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The Rise of Snow Socks: Norwegian Inventor Leads the Way

As winter's icy grip tightens on roads across the nation, you may find yourself searching for a reliable solution to maintain traction in snowy conditions. Snow socks or textile snow chains are one solution to keeps you moving safely for winter driving. The Norwegian company AutoSock is the inventor and the innovative leader in snow sock technology. The unique AutoSock design incorporates a sophisticated construction which revolutionizes your vehicle's ability to navigate treacherous winter terrain. Discover in the following, how AutoSock has invented the concept of snow socks, providing a unique functionality and performance.

The Change of the Traction Device Market

From Heavy Metal Chains to Modern Textile Innovation

The Norwegian inventor and tire expert Bård Løtveit developed the first prototype of AutoSock in 1996. Shortly after, a team of experts was gathered and the company AutoSock AS was established in Oslo, Norway, in 1998.The team consisted of specialists in the field of textile engineering, yarn production, design as well as snow and friction, such as the renowned scientist Dr. "Friction" Dag Anders Moldestad, former advisor to the Norwegian Olympic Committee. AutoSock's functional Scandinavian design was created by Einar Hareide, former Design Director of SAAB Automotive.

Together with German car makers and German TÜV SÜD, the product was further developed, approved and finally launched in Europe in 2000. AutoSock received high recognition throughout car makers and consumers alike. Shortly after, the product was introduced to Northern America, Japan and Korea. Since 2006, AutoSock Operations AS, a subsidiary of AutoSock AS, is taking care of daily operations. Today, AutoSock is still headquartered in Oslo, Norway with a worldwide network of distribution partners. 

The inventor of snow socks from Norway: Bård Løtveit

Award-Winning Snow Socks Revolution

The landscape of snow traction devices changed dramatically with the introduction of snow socks and the following close cooperation of the AutoSock company with regulating bodies worldwide to update or change common standards and allow the use of the snow socks when snow chains are mandatory. This development has reimagined the traditional traction device market, moving away from metal that dominated the market for a century.

The AutoSock quickly gained popularity among drivers facing challenging winter conditions, setting a new standard in the industry and paving the way for further advancements in snow traction technology. Its success has positioned AutoSock as the leader in the snow socks market.

AutoSock has received numerous awards and was chosen to become part of the permanent collection at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

• Award for Design Excellence from the Norwegian Design Council in 2004.
• Gazelle prize, Norway Technical innovation silver trophy in Equip Auto Grand Prix International Grand Prix for Technical Innovation from the Association of European Technical Journalists in 2005.
• AutoSock has been granted the honor of being part of the permanent exhibition of Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 2006.

Further development of the Snow Sock Market

As with any breakthrough product, the introduction of AutoSock paved the way for other snow sock products to enter the market. This is a natural progression in any industry following a milestone development. When a product group revolutionizes a segment, it often sparks innovation and competition. Other manufacturers have started producing their own versions of snow socks, offering alternatives to drivers seeking traction solutions in snowy and icy conditions. While these new entrants reflect the growing demand and recognition of snow socks as a practical alternative to traditional tire chains, they also highlight the importance of maintaining quality and performance standards.

The Original Construction: State of Art Textile Technology, Fabrics & Design

AutoSock is a patented, high-quality winter traction device made up of five scientifically developed components, each designed to maximize performance and safety. The product is constructed from recycling-friendly thermoplastic manmade fibers, ensuring environmental sustainability. The yarn materials meet the stringent Öko-Tex Standard 100, guaranteeing a high human-ecological standard. Below is a breakdown of each component and its role in ensuring AutoSock’s superior functionality.

Road Contact Fabric

Developed in Germany and Norway, the road contact fabric is a key component of AutoSock’s success. This unique fabric construction allows the sock to absorb and wick away water between the tire and the road, maximizing dry friction grip. Reinforced with ripstop cross-weaving, the fabric resists tears in the rolling direction, ensuring durability and a long product life.

Front Fabric

The woven and coated net on the front fabric stabilizes the entire AutoSock, preventing snow or debris from gathering between the tire and the road contact fabric. This helps maintain optimal traction and performance in snowy conditions. It prevents the sock from extensive dynamic uplift (blowing up) which is a key parameter for safety of snow socks. And most importantly, it guarantees that the sock can never slip or fall behind the tire, safeguarding vehicle parts and cables from potential damage.

Straps

The signature straps assist in the mounting and demounting of the AutoSock while adding extra stability. In conjunction with the front fabric, the straps also help keep AutoSock in place, ensuring it doesn’t shift behind the tire.

Inner Fabric

Typically used in high-quality parachutes, the inner fabric ensures a secure fit on the tire. It helps keep AutoSock in position and works together with the black elastic strap to ensure ideal tension, holding the sock in place even during harsh winter driving conditions.

Elastic

The elastic band keeps AutoSock securely in place and supports self-centering on the tire. A precise balance of tenacity, elongation, and elasticity has been engineered to deliver the best possible performance, ensuring a stable and snug fit for optimal traction.

Enhanced Safety and Ease of Use

This sophisticated construction not only improves functionality but also simplifies installation. The AutoSock shape allows for swift installation, typically taking less than five minutes. Users can quickly and easily fit these snow socks over their tires with the help of the straps. The design with the front fabric translates to improved safety and guarantees that the AutoSock can never fall into the tire house where it could damage braking or ABS cables, offering drivers peace of mind.

Research, Testing and Product Development

As the pioneer of this traction device, AutoSock has set the industry standard for quality and performance, backed by more than 25 years of expertise and innovation. Its success is built on decades of know-how and a commitment to continuous improvement. Through close cooperation with leading car manufacturers, AutoSock ensures that its products meet the highest safety and compatibility standards. This collaboration has helped refine and optimize dynamic stability, design, performance and quality, making AutoSock the trusted choice for winter traction, recognized for reliability, durability, and seamless integration with modern vehicles.

Optimized for Modern Vehicles

AutoSock's engineers have meticulously crafted their product to complement the advanced systems in modern vehicles. The design works in harmony with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), enhancing rather than interfering with these crucial safety features. This compatibility ensures that AutoSock snow socks provide a seamless driving experience while significantly boosting traction and control on snow-covered roads.

Patented Textile Technology

AutoSock utilizes a specially engineered high tenacity textile material that grips snow and ice effectively. This high-tech fabric features thousands of tiny fibers that create friction with the road surface, significantly enhancing your vehicle's traction in winter conditions. The textile's durability ensures reliable performance throughout the season.

Verifying Authenticity – Be aware of Copy Products

AutoSock Operations AS sees more and more copy products in all markets worldwide. These copycat products imitate from time to time the complete AutoSock design including the straps and front fabric. Many brands are copying designs, slogans, brand colors, brand font for their advertising and websites. It is flattering for the brand AutoSock since it shows the recognition for the inventor from Norway, but for consumers it has become very difficult to distinguish copies from the original. AutoSock calls this sometimes product piracy and takes legal steps against it if applicable.

Once you've made your purchase, it's important to verify the authenticity of your AutoSock snow socks. Look for the distinctive front fabric design and check for the AutoSock logo. Genuine products will have clear labeling and high-quality materials. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to contact AutoSock directly via email.

Remember, investing in genuine AutoSock snow socks means investing in your safety. With their superior performance at speeds up to 50 km/h and innovative front fabric design, authentic AutoSock products offer peace of mind that knock-offs simply can't match. Don't compromise on quality when it comes to winter driving safety – choose the original and best.

AutoSock has retailed in partnership or with approval from Dodge, Cupra, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, NIO, Polestar, Lynk & Co and many more.

If you have questions, please check our FAQ or contact your local distributor for product information. If you are interested in distributing AutoSock, please click here.