Stocking the Stocking Question

So, 'someday' I want to learn to knit and to be able to make historical stockings for the various folks I know. Maybe to even make some for myself...

In that event, I have some questions that were raised by a resource thatattack_laurel posted today in her journal here. The detail shot is the second image below and has left me wondering: In all the sewn socks I make, the first things to blow out are the soles and the sides where the shoes rub. Do these socks offer a possible historical solution to that by what appears to be the addition of extra layers of material to the *outside* of the garment in those areas?



"This pair of woollen knitted stockings, or long socks, was discovered on a man's body found at Gunnister in Northmavine in Shetland, in the late 17th century.

The stockings have been knitted in stocking stitch and include 'clocks' - woven or embroidered ornaments on the side of socks or stockings, rising up from the ankle.

When he died, the man was wearing a coat, jacket, shirt, breeches, cap and stockings. Some of his possessions were a wooden pail, a horn spoon and a knife handle which could possibly have been used for preparing and eating food."

"This detail shows the feet of a pair of woollen knitted stockings, or long socks, discovered on a man's body found at Gunnister in Northmavine in Shetland in the late 17th century.

The feet have been reinforced with extra pieces of knitting sewn on to the sides. These are known as 'clocks'.

Some of the possessions found with the man's body were a quill and writing board for writing and a horn, possibly for ink. He was also carrying a knitted woollen purse and a silk ribbon."