Every athlete, regardless of the game they play, wears a certain uniform; socks (long or short) are an integral part of that uniform. Footballers wear long socks to keep the shin guard in place or their legs safe. Marathon runners also wear long socks to keep their legs safe from the harsh elements they come across during the race.
Long socks keep the athlete’s legs warm and prevent them from chafing, which can occur due to constant rubbing of the legs with each other. Moreover, long socks are also ideal for absorbing sweat, which can cause the risk of slipping by accumulating in shoes.
Give a thorough read to this informative article to understand why some athletes wear long socks and how they are beneficial!
Let’s begin!
Why Is It Good For Athletes To Wear Long Socks?
Athletes participate in team events or play individually in sports such as Rugby, Soccer, Running, Cycling, Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Basketball, and others. It is recommended to wear the best-fitted socks to play all these sports to get numerous benefits and to reduce plenty of risks.
Let’s see why it is good for athletes to wear long socks!
Long Socks Keep Warm
Athletes wear socks for multiple reasons; some believe socks help their leg muscles to remain warm, preventing serious injuries.
Part Of Uniform
Many athletes prefer wearing long socks because they are part of the uniform guidelines. All teams and individual players wear different uniforms and choose matching long socks for them. No matter the reason (health, safety, uniformity, grace), it is necessary to wear long socks in the sports world.
Prevent Sweat from Reaching the Shoes
Long socks are more popular among sweatier runners because one of their main advantages is that they stop sweat from dripping into their shoes. Several people also find the added fabric’s warmth beneficial in colder months. Long socks are a wise choice if you enjoy trail jogging due to their added protection from abrasions and spills.
Long Socks Are the Best During Winters
In most countries, the harsh winter season makes it difficult for players to play with full focus and attention. Hence, sportsmen should wear fleece or wool (warm inners under their shirts) and prefer long socks to keep their legs and feet warm.
So, if you are also a player and face difficulty handling winter, always pick long socks to cover your knees and legs appropriately.
What Types of Long Socks are Suitable To Athletes?
Remember, runners and athletes playing different sports should also wear long socks for leg protection and various other reasons. However, they must choose the right type and material of socks.
Choose Socks that Fit Perfectly
Athletes must pick good quality socks that fit perfectly in their feet and shoes during the tournament. In summer, they can pick lighter socks so that the legs remain safe from overheating because muscles activate when players continuously run for a long time, for example, in football, marathons, hockey, etc.
Socks Size
The next thing is the size; the long socks should be long enough to cover a higher area of the legs. In many games, players won’t wear pants; hence, it would be better to wear long socks to cover the legs, at least above the knees. Socks covering the knees are also the best to save players from scratches because sometimes, when athletes dive, the chances of injuries increase.
Socks Material
Athletes also need to check the sock’s material; the favorable material for socks is acrylic, wool blend, and polyester. These are great for keeping athletes safe from athletes’ feet and fungal toenails and avoiding unpleasant odors.
Long Socks Should Not be Too Tight
Although it is necessary to pick socks that fit well on the legs and don’t disturb athletes while running, here comes the importance of elasticity, the long socks need to be elastic as they cover the legs’ lower half.
If socks are too tight, muscle burn and cramps chances are higher. If the socks are tight enough, it is advised to make some holes to increase airflow and blood circulation. This strategy has been adopted by many footballers who want to stay comfortable wearing long socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Types of Socks Work Best for Treating an Athlete’s Foot?
In that regard, wool socks are superior to cotton ones since cotton fibers generally collect moisture. 100% merino wool socks dry rapidly, have a built-in bacterial defense mechanism, and help lessen the feet’ odor.
What Things to Look for In Athletic Socks?
Athletes are not advised to pick any socks randomly, but they must check many things before spending some bucks. The socks should be comfortable, not too tight or loose. Some other things include material, proper padding, cushioning, warmth, seamless toe, stitching, and moisture management.
Which Games Demand Long Socks?
In athletics uniforms, most socks are knee-high. High socks are especially common in football, soccer, and volleyball to prevent sliding around the ground or court. Particularly soccer players wear knee-high socks for their shin protection and leg safety.
Do Socks Really Matter in Sports?
Just like good quality shoes, buying high-quality socks pair is also critical. Socks for athletes are made to wick away moisture, prevent blisters, and keep their feet more comfortable.
Our Summary
When it comes to sports, even a tiny factor impact the overall results (victory and defeat); therefore, it is necessary to concentrate on the game fully. To remain focused, the uniform, sports equipment, and other things matter a lot. One such thing for athletes is socks, especially long socks. Athletes do not just wear them to keep their feet safe from blisters and fungus or to follow the uniform guidelines. In reality, long socks have many more benefits, as we have unfolded in this article.
So, if you are preparing to appear in your first professional sports mania, don’t hesitate to pack long socks along with other essentials.
Wow, how a tiny cloth item can significantly increase your comfort and success rate!