Learn About Apolla

The Scientific Difference

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What makes Apolla Socks truly unique?

We call it the 'WOW MOMENT.' That moment you sigh, 'Ahhhhmazing!' when you slip on our socks and feel the glorious difference right away. You have never felt anything like it before!

A feeling of incredible relief for your aching feet & swollen ankles when the cause of pain is from inflammation.

We're also proud the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance recognizes Apolla for our innovative, earth-friendly designs that combine the benefits of a SHoe with the comfort of a sOCK (that is why you hear dancers call them SHOCKS).

Keep scrolling to see the technology that makes our socks the best in the world.

The Science Behind What Customers Call Magic Pain-Erasing Socks

We dedicate this page to those who enjoy geeking out with us a little & digging into the theory, science, and research-based design behind Apolla Socks. We dive into why they are the best compression socks on the market...and why they just, WORK!

Advanced Arch Support

What It Does:

  • Imagine that exhale you feel when you get a hug for your arches.
  • That's what Apolla's patented arch support socks feel like.
  • Apolla's patented arch support utilizes targeted compression zones (20-30 mmHg) to gently lift and stabilize your arches, similar to an orthotic, they are the perfect plantar fasciitis sock.
  • However, unlike rigid orthotics, Apolla Socks allow for full range of motion, promoting natural foot strength development.This patented targeted compression reduces strain on the plantar fascia, minimizing inflammation build-up during activity.

Why It Matters:

This unique approach provides a multitude of benefits:

  • Pain Relief and Injury Prevention: Apolla's arch support helps prevent and relieve common conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, Sever's Disease, and pain associated with hypermobility and other conditions (e.g., EDS, POTS) by reducing inflammation and promoting optimal foot mechanics.
  • Enhanced Recovery: The graduated compression in Apolla Socks helps to quickly move inflammation out of the feet and ankles, speeding up recovery and reducing swelling (Marti et al., 2016). This translates to less pain, more energy, and a faster return to activity.
  • Improved Stability and Performance: Research suggests that compression socks, like Apolla, can enhance postural stability and balance, providing a more secure and grounded feel (Derby et al., 2022).
  • Increased Strength and Power: Apolla's light compression gently stimulates nerves and muscles, encouraging them to work together more efficiently. This can lead to greater strength output and more dynamic movement, aligning with the principle of biotensegrity.

Biotensegrity suggests that a balance of tension and compression forces maintains the body's structure, distributing these forces throughout the interconnected network of muscles, fascia, and bones (Bordoni et al., 2018; Bordoni et al.,

This intricate web of interconnectedness means that forces applied to one area of the body can influence and transmit to other areas (Tadeo et al., 2014).

Apolla's light compression, by gently stimulating sensory receptors and influencing the tension within the fascial system, might contribute to improved neuromuscular coordination and, consequently, more efficient movement patterns and force production. (Chai Lian et al., 2020).

Apolla Socks don't just support your arches; they provide a holistic approach to foot health, combining comfort, performance enhancement, and injury prevention in one innovative sock.

References:
  • Bordoni, B., Marelli, F., Morabito, B., & Castagna, R. (2018). A new concept of biotensegrity incorporating liquid tissues: Blood and Lymph. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 23, 2515690X18792838. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X18792838
  • Bordoni, B., Varacallo, M. A., Morabito, B., & Simonelli, M. (2019). Biotensegrity or fascintegrity? Cureus, 11(6), e4819. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4819
  • Chai Lian, O., Kok Keong, C., Nishimura, T., & Jae-Yeol, K. (2020). Form-finding of spine inspired biotensegrity model. Applied Sciences, 10(18), 6344. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186344
  • Derby, H., Conner, N. O., Talukder, A., Griffith, A., Freeman, C., Burch, R., Simpson, J. D., Goble, D. J., Knight, A. C., & Chander, H. (2022). Impact of sub-clinical and clinical compression socks on postural stability tasks among individuals with ankle instability. Healthcare, 10(7), 1271. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071271
  • Marti, C., Knöchel, A., Wicker, P., & Felder, S. (2016). Wearing compression stockings during long-haul flights: a pilot study on the effects on leg symptoms and venous parameters. Phlebology, 31(3), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268355515580365
  • Swanson, R. (2013). Biotensegrity: A unifying theory of biological architecture with applications to osteopathic practice, education, and research—A review and analysis. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 113(1), 34–52. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2013.113.1.34
  • Tadeo, I., Berbegall, A. P., Escudero, L. M., Alvaro, T., & Noguera, R. (2014). Biotensegrity of the extracellular matrix: physiology, dynamic mechanical balance, and implications in oncology and mechanotherapy. Frontiers in Oncology, 4, 39. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2014.00039

Ankle Support + Alignment

What It Does:

  • Apolla Socks go beyond ordinary compression socks by providing targeted support that mimics the feel of an ankle brace or KT Tape, but without restricting your natural range of motion.
  • This is achieved through strategically placed compression zones that target the outer ankle with high compression zones of ~20-30 mmHg where the three ligaments insert that are most vulnerable to rolls and sprains. 
  • Giving a warm hug your to your ankle joint, promotes optimal alignment and stability, even during high-impact activities.

Why It Matters:

This brace-like support, combined with the benefits of graduated compression, offers a multitude of advantages:

  • Reduced Risk of Injuries: The enhanced stability provided by Apolla Socks can help reduce the risk of ankle sprains and strains, giving you greater confidence in every step (Chang et al., 2022).
  • Improved Proprioception: Research suggests that compression garments, like Apolla Socks, can enhance proprioception, your body's awareness of its position and movement. This means better balance, coordination, and control, which is essential for injury prevention and optimal performance (Derby et al., 2022; Hong et al., 2022; Woo et al., 2021).
  • Faster Recovery: The targeted compression in Apolla Socks helps reduce swelling and pain after injuries, accelerating the recovery process. This means you can get back to doing what you love sooner (Hong et al., 2022).

Apolla Socks don't just compress; they provide strategic support that aligns with the natural mechanics of your ankle, helping you move with confidence, stability, and reduced risk of injury.

References
  • Chang, L., Fu, S., Wu, S. S. X., Witchalls, J., Adams, R., Waddington, G., & Han, J. (2022). Effects of graduated compression socks on ankle inversion proprioception of half-marathon runners at different running distances. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 25(6), 529–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2022.02.006
  • Derby, H., Conner, N. O., Talukder, A., Griffith, A., Freeman, C., Burch, R., Simpson, J. D., Goble, D. J., Knight, A. C., & Chander, H. (2022). Impact of sub-clinical and clinical compression socks on postural stability tasks among individuals with ankle instability. Healthcare, 10(7), 1271. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10071271
  • Hong, W. H., Lo, S. F., Wu, H. C., & Chiu, M. C. (2022). Effects of compression garment on muscular efficacy, proprioception, and recovery after exercise-induced muscle fatigue onset for people who exercise regularly. PLOS One, 17(2), e0264569. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264569
  • Woo, M. T., Davids, K., Chow, J. Y., & Jaakkola, T. (2021). Acute effects of wearing compression knee-length socks on ankle joint position sense in community-dwelling older adults. PLOS One, 16(2), e0245979. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245979

Energy Absorption Padding

What It Does:

  • Apolla padded socks act like tiny shock absorbers for your feet. 
  • With every step, they soften the impact and lessen the stress on your joints.
  • Over time, this helps reduce wear and tear from your ankles to your spine.
  • This force reduction is clear during jumps. 
  • Apolla socks greatly lower peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) compared to jumping barefoot (Russell & Mueller, 2022).

Why It Matters:

  • This built-in padding helps protect your joints from wear and tear, so you can stay active longer and feel less pain.
  • It also makes your movements smoother and more energized with every step, every day.
  • This is supported by the kinetic link principle, which explains how movement in one body segment affects those above and below it (Ellenbecker & Aoki, 2020).
  • Research has shown that various types of compression garments can reduce force under the foot during activities like walking and running (Sun, Munro, & Zehr, 2021).
  • For example, calf compression socks were found to reduce plantar flexion angle, while ankle sleeves and ankle compression socks reduced force under the forefoot and heel during specific phases of gait.

By reducing impact at the foot and ankle, Apolla socks can contribute to better overall alignment and reduced stress throughout the kinetic chain.

References:
  • Ellenbecker, T. S., & Aoki, R. (2020). Step by Step Guide to Understanding the Kinetic Chain Concept in the Overhead Athlete. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 13(2), 155–163. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-020-09615-1
  • Russell, J. A., & Mueller, I. F. (2022). Force Attenuation Properties of Padded Dance Support Socks. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, 26(2), 106–113. https://doi.org/10.12678/1089-313X.061522c
  • Sun, Y., Munro, B., & Zehr, E. P. (2021). Compression socks enhance sensory feedback to improve standing balance reactions and reflex control of walking. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 13(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00284-2

Patented Compression

What It Does:

  • Apolla's patented targeted compression technology goes beyond simply squeezing your legs.
  • It employs strategically placed compression zones in the foot, ankle, and calf, acting like a dynamic pump to enhance blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and flush out metabolic byproducts like lactic acid (the culprit behind muscle soreness).
  • This targeted approach, as described in Apolla's patent (Jones & Ashby, 2021), focuses on key support areas often overlooked by traditional compression socks, providing enhanced benefits for both performance and recovery.

Why It Matters:

This one-of-a-kind compression technology offers a multitude of advantages, backed by both scientific research and the experience of countless Apolla users:

  • Reduced Swelling and Pain: The enhanced circulation from Apolla's targeted compression of 20-30 mmHg can help to reduce swelling and pain associated with various conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, edema, and prolonged standing (Marti et al., 2016; Miller et al., 2019).
  • Faster Muscle Recovery: By promoting blood flow and removing waste products, Apolla's compression of 20-30 mmHg can help muscles recover faster after exertion, reducing soreness and allowing you to get back to your activities sooner (Hong et al., 2022).
  • Enhanced Performance: The dynamic compression in Apolla Socks can help reduce muscle oscillation, improving stability and providing a more secure, responsive feel during activity. This can translate to greater power output and a reduced risk of injuries.
  • Improved Overall Leg Health: Apolla's compression supports healthy blood flow, reduces fatigue, and helps prevent common circulatory problems like DVT (Malagoni et al., 2019).

Apolla's patented compression technology is more than just a snug fit; it's an engineering design based on science and research to optimize circulation, reduce pain, and enhance performance.

It's like a recovery boost for your entire lower body, built right into your socks!

References
  • Hong, W. H., Lo, S. F., Wu, H. C., & Chiu, M. C. (2022). Effects of compression garment on muscular efficacy, proprioception, and recovery after exercise-induced muscle fatigue onset for people who exercise regularly. PLOS One, 17(2), e0264569. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264569
  • Jones, K., & Ashby, A. (2021). Wearable foot garment (US Patent No. 11,147,701). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Malagoni, A. M., Martin, R. E., & Lynn, M. (2019). The use of compression stockings in the prevention of venous thromboembolism. Annals of Vascular Surgery, 59, 228–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avsg.2018.10.037
  • Marti, C., Knöchel, A., Wicker, P., & Felder, S. (2016). Wearing compression stockings during long-haul flights: A pilot study on the effects on leg symptoms and venous parameters. Phlebology, 31(3), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268355515580365
  • Miller, J. D., Schütz, C., McMillan, K., & McMillan, S. (2019). The effects of compression stockings on lower leg muscle fatigue, edema, and discomfort in nurses working 12-hour shifts. Workplace Health & Safety, 67(10), 528–535. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165079919842244
American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance

Why were they given this distinction? We created an earth-friendly, premium sock, that gives you the benefit of a shoe combined with the comfort of a sock.

Clinical-Based Research Study

Force Attenuation Properties of Padded Dance Support Socks

Foot injuries occur frequently in dancers, and researchers have investigated different protective measures to reduce their incidence. Research has primarily focused on ballet, but foot injuries also are common in modern and contemporary dance where footwear is not worn. While padded dance socks are a potential solution, the extent to which they provide force reduction for the feet is unknown.

Purpose: This study investigates the extent to which padded dance support socks can reduce force on the foot during a dance sequence and when landing from a sauté jump.

Methods: Twenty-one injury-free dancers (2 M, 19 F; age: 21.5 ± 6.7 years; height: 165.5 ± 6.1 cm; mass: 68.6 ± 15.0 kg) volunteered for this randomized, cross-over design study. Participants per- formed a 40-second modern dance sequence and a sauté jump landing under two conditions: wearing Apolla Performance Shock™ dance socks (DS) and with bare feet (BF).

Read The Full Abstract

Most Common Ways People Benefit from Apolla’s Patented Compression Footwear

Dancing + Floor Exercise

Perfect for any genre of dance, in dance shoes, or replacing dance shoes. They are ideal for reducing overuse injury risk, and recovering from injury. Don't forget we have the option to make them grip socks too!

Standing & Sitting

Pavement-pounders, desk job desperados, and on-your-feet pros—modern life demands a lot from our bodies. Many people experience leg fatigue that comes from varicose veins, edema, or blood clots. We help your legs feel invigorated and give you more endurance for those long days!

Exercise

A dedication to exercising can put a lot of strain and stress on the body, but by simply switching your socks, you can help elevate your athletic performance, avoid injury, and reduce muscle soreness after your workout. They are made with a special high-quality yarn making them anti-stink and moisture wicking socks. So they dry quickly between use and don't get stinky as easily as regular socks.

Recovery

Post-workout, many athletes experience a temporary reduction in athletic performance, caused by muscle fatigue, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), shin splints, edema, and various minor injuries.

Sport or Athletics

Apolla Socks are for anyone with feet! Whether you're hitting the trails, lifting weights, or dominating the court, wearing compression socks provides the support, stability, and recovery boost you need to perform at your peak.

Post-Injury/Surgery

Apolla Socks' targeted compression helps to speed up recovery time after ankle injuries like sprains or surgery by reducing swelling and promoting blood flow.

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