The Best Socks for Different Sports | SOCKSHOP

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Tailoring Your Footwear to Your Activity

When it comes to sports gear, shoes usually steal the spotlight—but what about socks? Well, the right pair can make all the difference between happy feet and a world of blister pain.

Whether you're hitting the track, dominating the tennis court, or tackling a tough hike, your feet deserve the very best support. This means taking a closer look at the unsung hero of your wardrobe and checking out things like size, length, fabric, and specialised features.

In this guide, we’re going to explore the best athletic socks for different sports, helping you find the perfect pair for all your favourite activities. Your feet will thank you!

 

The Best Socks for Specific Sports

Let's take a look at some of the most popular sports and which type of socks best fit each of them.

Running

Love the endorphin high that comes with going for a run? Keep your feet feeling fresh by choosing high-quality performance socks made from a synthetic or wool blend that will absorb sweat.

Compression socks are also great for offering extra support and helping you avoid twisted ankles when tackling those technical terrains.

Our recommendation: Experia by Thorlos Cushioned Micro-Mini Crew Socks

Gym

When getting ready to hit a gym workout, you want to choose socks that offer arch support for those high-impact movements. Crew socks are often the preferred choice, thanks to their extra protection, but you may also want to go for a sock that offers moisture-wicking capabilities.

Our recommendation: Lazy Panda Full-Cushion Crew Bamboo Socks

Yoga and Pilates

No matter if you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, finding your flow is all about comfort and confidence. While many prefer to practise yoga and Pilates barefoot, others love the extra grip and germ protection that socks provide.

Specialised yoga socks, often made from soft, breathable bamboo fabric, also feature textured soles to keep you steady as you hold those tricky poses.

Our recommendation: Tavi Noir Organic Cotton Low-Rise Yoga Socks

Hiking

Whether you're going on a quick stroll through your local nature reserve or embarking on a multi-day hiking adventure, picking the right socks for your outdoor excursion is essential.

A good pair of hiking socks provides comfort, support, warmth, and breathability, keeping your feet fresh mile after mile. It's also a good idea to opt for a slightly longer length for extra protection against ankle rub and stray debris.

Our recommendation: Jeep Luxury Terrain Boot Socks

Tennis and padel

Ankle and crew-length socks are popular for tennis (and padel) since they offer a winning balance of comfort and freedom of movement. If you want to stay ultra comfy on the court, you also want to look out for socks with features like mesh panels for ventilation, arch support, ankle support, and compression.

Our recommendation: Reebok Recycled Technical Crew Tennis Socks

Horseriding

If you're a keen rider, longer socks are your best friend when it comes to riding boots to keep you comfy and chafe-free. Plus, since you'll be exploring the great outdoors, walking through muddy puddles and potentially riding in adverse weather conditions, you'll also need to choose a pair of socks that are highly durable—a blended material, like BlueGuard polymer-bound yarn mixed with wool, is usually best.

Our recommendation: Storm Bloc Long Wool Blend Socks

Skiing

For those who enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, a good pair of extra-warm socks is essential for comfortable feet on the slopes. Features such as thermal lining (to keep your feet toasty), a long length (to ensure they stay up in your boots), and a thicker construction (to prevent blisters) are well-suited to snowy conditions.

Our recommendation: Heat Holders TOG Ski Socks

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Sport Socks

Don't just purchase the first pair of athletic socks you come across; take time to familiarise yourself with different cuts, fabrics, and special features so you can make the best decision for your feet!

Cut

Some of the most popular sock lengths and cuts include:

• No-show socks: Known for their sleek design and extra-low cut, no-show socks are perfect for running and cycling.

• Ankle socks: These socks typically sit at the ankle or just below or above. They're popular for runners, who prefer less fabric for added breathability.

• Crew socks: Ideal for the gym, crew socks sit a few centimetres higher than the ankle and just below the calf.

• Mid-calf socks: A pair of mid-calf socks which reach halfway up the calf, are essential if you play winter sports to add extra warmth and help prevent chafing against your gear.

Fabric

While cotton socks may be fine for everyday wear, they aren't always the best choice for playing sports. Cotton tends to retain moisture, which can lead to soggy, irritated feet. So, to ensure peak performance, consider these alternatives:

• Synthetic materials: Nylon and acrylic are known for their moisture-wicking properties, perfect for keeping your feet cool and dry.

• Wool: This natural fibre is a champion for keeping your feet warm in chilly weather. Plus, wool is breathable and naturally odour-resistant.

• Cotton blends: Blending cotton with other materials enhances its natural properties. For instance, blending cotton with polyester improves durability and wicking, while elastane provides a comfortable stretch and helps the socks keep their shape.

• Bamboo: In recent years, bamboo has become an increasingly popular material thanks to its versatility and comfort.

'Special' features

High-quality athletic socks have undergone a real transformation, with exciting features that may just be the key to boosting your performance:

• Compression socks: These socks apply a gentle pressure that stimulates circulation and increases blood flow, giving your muscles a helping hand and potentially speeding up your recovery time.

• Moisture-wicking: If you're looking for socks to keep your feet dry, opt for a sweat-wicking material like acrylic and polyester.

• Odour control: Struggle with stinky feet? Breathable fabrics, like merino wool, certain synthetic blends designed for performance, and sometimes even strategically woven cotton, are better for deterring odour-causing bacteria.

• Cushioned socks: Extra padding in the toes and heel provides added comfort, excellent arch support, and helps prevent blisters, keeping your feet well-protected.

 

FAQs

Is it a good idea to wear double-layer socks when playing sports?

If you want to reduce friction and prevent blisters, wearing two pairs of socks could help. However, the first layer should be a thinner sock made from moisture-wicking materials and the second layer should be a well-cushioned, thicker sock.

Is there any difference between men's socks and women's socks?

The main difference between men's and women's sports socks is size. In general, men's feet are wider and longer than women's feet. Women's socks also usually come in a more diverse range of patterns and designs. However, there are also plenty of great unisex socks that offer a single size range.

What is the benefit of a seamless toe in athletic socks?

If you want to buy the best athletic socks, look for features like a seamless toe, which reduces the risk of blisters, increases comfort, and improves performance.