A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wear Soccer Socks Like a Pro
How do you wear soccer socks? The beautiful game isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle and every piece of gear and equipment contributes to a player’s performance and style, from the jersey to the cleats, and of course, soccer socks.
Some of the most important rules to remember when wearing soccer socks is that they must match the rest of your team’s uniform and completely cover your shin guards.
Socks can go either below or above your knee and in this guide, I will break down the steps on how to wear soccer socks like a pro.
Image by Nathan Rogers
Why Soccer Socks Are Important
Soccer socks are important because they cover and hold your shin guards in place to protect you from kicks to the shin bone. They are also an essential piece of equipment if you want to play competitively or in official matches, since you have to wear matching socks with the rest of your team and shin guards.
The right pair of socks also offer support, help prevent blisters, and limit how much your feet slide inside the cleats, giving your cleats a more responsive feel. Socks can also help provide slight ankle support and protection, although, of course, they will not do too much against a strong hit.
With that being said I would rather get hit on the ankle or shin over while wearing a thin pair of socks than without wearing any socks at all.
Choosing Between Grip Socks and Regular Soccer Socks
Now that you know why soccer socks are important, let’s discuss the different kinds of socks, grip socks and regular soccer socks.
With enhanced traction and stability, grip socks can provide a crucial edge over regular socks, especially during quick turns and changes of direction on the field. Grip socks are designed to stick closely to your foot, minimize slippage inside your cleats, prevent blisters, and ensure maximum contact with the playing surface.
With that being said, this does not mean that all grip socks are better than regular socks and it all comes down to personal preference which is why it is important to try them both out and find what works best for you.
You may be able to find some grip socks that are long, and you may not need to cut any parts of the sock, however, most grip socks are crew socks and will require cutting the socks.
Image by Jona Møller
Proper Way to Wear Soccer Socks like a Pro
Wearing soccer socks is very simple and all you really have to do is slide them on your feet, make sure they are covering your shin guards, secure them, and you are ready to improve your soccer skills.
However, if you are looking to wear your socks like a pro, then there are some extra steps to take. If you have ever seen a soccer player with cut socks, or with grip socks under their team socks, then that is exactly what I am going to teach you how to do.
Before we start these are the materials you will need:
- Team socks
- High quality long soccer socks or grip socks
- Pre cut socks
- Scissors
- Soccer cleats
- Shin guards
- Shin guard sleeves
Cut your Team Socks:
Grab your scissors and cut your team socks at the ankle part so that you are left with the foot part and the long shin part. If you don’t want to cut any socks, or don’t want to deal with loose threads, you can purchase some pre-cut soccer socks to skip this step.
Lux Anti-Slip Socks
$17.95
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Put on Your Grip Socks:
Now, grab your pair of grip socks, or other high quality socks, slide them on, and pull them all the way up to your shins.
Insert the Shin Guards:
Once your grip socks are in place, put your shin guards under your grip socks, so they are in between your shin and and the grip socks.
Put on your cut soccer socks:
Now that you have your grip socks and your shin guards on you can put the long shin part of the cut sock on, or pre cut socks. Slide this on and pull it up either past your knees or just below your knees.
Secure your socks and shin guards
Now that you have your grip socks, shin guards, and pre-cut socks on, you can use shin guard sleeves, straps, or athletic tape to help hold everything in place.
Put on your soccer cleats
Now it is time to put on your soccer cleats and move on to the final step.
Final Check:
For this final step make sure everything is comfortable and secure so that nothing is sliding around, or falling off, while you are playing.
Adidas Unisex Socks
$12.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Do football socks go over or under shin guards?
Shin guards are meant to go under your socks and they do not go above them.
Do soccer socks go above or below the knees?
When it comes to soccer socks the most important rule is that they must be covering your shin guards. This means that it is up to you whether you want the remainder of the sock above or below your knee.
There is no right or wrong and you can see professional soccer players wearing their socks either way, about two inches below or above the knee.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to wear shin guards and match socks properly is very important for any player who wants the most comfort and security from their protective gear. Younger players especially have to make sure that they are wearing everything properly to avoid injuries and stay safe during gameplay.
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