Intriguing findings from the University of Missouri-Columbia suggest that choosing the right socks may help keep feet healthy—research findings that may certainly benefit diabetics, as well as athletes.

Engineering students used a motorized device designed to calculate the point at which the test material slips against a platform. The team found that athletic socks made of synthetic materials produced less friction than the 100-percent-cotton varieties and were less likely to cause blisters. Socks made from special nylon filaments designed for quick-drying characteristics performed better than ordinary nylon.

The material—not the price—of the sock is key. In the study, some inexpensive socks performed as well as higher-priced hosiery.