Claimed to be the world’s first fully waterproof football sock, the Sealskinz Football sock combines an outer waterpoof and breathable layer with an inner layer for comfort. Designed to keep feet warm, dry and comfortable, the socks are suitable for all ages and standards, from children to professionals, coaches, referees and linesmen. The range includes sizes S-L and five colourways: Black, White, Red, Royal Blue and Navy Blue.

Latest in the Columbia collection is a mid-weight ski sock featuring cushioning for shock absorption, over calf protection and grip supports to aid comfort and fit.  Made from a mix of Merino wool/polyamide nylon/polypropylene/acrylic and Lycra Elastane, the sock also features a moisture management system for extra comfort and warmth on the mountains.

Blending double layering with padding, the Fusion Sock aims to combine performance with comfort. Design features include protection for the toes, cushion impact points on soles and heels and a padded strip to protect the Achilles and help prevent injury. According to 1,000 Mile, the double layering system also eliminates friction and aids moisture management to help reduce blisters.

Women now have more choices in the eco-friendly tekoPOLY collection with the launch of the Ultralight Minicrew range, aimed at summer sports. In a wide choice of colours, the socks feature a recycled patterned cuff. Manufactured in a soft and light fibre which the company says does not absorb moisture and dries quickly, technical features include a narrower heel pocket and tapered toe box for a snugger fit and reduced risk of blisters.

A men’s only option, the technical heavyweight HJ814 sock is constructed in wood/Meraklon and features a number of technical details including arch support, lace guard, high density cushioning and a double comfort top. Other options from the ProTrek range include the Softop non-elastic model, designed for those with circulation problems, using an innovative knitting technology to allow it to stay up. 

Designed to help prevent shin splints, cramps and sore calf muscles over long distances, this range of socks promises gentle compression around the calf muscles to help increase blood supply and energy levels. Anatomically shaped, the socks also feature Air Conditioning Channels and Traverse Airflow Channel technology, X-Cross Bandage ankle support, instep, toe and heel protectors, and Achilles tendon protectors.

Designed for winter running and biking, the Trail Trax Pro incorporates a number of technical features for optimum insulation and comfort. A patented moisture control system is designed to help keep feet dry and blister free, while Wigwam says the Merino wool content will help keep feet insulated and warm. Other features include Wool Dri-release with Freshguard to keep odours at bay, cushion sole and seamless toe closures.

Catering for the needs of every runner, two new collections, Monoskin and Twinskin, are intended to combine style with technology in a wide range of designs, lengths and materials. The Twinskin features double layer technology to help reduce friction and the risk of blisters, alongside antimicrobial properties and anti-wicking to help keep feet dry, while the Monoskin is single layer, incorporating designs from ultra-lite to padded. 

GFORCE is the high-performance brand launched by Gymphlex in 2008, which aims to bring technical yet cost-effective sporting apparel to the club and school markets. GFORCE kits come in a trio of ranges: Classic, Signature and Unique, all made from technical fabrics, with a broad range of contemporary design options.

Over 50 years in football – specifically in goalkeeping and teamwear – has seen Uhlsport supply official team kits to some of Europe’s most famous clubs, including Inter Milan and Blackburn Rovers. The brand promises a wide range of quality, technical team and training wear at competitive prices, starting with the Club Team Kit, with shirt and shorts coming with an RRP of £19.99.

Kustom Kit can offer teams a choice of 46 styles from its Gamegear range of unbranded teamwear. The range features items made from Cooltex performance fabric, that is designed wick moisture away from the body, and 12 new items for 2010 include polos, sports vests, T-shirts, shorts, pants and a rugby top. The Cooltex apparel has been designed so it combines easily with other products from the Gamegear range.

The Presentation Tracksuit from Team Colours is lightweight and showerproof, and it features reflective piping, chin guard and a foldaway hood, ensuring it is suited to varied weather conditions. The tracksuit is part an unbranded collection from Team Colours, which has been created for bespoke print and embroidery, and a flexible pricing structure is designed to ensure retailers achieve excellent margins.

Canterbury’s teamwear business is growing, and it is spearheaded by the International Sublimate jersey. Derived from the technologies first worn by Canterbury-supplied teams the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the sublimated fabric is both breathable and close fitting, and the jersey flexes with the body for comfort and ease of movement. The jersey combines with the Advantage short for what Canterbury describes as a team kit of technical excellence and durability.

Prostar has entered the cricket market for 2010, with a collection of cricket whites, Twenty20 kits and training wear. The new line will be available to retail from February, and to support the brand’s entry into cricket, it will be supplying a pair of First Class county teams as Official Clothing Partner, to compliment Prostar’s existing relationship with Cricket Scotland.

Lotto is re-launching teamwear into the UK market for 2010, with an innovative marketing campaign planned during the year. Kit supplier for Championship football side QPR, the Italian brand has a heritage for combining style with technical substance, and Lotto is offering a bespoke service and the company promises uncomplicated account management.

The versatile Storm Jacket training top is mesh-lined, shower proof and it features a fleece collar for added comfort and warmth. A product designed for clubs, schools and universities, the jacket is available as a stock or bespoke item, and in a variety of colour options. Samurai promises excellent lead times.

Gymphlex specialises in providing team and sportswear to schools, and having operated in the market for over 70 years, the company claims to stock a vast variety of traditional and contemporary products that stand out for every season. Gymphlex can supply anything from a basic polo shirt to its latest, technical and sport-specific rugby jerseys and football kits.