A protective half sock for use in multi-stage recovery includes a sock body constructed of a rib knit with Terry cushion, and a knitted posterior welt configured with the sock body and defining a rear opening for insertion of a limb. The sock body may be constructed of a 3×1 rib knit with Terry cushion. The knitted posterior welt may be formed by a 1×1 rib knit. The half-sock includes wool fibers, polyester-coated elastomeric fibers, polyester fibers, and nylon fibers. The cross stretch of the welt is less than the cross stretch of the body.