Socks do not always seem like the biggest deal for some athletes, but others take it very seriously. They need to fit just right in sports, providing a good amount of protection for the foot with all the wear and tear during competition.
For soccer players, socks are essential. There is the protection aspect of things, but there is also the need to have coverage that will go over shin guards for those who wear them.
The socks below are all pairs that stand out in the crowd. Do not be afraid to try a few of them out and see which one fits best. Every foot is different, so what might work for one person, might seem a bit uncomfortable for someone else. Since they are inexpensive, trying a few is usually doable.
1. Nike Park IV Socks
As one of the leading manufacturers in soccer, there are plenty of people who like to match their socks with their cleats. If that is the case, the Nike Park IV stands out in a crowd.
The cushioning with the socks help people avoid any blisters when they are playing. It is always enjoyable for those who do not have to wear two pairs of socks if they do not want to. They are still very breathable, so playing on hot days is never a problem either.
As long as the person purchases the right size, shin guards easily go underneath the socks. This keeps the entire set up very comfortable, especially with the 100% cotton build. It is one of the few soccer socks out there still made of 100% cotton, and Nike has found a way to still make it lightweight and fairly breathable.
If synthetic materials just do not feel right, these Nike socks are a great choice. They are pretty affordable, especially when purchased in bulk. They also come in multiple colors so players can match accordingly.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight for a 100% cotton sock
- Multiple colors
Cons
- Breathability takes a hit due to material
- Can change shape and size after washing
2. Adidas Formotion Elite socks
Adidas make this list a lot, and it is pretty easy to see why. They have been in the game for a long time, and it seems like they specialize in soccer socks more than any other company.
Maybe the best value option right now is the Adidas Formotion, as most people will be able to find these for an affordable price online. They come in many different sizes and colors, allowing people to match up with their uniform without skipping a beat.
The biggest feature for these socks is that they are about as lightweight of an option that still forms to the foot. So many soccer players feel like they have to sacrifice a few qualities to get something that fits their needs in other categories. The Formation Elite socks might be the most well-rounded soccer sock on the market. It is a great starting point for those who are not sure what they truly need out of a sock just yet.
Pros
- Affordable
- Form-fitting
- Well-rounded option
Cons
- Other Adidas options are tailored for specific needs
- Rip a little easy due to thinness
3. Adidas Team Speed
The Team Speed sock from Adidas uses the Climatelite technology to keep everything as dry as possible while playing. Combined with Climatecool mesh, there is a good amount of breathability when a player is moving around.
There is a good cushioning with the sock, so players who might have some issues with their feet during long matches can certainly count on that. It helps to not only absorb shock, but prevent blisters from forming as well.
With the ability to wear it all the way to the knee, or fold it down to a more mid crew style, many like having options. With a mix of nylon and spandex making up the sock, it is definitely one that holds up even on the hardest days.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Snug fit
- Proper amount of cushioning
Cons
- Colors and designs are somewhat limited
- Might be too lightweight during colder matches
4. Adidas Copa Zone
Those looking for a slight step up from some of the entry-level models from Adidas should give the COPA Zone a try. These stocks feel a little more premium as soon as a person put some on, and they are good enough for some professional players to wear every single practice and match.
These Adidas socks are a combination of nylon and lycra materials to keep everything very lightweight. It also provides a very close fit that some competitive players really love. Having a glove-like feel with the sock stops any type of bunching, which can be hard to fix during play.
Even though it is pretty lightweight around the entire foot, there is cushioning in all the right places. Some people might want a little bit more in the foot bed, but it does do a very good job with arch and ankle support.
All in all, it is definitely a sock that any fan of Adidas should have in their arsenal. Maybe they will not wear them every day, but they are still worth giving a try.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Excellent support in the arch and ankle area
- Stable
Cons
- Could use a bit more cushion in the footbed
- The wicking material can sometimes feel slippery
5. Diadora Squandra
Diadora is popular in certain parts of the world, and they make some high-quality products for soccer players to take advantage of. Their socks are very well received, as they have some of the best durability out there. This allows people to use the socks for a long time, and all while they look brand new.
Another great selling feature is that there are compression areas on the sock that provide that perfect fit. Around the arch and the ankle, people get that tighter fit that helps during play. There will not be any slippage with the sock, as long as the person purchases their size.
All this adds up to fewer blisters, and a pretty effective sock overall. They can sometimes be hard to find in certain parts of the world where Diadora is not so popular, but it is worth trying out at least one pair.
Pros
- Very durable
- Holds color well
- Extra compression in the arch and ankle area
Cons
- Tough to find at times
- Can feel uncomfortable if the wrong size is purchased
6. Trusox Mid-Calf
This brand might not be as well-known as some of the other heavy hitters in soccer, but Trusox is very highly regarded online. Read any review on socks for soccer players out there, and this one will be near the top the list. They have put together a very stable sock that plays well in virtually any conditions.
While the calling card for the sock is stability, it is only going to do so much good if players like how it performs in other ways. It has extra blister protection so that even during long matches, people do not run the risk of that pain.
Compression in all the right areas allow people to really feel like they are getting a customized to fit when they slip them on. The combination of nylon and cotton brings the best of both worlds to the sock, and that is why so many people wear them.
If the sock sounds too good to be true, the price tag is one negative for some. It is an investment, but one that serious soccer players feel is worth it.
Pros
- Outstanding stabilization
- Fights against blisters forming
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Expensive
- Not everyone is a fan of the branding and style
7. Under Armour Solid Soccer
As far as soccer goes, Under Armour is the new brand on the block. They do not have the same type of history as some of the other juggernaut brands out there, but they have a pretty good stock option that people seem to enjoy.
Like a lot of performance socks from the company, they use their ArmourDry technology to help absorb as much sweat as possible during a match. It does an excellent job on the field, handling any rain as well so that players do not feel so soggy moving around.
The cushioning on the sock is also something that gets very high reviews from people. They put an extra layer of shock absorption in the sock, so anyone who is having foot pain should look into them instead of having to wear two socks at once.
The style of the sock is pretty basic, so people are either going to love it or hate it. Under Armour has not re-created the site by any means, but they do have an option for soccer players who want to try something new.
Pros
- Cushioned very well
- ArmourDry technology works
- Does a good job staying new, fighting off odors and bacteria
Cons
- A little heavy for a lightweight sock
- Basic look
What To Look For In Soccer Socks
With so many different options out there, it is certainly overwhelming to make a decision. There are a few factors that most people look at when shopping, and it can help narrow things down for first-timers.
Material
Synthetic materials dominate the top socks in today’s world, as players are looking for a blend of comfort, breathability, and light feel. It can be overwhelming for some soccer players to have to deal with socks that start weighing them down, especially when sweat or any other type of moisture adds up.
Just about every expensive option has some combination of nylon, polyester, spandex, and acrylic. There are still some older options that have cotton, but it does not have the same breathability qualities as synthetic materials.
Sizing
As socks become more specialized for certain players, there are more sizing options than ever before. This is good news for those who suffer from blisters, or any other issues with socks that do not fit correctly.
The first thing to do is to look at suggestions from the manufacturers. However, if possible, try them on before buying more than one pair. When in between sizes, soccer players tend to go down. It is better for the sock to be too tight, rather than too loose.
Length
Most traditional soccer socks are going to go to about the knee, but there are a growing number of options that are simply crew cut. Some players just think crew is more stylish. Having longer socks protect the rest of the leg if something happens, but this is one aspect that is pretty much personal preference
For your convenience, here are all the soccer socks I recommended above:
