Best Tennis Socks
We all know how important wearing the perfect pair of tennis shoes is to feel comfortable on the court and help prevent injuries. But tennis socks are becoming more and more prevalent as major companies pour technology into them.
They are, at the end of the day, the supportive barrier between your foot and your tennis shoe, so should be carefully considered as is the case with the rest of your tennis equipment and apparel. But which brand offers the best tennis socks today? Well, let’s find out!
Why Are Tennis Socks Important?
Tennis socks are very often overlooked when players think about the most important articles of clothing they may need on the court. Sure, you may buy yourself some generic sports socks and be done with it.
But, wearing a pair of supportive, ergonomic tennis socks that hug and support your feet and work in tandem with perfectly fitting tennis shoes can really elevate your game.
After all, it is incredibly important to feel comfortable and confident when you are moving around the court, as footwork and fitness have become incredibly important in the game of tennis today.
What you also have to remember is, tennis shoes get an awful lot of attention and of course they are an incredibly important part of a tennis player’s kit bag. But they won’t feel comfortable or supportive without a decent pair of specifically designed tennis socks.
There are a few things to look out for when you are looking for your perfect pair of tennis socks. Whilst tennis shoes can be easily distinguishable thanks to their bright colours and bold designs, tennis socks tend to fly under the radar by comparison.
They tend to come in subtle colours and like to blend in, so choosing between brands, models and even sock types can actually be quite challenging if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for.
The first decision to make is the actual sock type you want to wear. Traditionally, tennis players tend to go for longer socks as opposed to ankle socks and there is certainly merit to this.
Aside from the awful tan lines, longer tennis socks can actually have more cushioning built into the heel and ankle area, which can make them more supportive than their shorter counterparts.
Another benefit of the longer crew style of sock is that any sweat that may drip down your leg will hit the top of the sock (at the bottom of your calf) and bounce off, avoiding your shoe altogether.
Whereas, an ankle sock with its low riding band allows sweat to enter the shoe which could cause your foot to slip or induce blisters.
Of course, whether this is a major issue for you will depend on how much you sweat, how prone you are to blisters and ultimately which sock type you feel most comfortable in, but these are all factors that are worth considering if you’ve never invested in a proper pair of tennis socks before.
There can also be merit to the shorter sock or ankle sock for players that simply feel restricted by the long sock or prefer the feel of a small lip at the top of the sock sitting mid way up their achilles.
Ultimately the sock type you go for comes down to personal preference.
Your first priority should be comfort and support, but you may also want to consider the heat, playing surface and even the design of your outfit on the day you’re playing when choosing which tennis socks to wear!
Higher performance orientated tennis socks can certainly be more expensive to buy than regular sports socks.
However, they are definitely worth the investment as they are better padded, breathable and provide a valuable cushioning layer between your feet and the soles of your shoes.
Speaking of which, one of the key trade offs you will likely have to make when looking for a new pair of tennis socks is breathability versus padding.
Much like with tennis shoes, a more padded, supportive and built up tennis sock will of course offer you a superior cushioning effect compared to a thinner, lighter, more breathable
Now, we have highlighted some of the key things you should look out for in a pair of tennis socks. Let’s dive into the contenders for the best tennis socks you can buy today!
The Best Tennis Socks
Nike Multiplier Cushion Crew Socks
- Classic Design
- Highly Breathable
- Suportive Padding
One of the more stylish and yet simply designed socks on our list, the classic design of the Nike Multiplier Cushion Crew Socks give them a premium feel.
They are surprisingly breathable considering how comfortable and plush they feel on the foot, whilst the Dri-Fit technology that we have come to know and love from Nike really earns its place in this sock.
The padding is supportive but economically placed so there is just enough to support your arch and heel but not so much that the sock feels restrictive or mushy. Overall a great all round choice that you’ll want to buy in bulk!
Thorlo TX Level 1/ Level 3 Crew Socks
- 2 Specifically Tailored Designs!
- Maximum Support
- Unique Thorlon Technology
Arguably the most impressive and well revered tennis sock out there, the Thorlo TX level 1 and 3 crew socks are not always the first option that pops into the head of a recreational tennis player, but once you try them, you’ll likely never try anything else!
They are by far the most supportive and specifically engineered tennis sock on the market, and they even come in two specifically tailored designs depending on how much padding you need.
The level 3 socks are more padded whereas the level 1 is the most breathable, but the one you go for will really depend on how much cushioning you need and how much room you have in your tennis shoes (the level 3 is quite thick!).
Their unique thorlon technology gives unmatched levels of padding that is more like a hiking sock than a traditional sport sock, but also offers a great deal of breathability so you won’t feel like you're wearing a pair of wooley slippers!
These are two or three times more expensive than the other socks on our list so bear that in mind before you run to your local tennis store to buy them. But, if you are looking for the absolute last word in support and padding, look no further than the Thorlo TX tennis socks.
Adidas Alphaskin Max Cushion Crew Socks
- Tacky Feel For Slip-Free Tennis!
- Great Ventilation
- Comfortable, Supportive Padding
The Adidas Alphaskin Max cushion crew socks are aimed at players that have a serious set of wheels on them and want an incredibly breathable and almost tacky sock that will hold firm in their shoe.
If sweating and your foot sliding around in your shoe is a problem you face, these socks will be an ideal fit for you. They are remarkably well padded for such a well ventilated sock, offering support particularly around the heel and ankle.
They are a little tight fitting by design as this helps with their ability to hold your feet tight, but this may feel a bit uncomfortable for some players that are more used to a more traditionally fitting sport sock.
Fila Crew Performance Sock
- Variety of Styles
- Great Value For Money!
- Super Lightweight
If you are after a more versatile sock from a well known tennis brand, the Fila Crew Performance sock is a great option for you. We have focussed mainly on crew socks here, but these come in a range of different styles so whichever cut you are after, Fila will cater for you.
The Fila crew performance socks represent great value for money and are an incredibly breathable option that doesn’t skimp on padding either. They are very lightweight so you’ll feel like you’re walking on air whilst playing in these socks!
New Balance Ace Crew Cooling Cushion Performance Sock
- Supportive Cushioning
- Relieving Breathability
- Classic Design
These numbers from New Balance offer a great blend of supportive cushioning and relieving breathability. They sport a classic design with their layered stripes on the upper portion of the sock, which, along with the bright NB logo does make them stand out from the crowd.
They lean more towards breathability and the upper part of the sock is made from a lightweight mesh material. They are one of the most comfortable socks you can go for and make a solid choice for the player who is new to performance tennis socks.
Stance Boyd Crew Sock
- Generous Arch Support
- Awesome Breathability
- Non Slip!
Another one for the lesser known brands are the Stance Boyd crew socks, that may look unassuming at first glance, but don’t judge a book by its cover! These are some of the most supportive socks out there; these could well be them!
They offer a very generous arch support that is more tight fitting than any other sock on our list, so if you are looking for a sock that really hugs your foot tightly and makes you feel locked in, this would be a great option to go for. They also have exceptional breathability so you won’t be slipping around on a hot day.
Takeaways
Overall, there are a range of different tennis socks out there but the best options can sometimes slip under the radar as high performance tennis socks often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
However, they are a vitally important piece of clothing that tennis players of all levels, but particularly those playing competitively should pay attention to.
It is definitely worth trying out a few different pairs so you can arrive at the best fit for you, but have a think about whether you need more comfort, support or breathability from the socks you already play in.
We hope this was a helpful guide to the best tennis socks out there today, and good luck with the rest of your search!
Get Your Tennis Socks For The Best Value Price From Our Good Friends at RacquetGuys!
Explore more
Aug 24, 2023 • Equipment Advice
When Should a Child Switch to an Adult Tennis Racket?
Picking a tennis racket can be a tricky thing to go through at the best of times. But, when you are transitioning from junior or child rackets to full sized adult rackets. This is a particularly challenging time in a tennis player’s journey, but especially when rockets come into consideration.…
Read MoreAug 8, 2023 • Equipment Advice Shoes
8+ Best Tennis Shoes for Women (2023)
Are you looking for the best women’s tennis shoes on the market? Want to take your tennis game, movement, and comfort to the next level as you glide around the court? Well, you’re in luck! We have compiled a list of the best women’s tennis shoes to give you an…
Read More