The Best Guide for Buying Your Soccer Socks

Most soccer players can relate to the pain of getting a blister on their feet during a match. This can really affect your performance of the day and you risk aggravating the blister further if you continue playing. This is why having a good pair of socks is important to a soccer player. With so many brands of socks available, getting quality socks for a soccer match or practice session can be difficult. However, there are some several advanced features that professional socks have that cannot be found in regular socks. Some of these features include protection from bacteria and fungi, scratches, slippage, and discomfort.

There are enough choices when it comes to getting the best material for your socks. However, the most common for soccer are wool, cotton, and polyester. No sock is made from purely one material; most of them will have a combination of fabrics.

Material strengths and preferences

• Cotton. It is known for absorbing sweat, which can cause serious problems like blisters, especially when playing during hot weather. It is also a comfortable material for socks.
• Wool. Its upside is that it is a thermostatic fabric which means it regulates temperature. This enables the feet to stay dry and comfortable when exposed to different temperatures.
• Synthetic fabrics. This is a blend of many different materials to give agility and maximum performance.  Polyester has a polymer that makes socks breathe better than cotton. Examples of other synthetic fabrics include nylon and spandex.

Various types of socks available for soccer

• Over the calf socks/knee-high

These are common for professional footballers who look to protect their legs against scratches when making sliding tackles. Football matches can be intense and players often overlook their safety when they dive in to make physical challenges.

• Crew cut socks

They are shorter and only cover the length up to the shin guard. These kinds of socks provide players with agility but offer less protection compared to the knee-high socks.

Determining features of good socks

1. Non-slip socks.

Feet can sometimes slip in your shoes when mobile. This is why this feature is important to players because it prevents movement inside the shoe. Non-slip soccer socks are made using pads that secure your feet inside the shoe. Non-slip socks will enhance a player’s performance.

• Compression technology

This provides a player with a supportive fit on the legs and eliminates discomfort. Compression socks offer stability when a player is moving as it avoids constriction. Compression socks technology tightens around the leg eliminating fatigue for players.

• Breathability

It is important to choose socks that allow your feet to breathe by keeping them dry. Such socks are made from fabric that absorbs moisture making your feet stay dry for longer periods even in high temperatures. Dry feet also mean that your feet remain odor-free.

• Seamless

Seams can bundle up and become very annoying especially if it makes a player lose their ball control. Sometimes wearing socks with seams can be very uncomfortable to your toes especially if they rub against your shoes.

• Cushioning

This brings comfort to a player’s feet. It is usually the bottom part of the socks that are cushioned. This helps mainly with shock absorption and also makes a player able to play for longer periods without complaints of injuries or discomfort.

• Custom socks

Custom socks are popular because of the freedom it has on design and material composition. The player has the freedom to choose the brand and colors of the socks they want. Custom socks have special features fitted the way the players feel comfortable. You can have your socks custom made to enhance performance making them tight in areas you want to constrict.

Because of the freedom you have in design, your socks can have pockets to hold your shin guards in place instead of tying it with tape. 

Bottom line

An additional feature of good socks includes its washability. Washing socks can be tricky and some may end up getting loose or shrink after washing. Always ensure you follow the manufacturer’s advice before you wash your socks.

Having good socks is not limited to performance and protection only but for confidence as well. Wearing a pair of uncomfortable socks can make even the best player lose concentration and perform at subpar levels.