Table of Contents
- What socks do soccer players wear?
- What are the best brands of soccer socks?
- Do soccer players wear under-socks?
- How much are quality soccer socks?
- Do soccer players need to wear long socks?
- Why do soccer players wear long socks?
- Recap: What socks do soccer players wear?
Soccer equipment throughout the years has changed since the sport’s inception. From the baggy sort of trousers players wore during the game’s early days to the more modern use of snood scarves that you see some athletes donning during winter.
But something that has remained consistent for over a century is long socks in soccer. Why is that? How did they begin to be worn in the beautiful game anyway?
Here we explain why they’re the design they are and look at some of the best options out there.
*Our published content contains affiliate links that may lead to a small commission. Full disclosure here.
What socks do soccer players wear?
The socks typically used in soccer games are long enough to reach a player’s knees and are mostly nylon with elastane.
You might hear them called “over-the-calf” socks or “knee-high” socks. These are the same as what they call soccer socks in the game.
The socks worn by professional players are breathable, durable, and support the shin guards players must wear.
Players may decide to wear them in different manners, but each team provides the exact same design of socks (in varying sizes) for their players that meet the governing body’s regulations.
What are the best brands of soccer socks?
The biggest manufacturers in soccer all make good quality soccer socks that you will find comfortable to wear and offer the right amount of support for you.
Experienced and trusted suppliers like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Umbro, and Puma have been in soccer for a long time and continue to innovate their products to improve their wearability.
They are generally found in various sizes to fit whoever needs them and colors to suit your team’s uniform. Here are some of the socks we think are the best available online:
Adidas Rivalry Soccer Socks
Adidas is a big player in the soccer game, so it’s unlikely you’ll go wrong with anything they supply. These Rivalry soccer socks from Adidas are affordable for everyone and come in a range of colors and sizes.
Nike Academy Soccer Socks
Nike is often considered king in most of the sports they manufacture in, and for good reason. The quality is usually considered excellent and a smart choice when buying soccer socks and these Nike Academy Soccer Socks are a great option.
Under Armour Soccer Socks
When compared to some other brands, Under Armour is relatively new to soccer, but its reputation is now justifiably strong. Select from an array of sizes and colors to suit your needs and these Under Armour soccer socks will serve you well throughout the season.
Do soccer players wear under-socks?
Some players choose to wear grip socks under their traditional soccer socks.
The reason for this is that traditional soccer socks, especially new ones, can be slippery. This could cause blisters or just a general uncomfortable feeling when playing.
It’s becoming commonplace to wear socks, which are the usual shape you would find in everyday socks, underneath their team’s socks.
They are typically fitted with viscid patches on the soles and heels to provide comfort and security.
Long-standing manufacturers of soccer socks are always researching contemporary designs for their equipment so it’s likely that we’ll see further changes to equipment in the near future.
However, regardless of any advancement to the more traditional socks, players might still choose to wear a secondary pair of socks under their soccer socks to offer more protection and support.
How much are quality soccer socks?
Soccer socks vary substantially in quality and price. As a general rule of thumb, the more you pay for a pair of soccer socks, the longer they will last and the greater protection they will provide.
This isn’t always accurate, of course, so be sure to check the reviews online before committing to an expensive purchase.
The best soccer socks online will probably cost you at least $20, but you can still buy good quality socks from reputable brands for around $10 as well.
How much you want to spend often depends on how regularly you play and what care you take of them.
Do soccer players need to wear long socks?
Yes, players must wear the regulation long socks that their league permits.
That being said, some players choose to roll the socks down to their ankles. Manchester City and England midfielder Jack Grealish famously does this, which still supports the rather small shin pads he decides to wear.
Former Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry frequently pulled the fold at the top of the socks over his knees. He once stated that the inspiration for this unique style was former teammate Sonny Anderson, who wore his socks in the same manner. Being a young and impressionable prospect at the time, Henry decided to copy Anderson and it soon became almost a trademark of his own.
One of the reasons players need to wear long socks, whether pulled up or down, is because they surround the shin guards that must be worn at the professional level and many levels below that.
Why do soccer players wear long socks?
The main reason that soccer players wear long socks is that they keep the shin guards that must be worn in place.
Our piece on the necessity of shin guards within soccer explains all you need to know about the reasons why they’re worn and our review of available products online.
It’s also important to remember that teams must differentiate themselves from their opponent. Just as the jerseys and shorts will be different colors from the team you are playing against, the socks will frequently be dissimilar to what the opposition is wearing.
It’s much easier to differentiate the color of long socks than shorter ones.
Recap: What socks do soccer players wear?
In summary, the length, comfort, color, and structure of the socks that you wear while playing soccer matters.
Avoid nasty foot blisters or other ailments by choosing the appropriate brand, size, and durability in your purchase.