It’s all in THE SOLE

Soft play grip socks are a great way to boost hygiene, safety and ancillary spend in soft play sites. In this buyer’s guide, Taylor Made Designs explain the features to look out for when shopping for a branded grip sock

THE 3 SOCK GRIP STYLES

A high-traction grip sock behaves differently depending on whether it’s a toe grip, half grip or full grip. FULL GRIP: The sole grip pattern extends across the whole sole, from toe to heel. Full grip socks are ideal for sites with trampoline equipment. HALF GRIP: This is the most popular style for soft play centres. Half-grip patterns run from the toe to just beyond the ball of the foot. Children can climb and run safely on gangplanks, but the lack of grip on the ankle keeps them safe on slides. TOE GRIP: Also known as quarter-grip, thisbreathable sock grip style works beautifully with a custom-woven sock. Toe grip patterns typically cover the toe and part of the ball of the foot. This sock style offers a reasonable amount of traction and can help keep feet cool on high-intensity soft play courses.

THE BENEFITS OF BESPOKE

Bespoke grip socks are the best way to elevate guest experience and drive secondary spend on your site. Bespoke-branded grip socks can be completely tailored to match your brand and manufactured for as little as £0.49 per pair.

Seasonal variety

Questions to ask your grip sock supplier:

Cotton or polyester?

Grip socks are typically made from either cotton or polyester fibres, with elastane used on arch bands and ankle cuffs. Polyester socks tend to be the most popular option for kids play centre grip socks: thread colours appear more vibrant, and fabric dries faster.

Mix of sizes?

Some manufacturers will produce a mixed shipment of kids and adult sock sizes. For soft play centres, it’s important to ensure that you only receive sock sizes for the precise age groups you’re serving.

PVC or silicone sole?

A grip sock’s sole is printed directly onto the sock using either a PVC or silicone liquid that part-soaks into the sock sole fibres. Taylor Made Designs use a double-thick German-made PVC, which gives a high-traction, long-lasting grip.

Where will my socks be stored?

Many soft play centres have limited stockholding space, which is problematic when placing orders of 5,000 socks or more. That’s why Taylor Made Designs offer a stockholding and fulfilment service. Excess stock can be held at their Christchurch warehouse and delivered to play centre sites on an ad-hoc basis.

How soon can socks be delivered?

Off-the-shelf socks can be delivered in 2-4 days, whereas bespoke socks typically take anywhere from 6 to 9 weeks.

● Since 1993, Taylor Made Designs have been producing exceptional branded products for the Leisure sector. Learn more about Taylor Made Designs and their soft play grip sock capabilities at: [www.taylormadedesigns.co.uk/](http://www.taylormadedesigns.co.uk/)our-products/soft-play-grip-socks/