Why is it necessary to have so many different socks? Anyone who plays a lot of sports may have many pairs of socks in their wardrobe, one for leisure, one for running, one for basketball, and one for work. I will explain the differences between basketball and normal socks in this post.
The difference between basketball socks and normal socks is that basketball socks are thicker and made of absorbent materials to keep the foot dry for longer and prevent blisters. Basketball socks are usually longer than regular socks to support the ankle.
Basketball socks are designed to offer comfort while playing basketball and faster recovery for tired legs. What makes basketball socks different from normal socks and how to choose the right ones, I will tell you later in this article.
What’s the Difference Between Basketball and Normal Socks?
The main differences between basketball socks and regular socks are that basketball socks are more expensive, longer, absorbent, breathe better, are more durable, and are also more comfortable. All of this helps you feel better while playing basketball and helps you recover faster after a game.
You’ll pay a bit more for a good quality pair of basketball socks than the ordinary cotton socks you wear daily. But it is important to know why it is worth spending more money on:
- When you wear ordinary cotton socks, you are not doing particularly stressful activities on your legs besides walking. Therefore, you do not need extra comfortable socks.
- Your feet do not sweat as much in your leisure time as in a sporting activity such as basketball. Therefore, socks do not absorb much sweat, and it does not matter whether you have cotton, wool, or nylon socks.
Quality basketball socks are slightly more expensive because more quality material is used to make them, which helps you feel good in them. I’ll tell you more about how basketball socks affect comfort below. You can find out what kind of basketball socks professional basketball players wear by clicking on this link.
Basketball socks are more comfortable than normal socks
For basketball, basketball socks are the most comfortable, and they have been designed for this very reason, to provide better support for basketball players. Several factors influence the comfort of a sock; the most important is the choice of materials. Let’s look at how basketball socks and regular socks differ in comfort.
| Basketball socks | Normal socks | |
| The thickness of the socks | Basketball socks are thick because they use comfortable materials that have thick fibers. | Normal socks are usually made of thin cotton or synthetic fibers, which are thin and do not offer much comfort. |
| Extra comfort | Basketball socks usually have extra padding in the toe, heel, and ankle areas to minimize the friction of the foot against the shoe. | Normal socks are rarely padded. |
| Length of the socks | Basketball socks are usually longer and reach up to the calves to protect the ankle and reach above-high basketball shoes. | Normal socks can be long or short, depending on the season and footwear. |
Basketball socks absorb more sweat than normal socks
When playing basketball, our feet sweat a lot, which leads to our toes rubbing against each other faster. If our feet are in a wet environment for a long time, we are likely to get blisters or even foot infections. Good quality basketball socks contain materials that absorb a lot of sweat so that the foot stays dry for longer and blisters do not occur.
I suggest you read which characteristics a basketball sock needs to have, to prevent blisters.
| Basketball socks | Normal socks | |
| Absorbent materials | Basketball socks are made of absorbent materials such as nylon and cotton. A larger percentage of nylon is used compared to cotton because nylon dries faster. | Normal socks are usually made of 100% cotton, 100% polyester, or a mix of those materials. |
| Natural vs synthetic materials | Some basketball socks use more natural materials (60-80% cotton), and some use more synthetic materials (polyester, nylon). I prefer the usage of socks that use a higher percentage of nylon. | Normal socks can be made of natural or synthetic materials, but they are less comfortable or durable than basketball socks. |
| Durability of materials | The material used in basketball socks is thicker and more durable, which means basketball socks last longer than ordinary socks. | Normal socks are usually cheaper per pair than basketball socks, meaning the materials are lower quality, and the sock wears out more quickly. |
Basketball socks are more compressive than normal socks
In addition to being absorbent, basketball socks must also be elastic enough to prevent them from sliding down and wrinkling during running. Wrinkling the sock at the feet can cause blisters to form more quickly. The compression socks ensure that the sock fits the foot well, and the elastic materials ensure this in the sock (polyester, nylon, elastane).
If you are interested in learning more about compression socks, you can read more about them here. Compression socks can be worn during a match to prevent cramps and after a match or training session to speed up leg recovery.
Most basketball socks contain at least one of these three materials. The only care needed is when maintaining the socks, not to wash them in hot water, as this damages the elastic fibers. This will make the socks less elastic and more challenging to put on. Hand wash basketball socks in cold water or a machine with a temperature of (20-30°C).
What is the point of basketball socks?
The point of basketball socks is to give the basketball player support and comfort during the game. There is a lot of movement during the game, so basketball socks are thick or cushioned in the most exposed areas and rub against the shoe the most (toes, heel, around the ankle).
The absorbency of the basketball socks also impacts comfort, ensuring that the foot stays dry for longer. Dry feet rub less against the shoe, and toes rub together less, preventing blisters.
Most normal socks are unsuitable for serious basketball because they are too thin and are mostly made of 100% cotton or synthetic materials. Synthetic materials are very thin and tear quickly, so holes could form more quickly in the socks when playing basketball, further speed up the formation of blisters on your feet. Furthermore, synthetic materials such as polyester do not absorb moisture.
Cotton absorbs moisture but gets soggy, which is not good for the foot because it is constantly in a wet environment. Cotton only appears in basketball socks as a blend, in a smaller percentage (<10%) to make the sock more comfortable. The other materials in basketball socks are faster-drying materials.