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Keeping your feet and legs in good condition is vital for top performance in a soccer game. Gone are the days of loose socks that slide inside of your cleats.
Newly developed compression socks not only support your feet and legs but also provide extra blood to your muscles.
What are soccer compression socks?
Soccer compression socks provide leg support and encourage blood flow. Lower-cost socks will offer little compression and support to your feet and legs.
Mid-ranged soccer socks will provide the support required to perform at your highest level, giving much-needed blood flow and circulation.
Science has brought the game of soccer over the last 20 years and the socks are no exception.
Cleats are well talked about in the game but not many people talk about socks! If you have a bad pair of socks, your cleats will slip and slide.
Soccer Compression Socks
Compression socks put slight pressure on your legs to press the veins so that the blood is forced to flow in your leg.
Blood circulates around the body, up and down the leg, and muscles need blood to operate.
There are different types of compression socks that work for different builds, so be sure to get the ones that are made for your situation.
Webmd says that compression socks are for people with;
- Circulation problems
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Varicose veins
- Recent surgery
The types of people who use compression socks are;
- Pregnant women
- Pilots/Air hostess
- People who stand all-day
- Athletes
We normally associate compression socks with elderly people or people who are flying. But we can see listed are athletes, and soccer players depend on their legs for the game.
Any modern development in science must be adapted to the game for improvement.
Are Compression Socks Good Or Bad?
I’ve worn socks before that feel too tight, you know when you put them on that they’re just not right – I’m sure you have had the same experience.
The sizing for socks has improved over the years, not so long ago soccer socks only came in a couple of sizes, for example, 6-10.
Now you can buy socks that are specifically made for your size – there are socks that are specific to your calf size.
So when you are buying socks, pick the correct ones for your leg size, so that they’re good for you and help your legs.
If you buy the wrong type of sock it’ll be uncomfortable and restrict blood circulation, which can put a strain on your muscles and cause your legs to be tired.
What Are the Benefits of Compression Socks?
- Increased circulation
- Vein support
- Pooling – a build-up of blood in an area
- Reduced swelling
- Prevention of DVT
- Prevention of leg ulcers
- Increase blood pressure
- Fatigue reduction
From the medical people at Healthline, they tell us the benefits of compression socks are;
Types of Compression Socks
There three different types of compression socks, be sure to get the ones that are designed for your needs. Otherwise, it can cause side effects.
- Graduated compression socks: apply more pressure on the ankle of the foot and less up your leg. They fit up to the knee and are professionally measured to suit your needs.
- Anti-embolism socks: Are made for people mobility problems. They also have graduated pressure and are designed for people with DVT.
- Nonmedical support hosiery: They’re common compression socks, used mainly for flights and they do not apply as much pressure as the other two types of socks. They can be bought from most medical suppliers.
Pro Soccer Cleats to Wear with Compression Socks
Product: Updated 2024-04-18 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Should You Wear Compression Socks While Playing Soccer?
Soccer compression socks fall under the nonmedical support hosiery, as they’re not issued by a doctor. Modern soccer socks are elasticated and apply pressure all around the leg.
Good socks are also padded on the sole of the foot to prevent blisters from forming.
Studies have shown that wearing compression socks while playing soccer can reduce fatigue after a match – this trial was tested for 20 female soccer players.
There are many benefits gained from wearing compression socks, the medical industry backs up the claims along with scientific trials.
How To Wear Soccer Socks And Shin Guards?
When you are putting on your compression soccer socks, roll up the sock so your toes go straight to the bottom and then roll the sock up the sole of your foot, then roll up to the top of your calf.
Be sure to position the padding on your foot of the sock, so that it’s a comfortable fit. Some players roll down an inch of the top of their sock, this keeps the sock in place and makes it more comfortable.
There are two different types of shin guards. One has ankle support attached to the guard and there is a strap that goes underneath your foot.
For this type of shin guard, you will have to put it on first, and then the soccer socks.
The second type of shin guard slips into the sock, so you fit your socks on first and pull the sock forward so that you can put in your shin guard.
How Long To Wear Compression Socks After Soccer?
The socks are needed during the game to stimulate blood circulation. After a game, I would recommend that you remove the socks so that your leg can naturally return to its normal state.
Be sure to wear the socks when you are warming up so that your leg adjusts to the compression.
Best Soccer Compression Socks
The main manufacturers in the soccer industry are Nike, Adidas, and Under Armor. These names are industry standard and are of high quality.
Buying products from these companies give you peace of mind that you are buying quality, that’s designed for the game of soccer.
Be sure to buy socks from the middle range upwards. If you buy lower-end products, they don’t have all-over compression.
Some of the best soccer compression socks are;
Nike Academy socks;
- Dri-fit
- Latex materials
- High wearing
- Ankle support
- Left and right foot
They’re a solid pair of socks that offer all-around compression – check them out at Amazon here.
- DRI-FIT SOCKS: Sweat-wicking Nike socks with Dri-FIT fabric...
- LIGHTWEIGHT FABRIC: Nike over-the-calf soccer socks are made...
- DURABLE DESIGN: A reinforced heel and toe on Nike Academy...
- SUPPORTIVE FIT: Nike soccer socks are knee high socks...
- LEFT/RIGHT SPECIFIC: Nike Academy's anatomically correct...
Product: Updated 2024-04-17 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Adidas Team Speed II;
- 78% Nylon,12% Natural Latex Rubber,8% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Moisture-wicking
- Mesh weave for breathability
- Arch and ankle support
- Extra ankle compression
These are well designed and will give you much-needed support in a game – check the latest prices at Amazon here.
- Lightweight construction for a close fit and excellent ball...
- Moisture-wicking yarn keeps feet dry from sweat.
- Mesh channels promote breathability.
- Traxion pods at heel and toe provide cushioning and...
- Targeted arch and ankle compression for secure fit and added...
Product: Updated 2024-04-24 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Under Armor UA Team;
- 68% Nylon/28% Polyester/4% Spandex
- Arch support
- Anti-odor
- Moisture-wicking material
- Protective cushioning
Under Armor provides extra protection for the arch, so perfect if you have issues there. See the full specs at Amazon here.
Alternatives Available
The development of soccer compression socks has really come on over the last 10 years and is well worth it.
I’ve played over a number of years and they’re definitely worth a couple of bucks more.
This type of sock fits nicely to your foot, this reduces any chance of blisters and boosts your performance on the field.
Be sure that your cleats are made for you and aren’t causing you pain. Check out these buying guides for soccer cleats;
For more useful guides, see the articles below or visit our home page.
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
