Finding basketball socks that keep your feet dry is important for both your performance and your health. Sweaty feet cause more problems than just odor; athlete's foot and blisters are both the result. Contrary to what you may think, a higher, thicker pair of socks will help keep you drier than a thin, light pair.
Material
The material your socks are made from plays a very important role in keeping your feet dry. Cotton holds moisture in and should be avoided in your basketball socks. According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, basketball players should seek out socks made from an acrylic moisture-wicking material. These fibers keep feet the driest and also keep their shape throughout the game and after many washes. Nike's Dri-FIT and Adidas' CoolMax lines are made from moisture-wicking materials.
Fit
A good pair of basketball socks has a snug fit. The toe seam runs across the middle of your toe line and the "Y" stitch on the heel sits just below the ankle bone in a properly fitting pair of socks. Basketball socks should at least come above the ankle. This will keep your feet dry by absorbing any sweat that drips down from your legs. If you catch the sweat before it reaches the ankle, it will keep you significantly cooler as well.
Brands
Nike has the largest presence in basketball socks with their Dri-FIT Elite line. This line is available in many different colors and in both ankle and crew lengths. Wigwam makes a crew-length sock that claims to control heat and moisture with a double layer that acts as a second skin. Many discount stores also offer moisture-wicking basketball socks for half the price of the brand names, and many are just as effective at keeping the feet dry if they are made of the right materials.
Cost
Basketball socks are available at sporting goods and discount retailers. Most socks are sold in packages of two, three, six or 12 for between $6 and $42 in the March 2011 "Eastbay" sporting goods catalog. Cost differences depend on how many socks are in a package, the brand and the material they are made from.
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