30 November 2021
The typical basketball sock used for sports activities is mostly made of polyester and has extra cushioning at the ankle. So, this type of sock wicks moisture from athletes’ feet and protects them from injuries. These features make it the ideal choice for sports in which running and perspiration are crucial factors.
Table of Contents
However, the shape and fabric composition suggest that you might want to wear a different pair of socks for sports where you change directions frequently. For clarity, basketball players also make numerous shifts when they dribble and turn around during offensive and defensive play. But basketball is a team sport and is different from other sports like tennis, where you dash forward, back, and sideways all the time.
What Sports Need A Different Type Of Socks Than The Basketball Sock Used For Playing Basketball?
Besides tennis, basketball socks are not ideal for soccer, mainly because basketball socks are too short and too expensive.. There are significant differences that can make you prefer one type of socks or the other. So, it is better to discuss the distinctions as we tackle each one at the time.
Soccer players need to run for 180 minutes. And if the game reaches extra time, then you need to add 30 more minutes. So, they would play for a total of 210 minutes. They only rest for 15 minutes during the first halftime and then 10 minutes if the game goes into extra time. A 5-minute break follows at the end of normal time before extra time begins and after the next 15 minutes.
By contrast, basketball players play for a total of 40 minutes-48 during NBA games over 2 hours. They have plenty of time to rest. Plus, the time-outs. So, they do not need a knee-high sock that keeps their legs and calves warm. Mainly, basketball players want to avoid ankle sprains.
For the same reason, a player would change the basketball sock used for training with another type when playing:
- American football
- Baseball
- Floorball
- Hockey
What Are Basketball Socks Used For?
Basketball socks are perfect for running and jumping when wearing athletic shoes. But the focus is on short bursts of intense action and not on sustained effort over time. To clarify, the best shoes to use these socks with include:
- Cross trainers
- Golf shoes
- Hiking boots
- Lacrosse shoes
- Running shoes
- Trail shoes
The basketball sock used for NBA games has been the best-kept secret of the foremost professional basketball league in the US for years. In retrospect, it might even have been worth the win during some seasons. The fit is comfortable; the socks have special padding, and the stitch is different or seamless.
In the past, basketball players used to play in knee-highs as well. The iconic socks with two stripes were paper thin. But above all, they were not ideal for jumping and cutting on the basketball court. Later, well-known brands made thicker socks with arch bands and zonal cushioning. Some even added compression bands around the calves, and the rest is history.
Which Other Sports Would Benefit From Wearing Basketball Socks?
At a competitive level, the sports that can benefit from wearing these socks are:
- Bowling
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Golf (During spring and fall)
- Horse racing
- Roller skating
- Team handball
- Weight lifting
The same basketball sock used for competing on a court or field can last a lifetime. Plus, as many hoopers can confirm, you cannot have too many basketball socks. Mainly because every brand makes different models, each one with unique features and fit.
Basketball socks are not only versatile. In fact, they are suitable for any sports activity and training session that does not involve continuous changes of direction. They are soft and stretchy. So, they protect the athletes’ ankles against sprains and impact injuries.
Because these socks absorb sweat pretty well, you can use them for intense workouts and resistance exercises. The extra cushioning of some models also feels like you could walk on a sidewalk and be fine. So, they are great for sports in which you need shock absorption.
Disadvantages Of Wearing Basketball Socks While Doing Other Sports
The construction of the standard basketball sock used for playing four periods on a basketball court comes with specific assumptions. In detail, the players do not need to:
- lean forward
- run for more than 90 feet at one time
- spread their legs pretty wide after dashing
Basketball socks do not always provide a firm grip. So, you end up feeling that you are slipping inside your shoes. Of course, most brands offer their solutions to this problem. But, for example, they are more slippery than tennis socks, which are a better solution for tennis players.
Most basketball socks also have less cotton than other types of socks. So, they do not allow optimal transpiration. For this reason, some athletes may prefer searching for specific sports socks instead of using the basketball versions.
The extra cushioning is around the ankle. But anyone who needs it under the heel may find it adds excessive pressure. This is why some prefer using basketball socks as slippers at home but not to wear them while cycling or walking.
Why Not Use Other Sports Socks When Practicing Other Sports
On average, the basketball sock used for training and competition is more durable. So, if you need to travel or play an away match against a combative team, you may want reliable socks that can withstand the unexpected.
Even while jogging, you can feel how the basketball socks protect your feet against impact and pressure in a way that is both comfortable and pleasant. Other socks, on the other hand, tend to rip or cause blisters during vigorous exercise. Also, when you take them off, your feet may hurt if you wear thinner hosiery.
The compression bands around the arch and calves also help your tired muscles during recovery. In detail, compression helps flush lactic acid. As a result, basketball socks promote muscle recovery. Other types of socks may prove to be too loose and cause fatigue, limiting muscle strength gains.
