Are you looking for the best type of socks for all your daily routines and athletic activities? Here is all the information you need to learn what type of socks there are, including casual, sport-specific, and functional socks, and what options are the best fit for you.We all know that there are different types of shoes made for various purposes. For instance, you cannot wear cycling shoes when playing football. The same principle applies when it comes to selecting a type of socks. Take athletic socks, for example, every kind of athletic sock has a distinct purpose, and you should find athletic socks that fit your purpose the best.
What Are Common Types of Athletic Socks?
Depending on the sports or activities you pick, here are some of the most common types of athletic socks you can find and select from:
What Type of Socks Suits Your Lifestyle Best?
Cycling socks, or mountain bike socks (MTB), are usually made from synthetic or natural materials such as nylon or merino wool. MTBs are designed to be thin, breathable, and close-fitting, which results in fewer pressure points that can be caused by micro-vibrations in those long days saddling on a bike. Also, to provide riders with more protection from debris or dirt on the road, cycling socks come with a higher thread count. Find out which materials and what socks length are recommended to manufacture quality cycling socks here!
Football Socks / Soccer Socks
Football socks are essentially tight stockings. These socks are used to keep the shin pad in its place. Moreover, the socks are professionally made to provide stabilization and ankle support. Players are recommended to wear football socks so that even when they get injured, the wound would not deteriorate from all the impact during the game.
Running Socks
Whether you are a professional runner or simply an amateur fan of running, chances are that you have experienced blisters, burning feet, or excessive sweat. All of these can hurt your running performance. To offer solid support and superior comfort, a great pair of running socks must be shock-absorbing; comfortable compression in socks helps reduce muscle vibration. Also, five-toe socks are preferred as they effectively prevent blisters during training and racing. Ventilation and thermoregulation are other bonus points to consider when choosing your running socks.
Ball Game Socks
Ball game socks should be made of synthetic fibers so they are moisture-wicking and do not cause calluses on your feet. They may also include enhanced structures that protect your feet from pronation, peak pressure, or sports injuries.
Hiking Socks / Outdoor Socks
For the purpose of hiking, you will need to purchase the type of socks specific to the weather conditions of the place you are heading to. For instance, if you are going to a cold mountainous area for hiking, your socks should be ultra-thick to keep you warm. When your destination is somewhere warm, on the contrary, consider buying socks that are light and breathable—this type of socks helps regulate temperature preventing the heat from building up.
Snow Socks / Skiing Socks
Snow socks protect your feet against cold weather while leaving enough wiggle room for your toes to prevent excessive friction and rubbing. Fabrics like wool, Acrylic, and similar types of synthetic materials are often recommended. They are excellent for winter wear due to their insulating properties. By choosing this type of socks, you won’t feel cold when snow skating or participating in any other snow-related activities.
Motocross Socks / MX Socks
Before you jump on your dirt bike, make sure you have included several pairs of motocross socks in your motocross gear. Motocross socks are designed to help you survive all the bumpy terrains and steep climbs. Consequently, as a pair, MX socks should come with a thick knit in the heel and sole for comfort and shock absorption. Knee-high is the ideal sock length protecting you from cuts, gravel rash, and friction burns as you slide along a road. Also, it serves as a buffer between the skin and your protective clothing.
Golf Socks
Comfort is key when shopping for socks to wear in your next round of golf. Breathability, moisture management, and anti-odor technology work together to aerate your feet well, particularly on warmer days. Support and protection are other important factors to consider. The best pairs of golf socks come with zonal cushioning and arch support; usually, they are made of soft and durable fabrics to give a comfortable fit for many rounds.
Equestrian / Horse Riding Socks
These socks are designed to provide overall comfort and support equestrian footwear. Some of the functionalities you should be looking for include high durability, moisture-wicking properties, antimicrobial fabrics, and maybe a pull-on closure system for a customized fit. Last but not least, to keep your feet and calf supported, go for the pairs with a breathable mesh wrap, targeted heel and ankle bone protection, and sufficient elasticity around the instep.
Functional Socks for Various Occasions
Wearing socks provides protection, and warmth while complimenting your aesthetic look. The selection of appropriate types of socks is essential to everyday foot care, and there are plenty of options in the marketplace. Whether it is moisture management or superior wearing comfort you’re seeking, chances are that you’ll find the type of socks with the functionality required.
Waterproof Socks
Waterproof socks are made with the most rugged outdoor sporting activity in mind, such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. As participants often experience snow and/or water splash, a pair of fully waterproof socks with seamless designs is undoubtedly the best type of socks. These ergonomic socks are designed to keep all external moisture out—even in full immersion. They also come with moisture management, which helps wick away internal moisture and improves foot comfort.
Compression Socks
Compression socks improve blood flow and circulation by applying gentle pressure to your lower legs and supporting veins. Good circulation is essential to remove tiredness, reduce discomfort, and ease swelling. There are three main types of compression socks or stockings: graduated compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings, and nonmedical support hosiery. Choose the type of compression socks based on your needs. Or, for a bit more research, come to have a look at our previous article and learn more about customized compression socks!
3D Seamless Print Socks
The ‘functionality’ of this type of socks lies in its beauty and customization. Usually made on-demand, these colorful socks range from cartoon patterns to trendy images and can become a part of your fashion statement.
Lengths and Type of Socks Explained
No matter they are athletic, functional, or casual socks, different types of socks come in a variety of lengths. Pick the one you need based on your wearing styles and occasions.
1. No-Show / Invisible
No-show socks are not visible overshoes as they sit below the heel of the shoe. This type of socks can be a valuable asset to your everyday sock-wearing—they provide the cushion your feet need without being a potential outfit ruiner. That being said, don’t forget to pick the ones that stay on to prevent horrible blisters and sores.
2. Low-Cut
Also called “Peds Socks”, low-cut socks are ones that end just above the ankle of the shoe and are only slightly visible. Runners commonly wear these socks to protect the back of their ankles in case their shoe rub.
3. Ankle
Also known as anklets, this type of socks end on ankle bones and touch your shins. These socks are relatively short, which makes them work well with mid- or high-top shoes. The great thing about ankle socks is their versatility. Anklets can be worn with casual or sporty outfits—a pair of pants, skinny jeans, joggers, or sneakers.
4. Quarter / Half Crew
Quarter socks rise from the shoe to usually cover the anklebone entirely. They are a bit longer than anklets and prevent blisters in the area where your Achilles contact your shoes.
5. Crew / Tube
Crew socks are of medium size, and they cross the ankle to end just a few inches past the ankle and on the calf. This type of socks is most frequently worn during exercise at the gym and in colder winter months.
6. Knee-high
Knee-high socks go all the way up to your knees, as the name suggests. The length covers the calf but not the complete knee. Due to the firm support they provide, this type of socks is preferred by outdoor adventurers and sports players. They are also used to keep the shin guards in place and protect the leg.
Other Trending Fabrics for Socks
Socks are more than just a tedious necessity buy. By choosing and wearing the right types of socks, you set the foundation for keeping your feet healthy and comfortable. And when it comes to fabric selection, your choice of materials abounds on the market.
For instance, the Coolmax fabric is a synthetic fabric containing a special polyester fiber. It excels in preventing overheating and excessive moisture loss and dehydration, which is especially practical in a hot climate.
Meanwhile, we’ve got the trending sustainable socks and one of the all-time favorites: wool socks.
Sustainable Socks
Made from sustainable materials that are designed to last longer and pose a lower environmental impact than conventional socks, this type of socks has been captivating the industry for all the ethical comfort it promises. Also, judging from the side of manufacturers, sustainable socks are crucial in that it supports the growing market for sustainability in general.
Wool Socks
Wool socks are the perfect option for all the people who want to stay warm and cozy when they are taking part in everyday or even athletic activities. This type of socks is generally thicker and can provide better protection against the cold.
Are you looking to manufacture several types of socks that tick all the boxes? Paultex is a custom socks manufacturer that specializes in a range of product creations, including athletic/sports socks, functional socks, sustainable socks, and a lot more. Contact Us today to create the types of socks that best fit your customers’ lifestyles.
