New Launch: Jointly Developed 'Safety Shoe-Specific Socks' by Nippon Paper and Sock Manufacturer to Be Released on June 18

Sukeno Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture; President and CEO: Tsuyoshi Ono), a company specializing in the planning and manufacturing of legwear, will launch three new products—'safety shoe-specific socks' and 'safety shoe-specific supporters'—developed in collaboration with Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., starting June 18, 2026.

These products were developed with full cooperation from Nippon Paper's Ishinomaki Mill. Through extensive surveys, monitoring, and interviews with on-site workers, the collaboration successfully addressed common complaints associated with wearing safety shoes: moisture, odor, and durability.

Special Website: https://store.sukeno.co.jp/pages/anzengutsu_socks

Background of Development

"Supporting the hardworking feet of on-site workers"

The 'safety shoe-specific socks' were born from the desire to improve the foot environment for those who wear safety shoes for long hours.

This product is the result of a joint development between Sukeno Co., Ltd., which has been planning and developing legwear for over 70 years since its founding, and Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.

For development, employees from Nippon Paper's Ishinomaki Mill, which employs over 500 factory workers, provided full cooperation. Their on-site experiences, pain points, and dissatisfaction were thoroughly investigated. The team focused on the universal issues of 'moisture,' 'odor,' and 'durability' faced by anyone wearing safety shoes, pursuing only the functions truly needed.

Sukeno LAB, Sukeno's development hub, with cooperation from Nippon Paper Ishinomaki Mill

Key Features of Safety Shoe-Specific Socks

Pain Point 1: Moisture and Stickiness

Remains dry even in hot and humid harsh environments throughout the day

Moisture and stickiness commonly experienced inside safety shoes are suppressed by the effect of Cu-TOP® Ao (washi thread). Made with washi yarn known for excellent water absorption, quick drying, moisture absorption/desorption, and dry-touch properties, the socks maintain a fresh, comfortable feel all day, even when sweating.

Pain Point 2: Durability

Six times more durable than regular socks, designed for workers walking over 10,000 steps daily

Durability is greatly enhanced by simultaneously knitting strong yarn into the toe and heel areas. Compared to standard socks, the product achieves approximately six times the strength. It lasts longer even in high-wear work environments. In abrasion resistance testing, while the JIS standard for socks is 500 cycles, this product passed an impressive 3,000 cycles.

Pain Point 3: Odor

Powerful deodorization even in poorly ventilated safety shoes

Cu-TOP® Ao (washi thread), known for its high deodorizing power, delivers exceptional odor control. It features the highest deodorizing performance Sukeno has ever achieved, supporting clean, fresh feet until the end of the workday.

What is Cu-TOP® Ao?

A material developed by Nippon Paper, chemically bonding copper ions to pulp (wood fibers). In addition to the inherent quick-drying and moisture-absorbing properties of washi thread, it offers multiple functions such as antiviral, antibacterial, and deodorizing effects due to copper ions.

About Cu-TOP® Ao

Recommended to be used with Safety Shoe-Specific Supporters

The key feature is the high-flexibility separate system: socks that directly contact safety shoes, and supporters designed to reduce foot fatigue.

Calf Support with Patented Knitting Technology

Using uniquely developed, patented knitting, the supporter lifts and tightens calf muscles, reducing leg strain during prolonged standing or walking. It also combats moisture and odor with sweat-absorbing, quick-drying materials. When used together with socks, only the socks—which wear out faster—need to be replaced, enabling a flexible and cost-effective usage model.

Product Overview

① Safety Shoe-Specific Socks – Short Length (15cm)

Price: ¥1,760 (tax included)

Sizes: 23–25cm / 25–27cm / 27–29cm

Color: Black

Material: Cu-TOP® Ao (high-functionality washi thread), others

Product Page: https://store.sukeno.co.jp/products/anzengutsu-highsocks

② Safety Shoe-Specific Socks – Long Length (25cm)

Price: ¥1,980 (tax included)

Sizes: 23–25cm / 25–27cm / 27–29cm

Color: Black

Material: Cu-TOP® Ao (high-functionality washi thread), others

Product Page: https://store.sukeno.co.jp/products/anzengutsu-highsocks25

③ Safety Shoe-Specific Supporter

Price: ¥1,760 (tax included)

Size: One size fits all (unisex)

Color: Black

Material: Sweat-absorbing, quick-drying fabric (hollow polyester), others

Product Page: https://store.sukeno.co.jp/products/anzengutsu-supporter

Exhibition Schedule

3rd Kyushu Occupational Health and Safety Exhibition Venue: Marine Messe Fukuoka Dates: June 24 (Wed) – 25 (Thu), 2026

13th Occupational Health and Safety Exhibition Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Dates: July 15 (Wed) – 17 (Fri), 2026

102nd Tokyo International Gift Show Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (East, West, South Halls) Dates: September 2 (Wed) – 4 (Fri), 2026

Green Cross Exhibition 2026 in Sapporo Venue: Sapporo Sports Exchange Facility Tsudoum Dates: September 16 (Wed) – 18 (Fri), 2026

Sales Channels

• Official Online Shop: Safety Shoe-Specific Socks | SUKENO-ONLINE

• Sukeno Rakuten Official Online Shop (Rakuten safety shoe dedicated page under preparation)

About Sukeno Co., Ltd.

Since its founding in 1956, Sukeno has established logistics and production bases in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, leading Japan's legwear industry at the forefront. The company has launched numerous specialized sock brands, including 'Rakkuatsu'—a new compression sock born from anatomy—'PESCALLY,' recognized even by fishermen, and 'MOSTRICH' for golfers. Guided by the corporate concept 'Always Challenging: Never Stop Moving Forward, SUKENO,' the company continues to create hit products through unique planning and development capabilities.

Official Website: https://www.sukeno.co.jp ■ Official Online Shop: https://store.sukeno.co.jp ■ Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sukeno_official/ ■ Official X: https://x.com/sukeno_socks ■ Official LINE: https://page.line.me/100blpjq?openQrModal=ture

Phone Inquiries: (03) 3633-7025 (Safety Shoe-Specific Socks Contact)

(Operating Hours: Weekdays 10:00–16:00; Closed on weekends and holidays)