Get To Know Us
Our Purpose
Why We Exist
Public showers shouldn't come with hidden risks. Water isn't the only thing that's swirling down the drain. Sweat and skin cells are also in the mix. Along with all of that are various strains of mold, algae, and fungi that either grow in moist environments or are carried there on people's bare feet. You can also assume that outdoor contaminants are making their way onto the public shower floors. Cut or cracked skin on your feet enhances the chances of pathogens, causing various infections. Many people wear flip flops to a public or communal shower, which is not a solution - they can actually cause more problems. The flip flops are used over and over, which means that they are constantly getting wet, often not getting the chance to dry completely. This moist environment is another breeding ground for fungus and other germs that act as a risk to the health of your feet.
Locker rooms, gyms, dorms, hotels, pools - most people don't realize how easily fungus and bacteria spread through wet shared surfaces. Shower shoes slip, get forgotten, or don't fully protect your feet.
We created The Shower Sock as an added barrier to the problem - simply, safely, and hygienically.
From Problem to Solution
Our Story
The idea of the Shower Sock came from real experience.
In 2008, while playing in the NFL, former Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht suffered a painful foot fungal infection that negatively affected his performance. He quickly realized there was no practical, hygienic solution that actually worked in wet, public shower environments. Traditional shower shoes were bulky, inconvenient, and often made the problem worse. That experience sparked the idea for a better solution.
Ben secured a US patent for the Shower SockTM and began development with the University of Minnesota Medical Device department. He later partnered with founder Mario Nozzarella, a world medical device leader, to further develop the product, and founder Heinrich Von Solms of South Africa, international business leader and designer of the sock, who secured the international patent and trademark for the Shower SockTM, along with developing the manufacturing and chemical application process.
Together they designed something entirely new: a light weight, water-permeable sock that allows water and soap to flow through while helping block bacteria and fungus from contacting your skin. No bulky footwear. Just a barrier where it matters most.
pion
Who Needs it
Who It's For
- Gym & fitness members
- Athletes & sports teams
- College students & dorm living
- Travelers & hotel stays
- Families using pools or camps
If you use a shared shower, The Shower Sock is for you.
A Smarter Barrier
What Makes the Shower Sockᵀᴹ Different?
- Socks are coated with antibacterial agents
- Water flows through for normal showering
- Lightweight & disposable and can reuse up to 3 times
- More coverage than flip-flops or slides
- Designed for gyms, travel, dorms, hotels & shared showers
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Our mission is simple:
Address foot infections through smarter hygiene solutions. We believe small habits - like having a barrier in showers - can have a big impact on long-term health.
Meet the Team
Ben Utecht
Founder, Board Chair, Brand Ambassador
- Retired NFL Player
- Super Bowl XLI Champion
- Entrepreneur
- Secured Patent for Shower Sock in US
- Recipient of Tony Dungy’s Uncommon Leader Award
- Chief Culture Officer for True North Private Equity
Mario Nozzarella
Founder, CEO
- Global leader in Medical Device
- Founder of RespirTech and IDTS Medical
- Holds Patents in multiple industries
- Developed and founded multiple companies bringing them to commercialization and the acquisition process
Heinrich Von Solms
Founder, Director Strategic Business Development
- 36+ Years experience navigating international markets - currently active in USA, Africa, Middle East, Europe, and China