The Best Basketball Socks

Buying Guide

Basketball can be hard on the feet. In fact, some basketball players wear two pairs of socks. When you’re practicing for hours, the friction between your foot and your shoe as you move around the court can cause blisters.

Blisters aren’t isolated to your feet. You can get them anywhere on your body. But if you play basketball, your feet are especially vulnerable to the top cause of blisters: chafing. Chafing is only worsened by moisture, so as your feet start to sweat during gameplay, your risk increases.

Experts have some recommendations that can help keep your feet healthy and you comfortable. Moisture-wicking socks can be a great first step, but if necessary, consider doubling up on your socks. Nylon tends to be best for wicking moisture. It’s also essential that your shoes be properly fitted. Tight shoes can make your feet uncomfortable, but loose shoes will allow your feet to scoot around a little too much inside.

But your skin isn’t the only consideration when you’re participating in athletics. You’ll also want support for your ankles and feet while you’re practicing. That’s where compression socks can come in. With compression socks, you get extra support that can help keep muscle soreness at bay.

Basketball socks also often build in arch support. If you’re on your feet for long stretches of time, this won’t just help with your feet. It also reduces the stress on your back, hips and other joints and muscles.

Moisture can be a problem with athletic footwear. Not only do you have to worry about increased risk of blistering, but it can also leave you uncomfortable halfway through practice or a game. Moisture can also lead to bacterial growth, putting you at risk for athlete’s foot. To reduce those risks, look for socks that wick moisture and let your shoes thoroughly dry between uses.

• A little petroleum jelly or lotion on your feet before practice or a game can help counteract the friction and protect your skin.
• If you do get blisters, keep them clean, dry, and covered until they heal. Padding the area around the blister can also protect it from rubbing against your shoe.
• Although many of your teammates might wear two pairs of socks, keep in mind this can cause your foot to overheat. It does reduce friction, though.
• Ankle braces can also keep the foot stable, reducing the risk of injury and giving you the support you need while you’re moving around the court.
• You’ll need a little flex in the socks to keep you comfortable. Look for basketball socks with a little spandex built in.
• You can find basketball socks in a variety of colors and some that have basketball images on them. This can liven up practice and show off your love for the sport when you wear them outside of gameplay.
• Some socks promise one-size-fits-all sizing. If you go this route, make sure the important features will fall where they should on your feet. If arch support doesn’t quite cover your arch, you’ll miss that benefit.
• The height of your socks will also determine the support they provide. You can find ankle socks, but most often, your basketball socks will be calf-height. This allows the sock to fully support your ankles.
• Basketball socks typically come in multiples. Buying two or three pairs at once is ideal for those who practice regularly. It will ensure you have a clean pair to wear if you play more often than you do laundry.
• Breathability is important, too. Look for socks that have a little ventilation built in, especially with thicker socks that have extra padding. Breathability will help keep your feet cool and dry, even if you sweat during gameplay.