Ever heard of the Strassburg Sock? I didn’t know about it until my Plantar Fasciitis came back after almost one year of me being pain free. Just as with my first attack of heel pain, the first steps I took in the morning were as excruciating as I have ever felt – pains shooting up my left foot that forced me to hesitate taking another step.
Having read so much about how night splints can help relief pains when you take those first steps in the morning, I was tempted to try one. But I was still not sure because of the bulky designs, and how users have complained that it can be very uncomfortable to sleep wearing night splints.
Researching for better designs of traditional night splints led me to the Strassburg Sock. It worked exactly as described the first night I wore the sock. My first steps in the morning were pain free, and I did not have to do my usual heel stretching exercise before stepping out of bed.
The Strassburg Sock works with the same principle as night splints for Plantar Fasciitis. If worn as described, it holds your ankle and forefoot joints in a position that does not allow your plantar fascia muscle to contract, and go into plantarflexion position while you sleep. This contraction is what causes the sharp pains when you take your first steps in the morning. The Strassburg Sock keeps your forefoot slightly raised, in a dorsiflexion position.
I find the socks comfortable to wear. After adjusting the Velcro straps a couple of times, it was easy to know the right level of tightness that suits me. The sock compliments my running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
Key features of the Strassburg Sock
- It is very easy to use, just like wearing any high heel sock
- Strassburg Sock does not lock your ankle joint into any one position as you will find with traditional night splints for Plantar Fasciitis. This allows movements between joints, preventing compression pain.
- It is safe to wear for several hours, and so far the Strassburg Sock has not interrupted my sleep as many users have observed with the rigid design of night splints.
- It can be safely worn for several hours without adverse effect.
- The Strassburg Sock can reduce/eliminate the pain experienced with the first morning steps – if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis
- When used over a period of time, it strengthens your arch, and supplements any traditional treatment you are using to treat Plantar Fasciitis
- It is available in 3 sizes (Regular, Large, and Pediatric ) to suit most people
Strassburg Sock Size Options
The sock size is based on the measurement of your calf. If you don’t know the size of your calf, I would recommend you measure it with a tape before deciding if you should buy the regular or large Strassburg Sock.
- Regular Size – Fits calf up to 16 inches
- Large Size – Fits calf 16 to 21 Inches
- Pediatric Size – Fits Children
Below are the 3 sizes Strassburg Socks with their recommended calf measurements. They are available in white or black colors.
Strassburg Sock Large Size – Fits calf size 16-21″
STRASSBURG Sock Large Black One SizeStrassburg Regular Size Sock 16-Inch Around Calf
How Much Should You Pay for a Strassburg Sock?
The list price for the sock is $45. You can however, buy it cheaper if you shop online. Amazon was selling it at a discounted price of $39.5 at the time I was writing this article. Prices on Amazon do change without notice, and you may even get a better deal if you check today’s price.
Strassburg Sock Compared to Traditional Night Splint
This side by side picture comparison of the Strassburg Sock with a traditional night splint I hope will give you an idea why I prefer the sock. I just can’t imagine having a good night’s sleep wearing the rigid material used in most night splints. The one in the picture by the way is one of the best selling traditional night splints
Strassburg Sock – Regular (Size up to 16″), Large Size (16-21 in calf) 
Medium PLANTAR FASCITIS Night SPLINT (Colors may vary)
Any Complaints about the Strassburg Sock?
The Strassburg Sock worked for me, and I like it over the traditional night splints. But that does not mean that it will work for everyone. Some people have commented that it did not work for them.
The common complaint is that the sock is too tight around the forefoot, and calf areas. These are the two areas where you feel the Velcro adjustment, so my take is that they may not have worn the sock correctly. It took me a few adjustments to get the right level of tightness that is comfortable for my calf’s size.
I have posted a video below on how to wear the Strassburg Sock, and this may help those finding it difficult to use the sock.
Taking Care of Your Strassburg Sock
The manufacturer recommendation is to hand wash the sock in warm water with mild soap, then rinse it thoroughly before air drying the Strassburg sock.
I would not recommend washing it in a washer and tumble drying in machines without special care features like hand wash. Doing otherwise, may damage the fabric or the Velro ruin your clothes if washed with other items.
I use the special care feature in my washer to take of my Strassburg sock, and have not noticed any damage to the fabric.
Will this sock be alright if l have Postier tibial dysfuntion as l don’t want to irritat it.? I have Planta Fascia in both feet for for over a year. Thanks.
Hi P Tyrrell,
I cannot medically advise if the sock will irritate your Postier tibial dysfuntion, as I am not qualified to do so. The Strassburg Sock is what I used to relief my Planta Fascia pain commonly experienced when you get out of bed in the morning. I found it very effective. I no longer have Plantar Fasciitis, but I still have the sock, just in case.
My understanding of Postier tibial dysfuntion is that it usually results in flatfoot, and if that is your case, I really do not know if Strassburg Sock will irritate or aggravate your situation. One thing I am sure is that the sock helps in reducing Plantar Fasciitis morning pains.
Best Regards
Jeff