Antibacterial socks have been around long enough that the claim no longer surprises anyone. What does surprise people is finding out how most of them actually work, and how quickly they stop working.
Most antibacterial socks on the market rely on silver ions, copper treatments, or chemical finishes applied to the surface of the fabric. These treatments are effective when the sock is new. The problem is they degrade with washing. After enough cycles through the machine, the antimicrobial properties are largely gone, and you’re left with a regular sock at a premium price.
Akeso Socks are made with Metis PCA™ fibre, which works differently. The antibacterial properties are not a surface treatment. They are inherent to the polymer structure of the fibre itself, which means they don’t wash out. Independent laboratory testing has confirmed a 99% reduction in bacteria after 24 hours of contact with the fibre. That result holds whether the sock is new or has been through hundreds of washes.
What Metis PCA™ actually does to bacteria
Foot odour is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat on the skin’s surface. The bacteria themselves are not harmful in small numbers, but in the warm, enclosed environment of a shoe, they multiply quickly. As they metabolise sweat, they produce isovaleric acid and other compounds responsible for the smell.
Metis PCA™ fibre disrupts this process at the source. The polycarboxylate structure of the fibre creates a hostile environment for bacterial growth. When bacteria come into contact with the fibre, their ability to reproduce is severely inhibited. The same mechanism applies to fungi, which is why the fibre also shows antifungal activity. Independent testing found the fibre resistant to fungal growth for 28 days in controlled conditions at 30 degrees Celsius.
Because the antibacterial activity comes from the physical and chemical structure of the polymer rather than an additive, it cannot be washed away. The fibre either retains its structure or it wears down over time, but it does not shed its active properties in the laundry.
Why surface-treated socks fall short
Silver-ion and copper-ion treatments work through a different mechanism. The ions are toxic to bacteria and disrupt their cellular function on contact. This is well-documented and genuinely effective when the concentration is sufficient. The issue is longevity.
Silver and copper ions leach out of fabric with each wash. The rate varies depending on the treatment method and washing conditions, but the trajectory is consistent: antimicrobial effectiveness declines over time. Some manufacturers address this by increasing the initial concentration of ions, but this raises concerns about skin sensitivity and environmental impact when the ions enter the water supply.
Chemical finish treatments have similar limitations. They are effective initially but degrade with UV exposure, heat, and repeated washing. Most carry no independent testing data that verifies how long the protection actually lasts under normal use conditions.
Akeso publishes its lab results. You can read the testing methodology and outcomes on the Our Story page.
What else Metis PCA™ does
The antibacterial and antifungal properties get the most attention, but Metis PCA™ has a few other characteristics worth knowing about. The fibre is highly moisture-wicking, pulling sweat away from the skin faster than cotton or bamboo, and it dries significantly quicker. This matters because moisture is the primary condition that enables bacterial and fungal growth in the first place. Keeping the foot drier reduces the problem upstream.
The fibre is also thermoregulating, meaning it adapts to temperature rather than insulating statically. In hot conditions it helps keep feet cooler; in cold conditions it retains warmth. It is hypoallergenic, which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin or reactions to wool. And it is certified to the European Oeko-Tex Standard 100, confirming it is free from harmful substances.
One practical consequence of all this: because the fibre actively inhibits the bacteria that cause odour, Akeso Socks do not need to be washed after every wear. Airing them overnight is sufficient for day-to-day freshness. Washing is only needed when the socks are visibly soiled.
Who benefits most from antibacterial socks
Anyone who spends long hours on their feet in enclosed footwear will notice the difference. Tradies in steel-cap boots, nurses and healthcare workers on twelve-hour shifts, and hikers covering multi-day terrain are the most obvious examples. These are situations where foot hygiene is genuinely difficult to maintain and where fungal infections like athlete’s foot or conditions like pitted keratolysis are common occupational problems.
Travellers also benefit from the reduced washing requirement. A pair of Akeso Socks can be worn for multiple consecutive days, aired overnight, and remain fresh, which matters when you’re moving between locations without reliable laundry access.
For people already dealing with a fungal infection or persistent foot odour, the antifungal and antibacterial properties can help clear the condition while wearing. This is how Metis PCA™ was originally discovered: Genelle Coghlan, the managing director of Colan Australia, noticed a fungal infection on her foot cleared up while she was wearing socks made from the fibre during product development. She wasn’t expecting it. The subsequent lab testing confirmed what she’d observed.
If you want to try them, the full sock range is available in the Akeso shop.
Frequently asked questions
Do antibacterial socks actually work?
It depends on the type. Socks treated with silver ions or chemical finishes do work initially, but the effectiveness degrades with repeated washing. Akeso Socks use Metis PCA™ fibre, which has antibacterial properties built into the polymer structure rather than applied as a coating. Independent laboratory testing shows a 99% bacterial reduction rate after 24 hours, and this does not diminish with washing.
How long do the antibacterial properties last?
For Akeso Socks, the antibacterial properties last for the life of the sock. Because Metis PCA™ fibre’s activity comes from its physical structure rather than a surface treatment, washing does not remove it. The sock’s effectiveness will gradually reduce as the fibre itself wears down with use, which Akeso estimates at approximately two to three months of continuous daily wear under average conditions.
Can antibacterial socks help with athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. Akeso Socks have been independently tested for antifungal resistance and show 28-day resistance to fungal growth. Wearing them will not cure an established infection on its own, but the combination of antifungal fibre and moisture-wicking properties creates conditions that are unfavourable for fungal growth and can support recovery. If you have a persistent or severe infection, see a podiatrist or GP.
Are antibacterial socks safe for sensitive skin?
It depends on the type. Silver and copper-treated socks can cause reactions in some people with metal sensitivities. Akeso Socks contain no silver, copper, or chemical additives. Metis PCA™ fibre is hypoallergenic and certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means it has been tested and found free from harmful substances. They are suitable for sensitive skin.
Do antibacterial socks need to be washed differently?
Akeso Socks can be machine washed in warm or cold water without bleach or fabric softener, and either tumble or air dried. Because the antibacterial properties are structural rather than a surface treatment, standard washing does not damage them. For day-to-day freshness without visible soiling, airing overnight is sufficient and washing is not required.
