The Best Basketball Socks

The Best Basketball Socks
Photo Credit Gym shoes and socks on the center line of a road image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com

What To Look For

The best basketball socks are going to be able to wick sweat away from the foot. The wicking ability of a sock will be determined by is fiber content. Regarding basketball socks, the mechanical structure of the fiber and compressibility of the fiber will determine overall wicking potential according to American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Socks that are made out of a synthetic fiber are best for playing basketball in because not only do they wick away sweat, they also do not stretch, lose their shape, or bunch up inside of the shoe.

Common Pitfalls

Avoid purchasing basketball socks that are too big or too thin. Socks that are too big may cause blisters. If the foot is not snug inside the sock, it will rub against the sock and the shoe, leading to blisters. Thin socks cause the same problem. If there is not adequate protection between the foot and the shoe you run the risk of getting blisters. Since basketball is a game where quick side-to-side movements dominate, it is important to be able to execute these movements consistently without the possibility of injury.

Where To Buy

Basketball socks can be bought at any local sporting goods store or they can be purchased online. When you find a good pair of basketball socks you should get more than one pair. Good socks often come in two-packs or three-packs. If you are unsure what a pair to purchase ask a representative at the store. He will be able to give you advice regarding the best basketball socks for your situation. You can also buy basketball socks online. When shopping online you can purchase larger quantities of socks direct from the manufacturer. This is an economical option for coaches or athletic directors who want to outfit their teams with the same socks--you can often get a discounted price when you buy in bulk.

Cost

Basketball socks can cost anywhere between $5 and $20. The price difference depends on the brand of sock, the cut of the sock, as well as the number that comes in a pack. Socks that have a longer cut, such as tube socks, will be more expensive than socks that have a lower cut.

References

Article reviewed by Patricia Reed Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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