Polyamide in bamboo socks and what it does

Short answer: Polyamide takes the abrasion at heel and toe. Without it a bamboo sock would wear through in a few weeks.

Where the wear happens

Almost all wear in a sock happens in three places: under the heel, over the toe and where the shoe edge rubs. Manufacturers therefore put polyamide in exactly those places, while the rest can be soft bamboo fabric.

What the percentage tells you

If it says twenty five percent polyamide, that is not spread evenly. It is concentrated in the wear zones. That is why a sock with twenty percent polyamide can still feel soft across the whole foot. See bamboo socks for men.

The balance that works

Too little polyamide gives a soft sock that does not last. Too much gives a sock that feels synthetic and smells sooner. Most good bamboo socks sit between fifteen and thirty percent. See bamboo tennis socks for men.

The role of elastane

Elastane is the third fibre and holds the sock up. Two to five percent is enough. Without elastane the leg sags no matter how well the rest is knitted. See all bamboo socks for women.

Frequently asked questions

Is polyamide the same as nylon

Yes. Polyamide is the technical term for the fibre group nylon belongs to.

Can you buy socks without polyamide

Yes, but they wear through markedly faster at toe and heel.

Does a sock smell more with more polyamide

Yes, slightly. Synthetic fibres hold onto skin oils.