There are many different types of sports socks. In fact, you can buy a sock that is specifically designed for almost every single sport. Therefore, there are also basketball socks. These socks are similar in design to all-around sports socks. That is why we often ask ourselves whether we need to wear special socks to play basketball.
When playing basketball on a regular basis, you should wear socks that are designed for playing basketball. Compared to other sports socks, basketball socks are thicker to absorb more sweat, have extra padding to cushion movement, and are made of quick-drying materials to stay dry longer.
In the rest of this post, I will explain the main reasons to wear basketball socks instead of regular sports socks. I have also attached a comparison chart where you can clearly see the individual differences between the two types of socks.
Do you need special socks for basketball?
There are already special socks for almost every sport, and for a good reason. Every sport requires different movements and different performances from the players, so the socks are made to support you in the best possible way.
Socks, both in sports and in everyday life, don’t get enough attention. We should spend more time choosing socks, almost as much as choosing good quality shoes. Besides shoes, socks are the only thing that separates the foot from the ground.
For basketball, in principle, you can wear other sports socks that are long enough to reach above the shoe. However, with these socks, you will not achieve optimum comfort for your foot. Therefore, I recommend you buy a few pairs of basketball socks if you play basketball at least once a week. I will now tell you how basketball socks differ from other sports socks and their advantages.
You can read the full comparison between basketball socks and regular socks here.
How are basketball socks different from other sports socks?
Compared to other sports socks, basketball socks have features that allow basketball players to be more comfortable when playing basketball.
| Basketball Socks | Regular Sport Socks | |
| Thickness | Basketball socks are thicker than regular socks to absorb more sweat and be more comfortable. | Not all sports socks are as thick and comfortable as basketball socks. |
| Compression | Basketball socks are more elastic to grip the foot better so that the socks don’t wrinkle during running and cause blisters. | Not all sports socks are as elastic as basketball socks. |
| Sweat absorption | Because socks are made of absorbent materials (nylon, cotton, wool), they are also thicker and absorb more sweat than polyester socks. | Most sports socks are made of polyester, which does not absorb sweat. |
| Cushioning | Basketball socks have extra cushioning in the most sensitive areas (toes, heels, and ankles). | Most sports socks do not have additional cushioning. |
| Quick drying | In addition to being absorbent, the socks have a blend of quick-drying materials (nylon, polyester). | Sports socks are mostly made of quick-drying materials (polyester). |
You need to wear basketball socks to play basketball because basketball socks are made to give you maximum comfort and support while playing basketball. You will not feel as comfortable playing basketball with any other sports socks.
What makes basketball socks so comfortable and thick are the materials. The best quality and most popular basketball socks are made of polyester, nylon, cotton, and spandex (61% polyester/20% nylon/17% cotton/2% spandex).
The most popular basketball socks are the Nike Elite Crew Socks. They are so popular because NBA players also wear them. You can read more about what socks NBA players wear here.
Although basketball socks are thicker than regular socks, many professional basketball players wear double basketball socks. Two pairs of socks give them more comfort, absorb more sweat, and prevent uncomfortable blisters. You might also like to know what are the 3 features that a basketball sock must have to avoid blisters while playing.
Why are basketball socks so long?
Basketball socks are so long because basketball shoes are also very high. Long socks protect the skin from rubbing directly against the shoe, preventing unpleasant blisters. The basketball socks are additionally cushioned around the ankle area.
If you wear high basketball shoes, you should wear high basketball socks because they protect your ankle and absorb more sweat. Crew socks that reach your calves are best.
NBA players also wear crew socks, which must be in their team colors, or white (as this is a neutral color). If you wear ankle socks with high basketball shoes, they can creep into your shoe and blister you.
Which brands of basketball socks are the best?
The best and most popular brand of basketball socks is Nike. Jordan and Stance basketball socks are also very popular. The latter was even the official socks of the NBA between 2015 and 2017.
Before Nike became an official sponsor of the NBA, Stance was the official sock of the NBA from 2015 to 2017. At the time, it was a small and unestablished company exclusively dedicated to sock manufacturing. They brought colorful socks to the NBA, as previously, the basketball socks worn by players were only white and black.
Special socks were only worn for special events such as the Christmas game or All-Star weekend. They wanted the basketball players to wear such socks every game. Which was liked by the players and the league management. You can read the full comparison between Stance and Nike socks here.
Where you can buy Stance Basketball socks?
Stance Logoman Quarter Sock
You can buy Stance Logoman Quarter socks on Amazon for $14.99. They are made of 77% Combed Cotton, 19% Polyester, 2% Nylon, 2% Elastane, and FEEL360 technology. Combed cotton is more comfortable than regular cotton because it is pre-treated and has softer fibers than regular cotton. The socks are quarter size, which means they cover the ankles and are just the right height to protect the ankles from blisters, even if you wear high basketball shoes.
Get your Stance Logoman Quarter Sock here.
Stance Icon Sport Crew Socks
You can buy Stance Logoman Quarter socks on Amazon for $28.99. They are made of 77% Combed Cotton, 19% Polyester, 2% Nylon, 2% Elastane. Combed cotton is more comfortable than regular cotton because it is pre-treated and has softer fibers than regular cotton. The socks are crew size, which means they cover the ankles and extend up to the calves. Which is more than enough to protect the ankles from blisters and absorb a lot of moisture, even if you wear high basketball shoes.
Get your Stance Icon Sport Crew Socks here.