Top-level athletic performance can hinge on a wide variety of different factors, some of which you might never expect to impact your game. Training, practice, and physical fitness are the core of what makes a good basketball player, but having the right gear, including the best basketball socks you can find, to support those skills can help you stay competitive from youth sports through the highest level of professional play.
Shoes steal the attention of most players and fans, but equally as crucial for any professional athlete is his choice in socks. Well-made socks can wick away moisture, provide shock absorption for hard landings, add a bit of spring to jumps and steps, and can help to prevent injuries to your feet and ankles after long sessions on the court.
Finding the right socks to support your game can be difficult, but through some research and trials, you could find the perfect pair to one-up your competition.
Best Basketball Socks Comparison Table
Table could not be displayed.Top 10 Best Basketball Socks Review – 2020 (Updated)
Here are our top 10 choices for some of the best socks to play basketball in.
1. Nike Men Elite Versatility Basketball Crew Socks
No products found.
Our top choice to stay ahead of the curve is Nike’s line of Elite Versatility Basketball Crew Socks. Used by professionals on and off the court, these socks bring a lot to the table while still looking stylish and flashy.
Specifications:
- 58% nylon, 29% polyester, 9% cotton, and 4% spandex
- Reach up to the lower calves
- Ankle support system
Features and Benefits:
- Powerful ventilation with Nike Dri-FIT. Nike uses high-quality materials and ventilation systems to keep feet dry, cool, and comfortable, even during intense moments.
- Thoughtful and effective cushioning. Generous cushioning on critical points throughout the sock help to absorb shocks from running and jumping and feel extra comfortable while idle.
- Ankle support system helps prevent injuries. One bad fall or ankle twist can knock a player out for a season or more; the ankle support system in these socks can reduce the chance and severity of those injuries.
- Well-made and durable. These socks are built to last through full seasons of professional play and can be worn off the court for much longer after.
- Stylish and flashy. Any fan of popular shoe designs should be delighted to find that these socks are designed to match up with the latest styles and colors used by Nike and others.
Pros:
- Very high production standards
- Precision cut padding
- Strong ankle support
- Exceptional ventilation
- Great styling
Cons:
- No shorter versions available
- No odor reduction technology
Verdict:
Nike stays on top of the game with these exceptional flagship basketball socks. The Elite Versatility should be a potential option for any competitive player looking to get the best performance possible out of his footwear, and may just be the best basketball socks money can buy. Try out a pair yourself to see how your play feels with a serious pair of socks.
2. Rockay Accelerate Anti-Blister Running Sock
No products found.
Specifications:
- 66% polyamide, 30% merino wool, and 4% spandex
- 6 x 4 x 1 inches
- Cut just below the ball of the ankle
Features and Benefits:
- Durability is outstanding. Rockay is so confident in the strength and performance of these socks that they offer a lifetime full-replacement warranty on every pair.
- Extremely low profile. Those who prefer lightweight and low-profile socks should feel right at home in these short yet comfortable pairs (although they are not no-show socks with most shoes).
- Extra-tight design to feel snug. These socks never move around in shoes and wrap around feet tightly without feeling uncomfortable.
- Padding designed to reduce blisters. If your feet are prone to blisters after a long day of play, these socks could drastically decrease the rate at which you get them.
- Made with wool but still ventilated. These socks stay warm in cold weather thanks to their use of wool threads, but can also help your feet stay cool and ventilated when you start to run.
Pros:
- Best durability you can find
- Lifetime warranty
- Great temperature regulation
- Blister protection technology
- Snug fit
Cons:
- Padding may feel thin
- Can be tough to find the right size
Verdict:
These runners’ socks are a great choice for those seeking a low-profile pair of socks to improve their game on the basketball court. Their exceptional durability and lifetime warranty make them a good option for those seeking comfortable socks that can last forever. Try out a pair and see if their fit and styling seems right to you.
3. Under Armour Adult Resistor 3.0 Crew Socks
No products found.
Specifications:
- 98% polyester and 2% spandex
- Seamless toe with other hidden seams
Features and Benefits:
- Phenomenal price. These socks bring a lot to the table for their price and maybe the perfect balance of affordability and performance for those looking to improve their game on a budget.
- Seamless design keeps comfort in mind. These socks are designed with hidden or removed seams to maximize comfort and keep your feet free of pressure points.
- ArmourBlock technology keeps odors to a minimum. Although your feet probably could never smell great after a long game, these socks help to control odors and stay fresh for longer.
- Heel, ankle, toe, and arch padding done perfectly. The padding in these socks is thick and widespread and feels extra-comfortable when not busy providing shock absorption on the court.
- Comes in multiple height options. Whether crew-length, low-cut, or no-show socks are your height or choice, the Resistor 3.0 has an option for you.
Pros:
- Exceptional price-performance ratio
- Very comfortable with noticeable padding
- Strong odor reduction capabilities
- Multiple height/cut options
- Seamless interior
Cons:
- Minimal ankle support
- Only two color choices
Verdict:
It may be hard to find a better-performing sock at a price point similar to the Resistor 3.0. With features and fits strong enough to see use in the top levels of professional play without a professional price, these socks should be an immediate try for anyone looking to change up their footwear. Try a few pairs in the height of your choice to see how they feel and fit.
4. JIYE Elite Basketball Socks
No products found.
Specifications:
- 75% cotton, 15% polyester, 10% spandex
- Padding in heels and toes
Features and Benefits:
- Solid for many different sports. Athletes looking to play their best on multiple courts and fields should find in these a pair of socks suited to many different activities.
- Moisture-wicking cotton materials. Most cotton socks tend to absorb moisture quickly, but extra ventilation helps your feet stay dry in these.
- Designed for all-season weather. These socks are designed to fit and feel great in ski boots and even the coldest weather conditions.
- Thick materials in most areas. Most parts of these socks have thick materials for uniform padding and enhanced comfort on the court.
- Versatile look without branding. For teams and players where exposed brand names could pose a problem, these socks come in a variety of styles to match uniforms without any visible branding.
Pros:
- Great for other sports, too
- Very warm in the winter
- Beautiful design options
- Comfortable cotton feel
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Air dry only
- Can be too thick in very hot weather
Verdict:
These socks are great for players who love to take their game outdoors or enjoy a wide variety of athletic activities. The lack of any exterior branding could be vital for some players and teams dealing with sponsors. However, they can start to feel warm in hot summers. See how their thick materials and all-around capabilities can help your game improve.
5. Nike Elite Quick NBA Basketball Crew Socks
No products found.
Specifications:
- 55% polyester, 31% nylon, 9% cotton, and 5% spandex
- Integrated ventilation holes
Features and Benefits:
- Official sock of the NBA. With NBA players wearing these socks in official matches, Nike has to ensure top-notch standards of quality control, comfort, injury reduction, and moisture wicking ability.
- Elastic forefoot design. These socks are designed to facilitate faster pivots and turn through a highly flexible forefoot structure.
- Exceptional ventilation. Not only are the vents in these socks large and numerous, but they even come in variable dimensions to remove moisture in different spots through different ways.
- Strong impact-area cushioning. These socks are designed to pad basketball impact points and nothing else, keeping them lightweight yet effective.
- Prominent branding and styling. High-up and prominent display of the NBA logo speaks volumes to those around you about the quality of your footwear.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for basketball
- Official NBA support and quality standards
- Great for pivots and turns
- Targeted shock absorption capabilities
- Many color options and official NBA logo
Cons:
- Padding is functional, not comfortable
- Not designed for harsh weather
Verdict:
These socks are a great choice for NBA fans and those who want to guarantee top-of-the-line quality in their footwear. However, they are explicitly designed to play on indoor courts, and while they maybe some of the best basketball socks money can buy for these conditions, this also means that they are ideal for neither bad weather nor sub-optimal temperatures, and also lack comfort features.
If raw performance is all you crave, try out these socks from Nike.
6. Adidas Team Speed Traxion Crew Sock
No products found.
Specifications:
- 90% nylon and 10% spandex
- Cover up to the lower-mid calf
- Gripped footbed
Features and Benefits:
- Traxion footbed. With their Traxion technology, Adidas helps to enhance the grip and stability of their socks by keeping them attached to your shoes firmly.
- Athletic cushioning technology. These socks prioritize shock absorption over comfort with their padding, delivering real performance and injury prevention.
- Left/Right specific shapes. By making each sock specific to the left or right foot, Adidas cuts out any extra material or space that could slip or provide an inaccurate fit.
- CLIMALITE moisture wicking. This powerful moisture wicking technology from Adidas is used in only their most high-performance athletic products.
- Ribbed body to provide compression. These socks offer compression down to the forefoot, feeling snug without getting tight.
Pros:
- Exceptional grip and stability
- Ideal for speed
- Lightweight but effective padding
- Tailored left/right configuration
- Well-vented and stretchy body
Cons:
- Padding less comfortable off-court
- Not as durable as similarly priced socks
Verdict:
For those looking to get the best running and dodging performance possible, these socks should be an instant buy. However, their lower durability and lack of creature comforts may make them better as a supplement than an everyday wear option. Get a pair for your gym bag, but keep them on the court.
7. JHM Elite Socks
No products found.
If you do not like the idea of having separate socks for home, work, and the court, then you might want to take a look at a few pairs of JHM Elite Socks. Designed to provide comfortable padding and many different color options while still staying affordable, these socks feel as great to play ball in as they do at home.
Specifications:
- 85% cotton, 10% nylon, and 5% spandex
- Cut to rest at your lower calf with a small front lip
Features and Benefits:
- Exceptional variety of style and color choices. Whether you want a pair for the office, to show your team colors, or to complement a new pair of shoes, these socks probably have a color option for you.
- Comfortable padding. Some socks add just enough padding to prevent injury and nothing more, but these socks add a bit extra to feel plush and comfortable throughout the day.
- Designed for ankle compression. While not a replacement for ankle support structures, ankle compression can help to prevent injury and reduce aches and pains.
- Anti-microbial technology. These socks resist odors and staining by including anti-microbial elements into their fabric and fibers.
- Good sports performance. While not quite as strong as in socks five times the price of these, the moisture wicking and compression abilities of these athletic socks should be a cut above most competitors.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Stylish and variable colors
- Plush padding
- Good on and off the court
- Powerful odor reduction and antimicrobial technology
Cons:
- Performance is good, but not top-quality
- Not very durable
Verdict:
Anyone looking for socks that can both improve their performance on the court and feel great for everyday use should give these a chance. With many different styles and color options, these socks should find a home in any wardrobe and outfit. Try a few pairs to see how they match your style and habits.
8. Basketball Sock by ChalkTalk SPORTS
No products found.
Specifications:
- 80% acrylic, 15% nylon, 5% spandex
- Extends up to the mid-calf
Features and Benefits:
- Moisture wicking with Coolmax. This patented technology is used by several top brands to provide premium moisture wicking and heat regulation even during intense use.
- High cut and flashy appearances stand out. These socks are designed and intended to help you stand out, even against players wearing other brightly-colored pairs.
- Time-tested designs and fits. As a smaller company, ChalkTalk can never afford to fail with their designs. As a result, they have refined and improved their time-tested socks to stand up to other top-of-the-line products.
- Stretchy and comfortable. These socks are designed to stretch as far as possible without feeling tight or leaving marks.
- Premium synthetic materials. These socks utilize high-quality synthetic materials to help reduce odors and prevent staining.
Pros:
- High-quality designs and materials
- Comfortable while still improving performance
- Highly stylish and standout appearance
- Trusted and tested U.S. brand
- Synthetic materials
Cons:
- Could use more padding
- Ribbing less effective due to design
Verdict:
These basketball socks are great for players looking to stand out on the court or have a comfortable and long pair of socks to wear at home. Try out a pair to see how comfortable their synthetic materials can be.
9. Champion Double Dry Performance Men’s Crew Socks
No products found.
Specifications:
- 75% cotton, 20% polyester, 2% spandex, 2% other fibers, and 1% latex rubber
- 6 x 9 x 0.1 inches
- Stretches up to the lower or lower-mid calf
Features and Benefits:
- Quality athletic performance with a subdued appearance. These socks come in plain black or plain white, with their only logos being well obscured by any pair of shoes.
- Enhanced moisture wicking capabilities. Champion’s in-house Double Dry moisture-wicking technology matches top brands.
- Strong arch support. Many basketball socks prefer to provide padding at the heels and toes without supporting the arches of your feet, but these pairs provide them some solid support.
- Soft cotton feels good all day. Synthetic fibers may have their advantages, but many people feel that premium cotton socks like these cannot be beaten for comfort.
- Padding designed for basketball play. Although labeled as a general/all-sports performance sock, these socks are built with basketball in mind with padding centered on and built to withstand high-impact areas.
Pros:
- Completely blank appearance
- Exceptional comfort for everyday wear
- High-performance moisture wicking
- Strong arch support
- Very inexpensive
Cons:
- Wear through quickly
- No protection from strong odors and staining
Verdict:
These socks excel at being entry-level competitive basketball socks that should make the best appeal to someone looking for a more subdued aesthetic and good value for their money. However, spending a bit more can get better performance all around, perhaps for a more durable pair of socks. Give these a try to see if they could be your new everyday wear socks on or off the court.
10. Thorlos Unisex B Basketball Thick Padded Over the Calf Sock
No products found.
Specifications:
- 89% Thor-Lon acrylic, 8% nylon, 3% spandex
- 10 x 4 x 3 inches
- Reaches to upper calves
Features and Benefits:
- Taller height without feeling hot. Thinner fibers and wider ribbing allow for enhanced moisture dissipation along your calves while still fitting snugly.
- Super-thick padding all the way up the back of the ankle. While this padding provides does not provide ankle protection, it does feel more plush and comfortable than padding in most other athletic socks.
- Blister and impact protection. The padding in these socks has been clinically tested to protect against friction that can cause blisters and other injuries.
- Never fall down. Some tall socks have a habit of sliding down the calves and getting bunched up, but not these pairs.
- Designed for basketball play. While all-sports socks do fine on the court, basketball-specific pairs are built with slightly different standards that can increase durability and quality of life in high-intensity basketball games.
Pros:
- Stays tall without feeling hot
- Passive blister and injury protection
- Some of the thickest padding of any performance socks
- Stay at their perfect height
- Simple appearance may be a bonus
Cons:
- Can retain moisture and odors
- May feel tight on calves for those not used to knee socks
Verdict:
These basketball socks from Thorlos are durable and well-designed court socks that can bring out your best performance, but only come in black or white color options and may not feel comfortable for everyone. If you prefer higher socks that press against your calves, these may be the perfect choice to improve your game.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Criteria Used for Evaluation
We use many criteria to sort out the best basketball socks from average or poor quality products.
- Running, jumping, and pivoting. Being able to run faster, jump higher, and execute perfect pivots and turnarounds is the foremost priority of players looking to get a competitive edge through better gear. Some of our top picks lack in creature comforts and durability but earn their spots through sheer athletic performance enhancement.
- Injury prevention. A good pair of socks can help to reduce blisters, pains, and injuries that can happen on the court. Most of the choices on this list have strong padding to improve shock absorption, but some products take it a step further. Avoiding injury and staying in the season is vital for any athlete’s career, so this consideration places high on our list of priorities.
- Moisture wicking. Almost all performance socks have ventilation and moisture wicking built into them, but some socks use enhanced technology to provide faster evaporation and better overall moisture regulation than their competitors. Socks that retain moisture struggle to match up to competitors that may be inferior in other ways, so we prize these moisture removal abilities.
- Comfort features. Not everyone wants to change out their socks every time they come off the court. Having a pair of socks that are not just strong on the court but also comfy to wear around and rest in, is a quality of life upgrade that should not be ignored. While a bit of extra padding and thicker materials may not add a performance on the court, these features can be a welcome addition to any pair of socks that score well on other marks.
- Quality of materials. While cotton socks may feel more comfortable than some synthetic materials, they also tend to be cheaper, less durable, and weak at removing moisture compared to polyester or acrylic. Most of the socks featured in this list use synthetic materials or a blend of high-quality cotton and polyester.
- Price to performance ratio. Some socks offer many features at an exceptionally low price point. They may be beaten out by more expensive pairs but at a fraction of the price. Spending $20 on a single pair of socks may not be an option for a large portion of people, and this factors into our ratings.
- Aesthetics. Not everyone has the same tastes in aesthetics, but some socks can target different tastes better or worse than others. Bright, vibrant socks can be a good way to stand out and draw attention or complement an outfit. Alternatively, if you prefer simpler appearances and milder aesthetics, pure black or white options free of logos and branding may be ideal. Aesthetics alone cannot carry a pair of performance socks to the top, but help us recommend some options over competitors.
Why is it Important to Use Special Socks for Basketball?
Equipment can never replace practice and skill when you get on the court, but high-quality socks can do just as much as shoes to give you an edge when the competition gets fierce.
- Jump height and airtime improvements. Sometimes, the little bit of extra spring in your jumps from a high-quality pair of socks can make the little difference you need to hit that long dunk or get a bit of extra lift on a three-pointer. Smaller jumps can see even more performance improvements as padding does more to aid your muscles in quick and light lifts off the ground.
- Injury avoidance and pain reduction. Getting hurt or injured during the season can deal a blow to your short-term plans at best, or your career at worst. Keeping injuries away and at a lower severity can make a big difference long-term for your career. The enhanced shock absorption, stability, and support from a pair of performance basketball socks can thus go a long way.
- Comfort on the court. When you get focused on the game, you don’t want elements of your clothing distracting you or feeling uncomfortable. Damp, warm, or ill-fitting socks can break your focus and lead to a host of performance problems.
Other Factors to Consider:
You might want to keep a few other things in mind when looking for the best basketball socks for your needs.
- Team colors and branding. Wearing socks with your team colors may be a great way to show your support. Some teams also place restrictions on what kind of socks and clothing their players can wear, so make sure to avoid logos and branding if they might cause problems.
- Other sports performance. Some of these basketball socks may not perform well in other sports. If you like to stay athletic outside of just basketball, a more general performance pair of socks might be right for you.
- Playstyle. Your playstyle might hinge on layups and require some extra jump boosts, or you might be the fastest guy on the team and look for socks that can help spring you forward faster. Try to tailor your choices to your needs and style of play.
- Indoor/outdoor play. Playing indoors has many advantages, including temperature control and a roof over your head. Some socks are designed with those factors in mind. If you play more games outside, you might want to look for a more durable pair of socks.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Should I wear double socks for basketball?
A: You should avoid wearing multiple layers of socks when playing basketball. Layering socks on top of each other can trap heat and sweat in with your feet and can decrease your stability when running and jumping. A single pair of well-made socks should provide all the padding you need.
Q: Are compression socks good for basketball?
A: Compression socks can provide some increased athletic performance on the court, and some research even suggests that they aid in injury prevention. Most performance socks include some amount of compression in their design.
Q: Is there a difference between right and left socks?
A: Some products use shapes and cuts specific to left or right feet, but most socks (even high-performance pairs) can be worn on either foot. If your socks come labeled for left and right, wear them accordingly. Otherwise, socks can be worn on either foot.
Q: Do socks reduce basketball injuries?
A: High-quality socks include padding and support elements that can help to reduce and avoid foot and ankle injuries. By reducing the force impacts exert on your bones and muscles, a good pair of socks can soften a blow that might otherwise put you out of the game.
Q: How long to basketball socks last?
A: Even the best basketball socks should only be worn for one season. Starting off a new season with fresh equipment and gear is the only way to guarantee that you perform at your best on the court. If you play year-round, your socks may last for 6 months or longer. If they start to lose their padding or develop holes, it may be time to get a new pair of court socks.
Conclusion
Finding the best basketball socks for your budget, team, style of play, and comfort needs can be a tough choice between different brands, products, and even options within individual products. No matter what you choose, any of the socks on this list should be able to deliver superior performance, strong temperature regulation, and a solid amount of injury protection to better prepare you for your next game.
Choosing top-of-the-line products may be the best way to set yourself up for success in competitive leagues, but be sure to keep your needs in preferences when you go searching for the right pair. Do not be afraid to try out a strong performer that costs a fraction of the price of some of the most high-end options in this list. Match any of these socks with a good pair of shoes, and you should have a leg up on the court when you start your next game.