Ice hockey players wear a lot of protective gear and clothing, and that holds true when it comes to their socks. Players wear two pairs of socks: skate socks and specially designed ice hockey socks. Skate socks protect their feet while ice hockey socks protect and warm their legs while keeping their shin guards in place.
Skate Socks
Skate socks are thin, protective socks that hockey players wear beneath their skates. Skate socks can be cropped at ankle length or reach to the top of the skate boot. They are generally a polyester blend, usually mixed with nylon or Spandex, so they dry quickly and snap back into place. Additional features can include moisture-wicking fabrics that suck sweat away from the foot, a reinforced front panel for extra protection against the skate's laces, side air vents and a ribbed or reinforced arch.
Hockey Socks
Hockey socks are long, footless sleeves that run from the player's ankles to their thighs. They resemble thick and tight leg warmers with elastic reinforcement at the ankles and top of the leg. Hockey socks are generally made out of polyester or a polyester blend and usually measure 24 inches long in youth sizes and 30 inches long for adults. The most basic hockey socks are simple sleeve while more elaborate hockey socks can come with additional features. These include mesh inserts for aeration, Velcro tabs at the top of the socks to more securely keep them in place, bubble bands or woven elasticized cuffs at the ankles and an antibacterial treatment to keep bacteria and odors at bay.
Wearing
Hockey players first put on their skate socks, followed by their shin guards, and topped off with their hockey socks. Their shorts cover the top of the socks, but much of the hockey sock's leg portion is exposed. Hockey socks come in vibrant colors that can match your uniforms since they are highly visible on the ice. Custom colors are available from retailers that specialize in hockey uniforms and special orders.
Buying
Skate socks and hockey socks are available at sports and hockey gear retailers. As of 2011, skate socks start at $4 per pair for youth and $8 per pair for adult sizes while ice hockey socks range from $7 per pair to $24 per pair.
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