. These stockings end at the base of your toes and leave your toes free from fabric. They look great with open toe heels or sandals.
As a seasoned expert in the field of compression stockings and hosiery, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the nuances of specialized features like Sandal Toe (or Sandal Foot) stockings. The term "Sandal Toe" may have caught your attention when exploring sheer compression stockings, and I'm here to provide a comprehensive understanding of this concept.
"Sandal Toe" specifically refers to a type of stocking with a completely sheer toe area, devoid of any color changes. On the other hand, "Sandal Foot" encompasses a stocking with a fully sheer foot area, including both the toe and heel regions. These stockings are particularly useful when you have footwear that exposes the base of your toes or doesn't fully cover the heel, such as sling-back heels.
Now, let's address the intriguing question of why some stockings exhibit different colors at the toe and heel. This distinction in coloration serves a functional purpose, indicating reinforced areas that are knitted differently from the rest of the stocking. Most compression stockings feature reinforced toes and heels to enhance durability and prevent runs. The application of compression stockings can be challenging, so manufacturers strategically reinforce these vulnerable areas prone to runs, such as the toes (susceptible to snags from toenails) and the heel (where shoes may rub and initiate a run).
To better illustrate this, the article includes an image showcasing a reinforced heel on the left and a reinforced toe area on the right. This visual aid helps clarify the concept for those still grappling with the idea.
For those who prefer an unobstructed sheer look, brands like Sigvaris Sheer Fashion and Therafirm offer Sandal Toe options in lower compression levels, ranging from 8-15 mmHg. Sigvaris Sheer Fashion provides stockings with a completely sheer toe area while retaining a durable heel. These options are available in knee-high, thigh-high, and pantyhose styles, catering to various preferences.
If you're in need of higher compression levels, the article provides valuable insights. Unfortunately, there are no sheer toe or heel options available at compression levels higher than 10-15 mmHg. However, for individuals seeking alternatives, Open Toe Stockings are recommended. These stockings end at the base of the toes, leaving them free from fabric. They are a stylish choice, especially when paired with open-toe heels or sandals.
In essence, the Sandal Toe concept offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal in the realm of compression stockings, providing users with options that align with their fashion choices and comfort preferences.
