The Best Football Socks (2022) | Review by Sports Illustrated (2024)

Best Football Socks Buying Guide

Socks worn by football players are very important because they provide proper fit and protection during game time. Football socks are made up of some great materials that make them easy to wear and offer a snug fit to play the game easily. Some best socks for football are padded well to provide support to the foot while playing and reduce friction. The idea is to remove all sorts of fatigue through a good-quality pair of socks so the players can execute their maximum potential!

What Are the Different Types of Socks Used for Playing Football?

Interestingly, there are different styles of socks available. It is best to be aware of each type to pick the best one when buying one for your use. When selecting the right type of sock, it’s important that you keep the position of playing, personal choice, and weather of your area in mind. Below are the two main types of socks that you need to be aware of:

Over the calf design

The next important sock design that you might see worn by players is the over-the-calf design. It reaches up to the calf of the player. They are also called high-rise socks. The sock’s cuff reaches to the bottom of the knee. This type of sock provides better protection for those who have a lot of contact with other players while playing the game. In addition to this, these socks keep players warm when they are playing in the cold seasons.

Crew design

This type of sock is going to cover more in comparison to ankle socks. But it falls below the knee and is present around the bottom of the calf. Due to their short length, these socks are ideal in hot temperatures because players want their skin to breathe. Furthermore, it also allows the player to evaporate the sweat instead of fabric naturally. Most of the players prefer it due to its comfortable fit.

What Are Different Fabrics Used to Make Socks for Football?

Now, let’s dive deep into the material that is being used to make the socks for football players:

Cotton

It is a natural material that offers a comfortable fit, and it is best for sensitive skin. More importantly, this fabric is very much breathable and has a loose-knit compared to other fabrics. It is also very soft and comes in different variety of colors!

Polyester

This is a synthetic material that is widely used in making socks for football players. One of the key reasons the athletes select it is that it cannot absorb much water. It is very durable and can withstand frequent washing and wearing.

Synthetic blend

Note that the fabric blends are termed as the gold standard for custom and regular football use. Some of the blends that are combined include Lycra, polypropylene, and nylon. They keep moisture away from the feed and also provide a good cushion. Compared to cotton, it is smoother and has less skin rubbing.

What Key Features to Look for Football Socks?

Not all socks are made equally. Each type is different in terms of fabric, size, and style. Below are some important key features that you must NOT ignore when buying football socks:

Moisture wicking

When playing, a player sweats most of the time. As football is a game that involves a lot of running, there’s no way you could limit the sweating part. But you can get moisture-wicking socks and that’s almost the same. If you are not wearing moisture-wicking socks, it’s going to be super irritating while you play. Your feet will be sweaty, and you will have a wet feet feeling all the time. That’s where moisture-wicking socks step in!

Blister protection

The next important thing you have to be very careful about when buying socks are the blisters – nobody wants them. They can be very painful if you are continuously ignoring them. Note that the sock which becomes saturated and has inappropriate seams will be the reason behind the blister. The only way to avoid the trouble is to pick some blister control socks!

Antimicrobial material

Have you ever seen an athlete’s foot with fungal infection? Heads up: it’s not pleasant and you must always stay away from it. To keep your feet dry and sweat-free while playing, choose socks made from antimicrobial materials to stay away from germs and fungi. This is going to be a good investment in the long run.

Other than this, you should also check the elasticity of socks when you buy a new pair. The elasticity in socks will provide you a secure and comfortable fit.

How Much Should I Expect to Pair for a Good Pair of Football Socks?

Expect to pay a price of $8 to $32 when buying socks for football. The price variation will be due to the brand, bundle deal, fabric, and features provided. If you buy socks from a brand like Nike, you will have to pay a little extra. Some brands are also offering deals to buy 2 or more pairs. Get the best deal to save some money!

Moreover, some socks provide a cushion and have moisture-wicking features. Such socks offer better quality and cost a little bit more in comparison to traditional pairs of socks for football. They are also made from synthetic materials for better durability.

The Best Football Socks (2022) | Review by Sports Illustrated (2024)

FAQs

What kind of socks do NFL players wear? ›

Almost all of the highly-regarded football socks have some combination of nylon, acrylic, and elastic. These materials allow the sock to offer compression, arch support, and ribbing. Football players also need to make sure they have moisture-wicking socks.

What are the best socks to wear for football boots? ›

10 best football socks for 2021
  1. Adidas Alphaskin Traxion Sock. Compare Prices. ...
  2. Nike Grip Strike Sock. Compare Prices. ...
  3. Joma Classic II Sock. Compare Prices. ...
  4. Adidas Adi 21 Sock. Compare Prices. ...
  5. Puma TeamFinal 21 Sock. Compare Prices. ...
  6. Nike Everyday Max Dri-Fit Training Crew Sock. ...
  7. Hummel Pro Sock. ...
  8. Under Armour Dry Run Crew Sock.

Which socks are best for football? ›

Typically, athletic ankle socks are great for low-top shoes and cleats, making them a good choice for football, soccer, and tennis.

What football socks do pros wear? ›

Many professional footballers choose to wear grip socks due to the additional support they offer during matches. When worn correctly, these can help to significantly reduce the chance of players' feet moving around in their boots and prevent any irritation or wear caused by friction.

Do football socks make a difference? ›

Injury Prevention: Grip socks reduce the likelihood of blisters and serious injuries, offering added support and preventing foot slippage inside the boots. 2. Enhanced Performance: Experience improved sprint speed and agility, thanks to the added grip that allows for better control and stability during rapid movements.

Do football players wear special socks? ›

Socks with a non-slip design give footballers more traction and a better grip for weaving around their opponents. Plus, they provide just the right amount of compression without feeling too tight.

What is the NFL sock rule? ›

“Skin exposure of the lower leg and ankle area due to improper wear of game socks and/or leg coverings is prohibited at all times throughout the game,” the rulebook states. The only exception is for kickers who prefer to go barefoot, though there hasn't been one of those in years.

Why cut holes in football socks? ›

Turns out, the reason is pretty simple and basic. Most players cut these holes in their socks in order to relieve pressure from their calf muscles due to their tight fits.

Why can't NFL players wear number 0? ›

Except for offensive and defensive linemen, players can now wear the number zero. It follows in the path of college football, where the number was first allowed in 2020. Additionally, kickers and punters cam now use any jersey numeral between 0-49 and 90-99.

What is Patrick Mahomes' cause for cleats? ›

Patrick Mahomes

15 and the Mahomies is dedicated to improving the lives of children. The Foundation supports initiatives that focus on health, wellness, communities in need of resources and other charitable causes.

Why can't NFL players wear different color cleats? ›

However, during the game, cleats must be black, white, a "constitutional color," or the official team color. This requirement ensures uniformity and upholds the league's visual standards.

What cleats does Patrick Mahomes wear? ›

Mahomes has been an Adidas athlete since 2017 and tends to wear the brand's Freak Ultra 21 cleats.

What do NFL players wear on their feet? ›

Cleats will be reviewed and rated based on style and uniqueness. Players are not allowed to wear certain styles of cleats for games but they're free to warm up in whatever they would like.

Why do some NFL players wear white socks? ›

Some players say wearing white sports socks works for them because that's what they train in all week and they're considered just the right thickness. Others value the style aspect.

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