This paper examines the important development within in sock machine sector of the automatically machine closed toe. In particular, it outlines the technology, application and benefits of both the Sangiacomo Lin-Toe, and Conti Florentia Inventa systems. Aspects highlighted include the Lin-toe's use of the ingenious Frulini concurrent linking process, and the Inventa quick-change, closed/open toe machine which has been modified to allow the elimination of melt yarn for the inturned welt, and offers a satisfactory 2 - feed heel and toe and high splicing. The paper concludes that these developments apear to have sparked a wave of automatic closed toe confidence among US manufacturers.