The Best Tennis Socks 2024
Playing tennis, I used to pay little attention to my socks. No matter what’s in my top drawer, I would use it without a second thought.
There’s nothing wrong with being able to relate. The socks I wear for tennis are distinctly different from socks designed for everyday wear, and they’re worth investing in.
The best tennis socks I choose are more important to me than ever, so I’ve put together this guide to help you choose a pair that provides maximum comfort and maximum performance.
It explains what style you should choose, what material to choose, and how to select your own. You can use my picks for the best budget tennis socks as a jumping-off point when choosing a pair that fits your needs, since I’ve narrowed them down and reviewed them. Let’s get into it!
Top Rated Best Tennis Socks in 2024
While you play tennis, your feet are subjected to harsh impacts that they are protected from with the best socks.
Following is a selection of socks that I have tested that meet those criteria.
Lapulas Athletic Running Socks
It’s not necessary to break the bank on your new tennis socks even though athletic socks can get pretty pricey. There is no need to spend a lot of money on these socks since they only cost about $3 a pair (they come in a pack of six).
Although these are low-priced, thousands of Amazon customers have given them five stars. These sweat-wicking pants are made from breathable fabric.
Adidas 5-Star Team Cushioned High Quarter
Reid recommends these crew socks for their supportive arch, which Reid considers a priority. Providing you with a little extra support, the contoured compression fits snugly against your foot.
The socks from Adidas also have moisture-wicking fabrics, which Reid considers mandatory. You don’t want your shoes to slip inside your feet when you’re pivoting and running up and down the court.
Thorlos TX Max Cushion Crew
Athletic socks from Thorlos are some of the best and most comfortable on the market.
For tennis, I’ve tried a few and my favorite is the TX Max Cushion, which comes in crew, ankle, and low-cut styles.
Toes and forefoot areas are extremely covered and the socks provide exceptional protection during abrupt lateral movements and quick starts and stops.
In addition, the back of the heel and Achilles receive extra cushioning for impact resistance. They have a soft, secure fit and a super soft feel.
I recommend these if you often have sore feet after playing tennis. For maximum comfort, they’re a great option.
Fitsok Men’s Tennis Socks
It is comfortable and durable to wear Fitsok tennis socks. There are three lengths available: no-show, quarter, and crew.
The socks are not too thick, and they are extremely comfortable. These socks are not so tight or as supportive as some other socks, but they’re still great for everyday wear and on-court use. It has been over two years since I bought my Fitsok socks, but I am just now in need of replacements.
Saucony Women’s No-Show Sport Socks
Tennis socks from Saucony are great for runners and tennis players.
A pair of women’s athletic socks is hidden beneath a sneaker. They are made with a roll top design that has a heel tab so that they do not slide down into your shoes. As a result, your feet will be kept cool and dry on hot days. The no-show socks were made by Saucony with 98 percent polyester and 2% spandex.
As an added comfort feature, Saucony also padded these socks at high-impact points. They are also very breathable due to the mesh ventilation. Keeping the arch stable and secure is made easier by the socks’ targeted arch compression.
It is important that you order the right size for these socks, since they have a low cut. Buying a shoe that is too small may cause you to experience uncomfortable rubbing on your heel or achilles. Although Saucony socks are larger than other brands, they do not run smaller than other brands. Tennis skirts go well with them too, if you don’t want your socks to show.
Swiftwick Flite XT Zero Tab Socks
Thin, secure, and with some traction on their soles, these socks are great for keeping your feet warm. This ensures maximum responsiveness and performance while preventing your foot from sliding around the shoe.
It doesn’t have a lot of cushion, but it has a few thicker areas on the sole to improve traction. These socks are among the most comfortable we’ve ever worn. You don’t need to re-adjust them once you’ve put them on.
It has been a pleasure wearing Swiftwick socks for tennis, at the gym, as well as on a daily basis in general. The cushion and traction they provide on tile floors make them ideal for wearing around the house as well.
Adidas Men’s Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks
Tennis bags, tennis shoes, and socks are among Adidas’ best products.
97 percent polyester and 3 percent spandex make up these Adidas socks. Their ClimaLite construction keeps your feet dry by wicking away moisture.
When you hit the tennis court hard, arch compression ensures your feet remain in top shape.
Performance is enhanced by the socks’ thinness. Fast movers and competitive players will find that their socks won’t last as long as Thorlos. The ball of your foot or toe may get holes from your foot. Their cost is relatively low, however. They come in four different styles: white, grey, and black.
Puma Low Cut Socks
My favorite ankle socks for daily use are these Puma socks that I’ve been wearing for over a decade now. Tennis courts also benefit from them.
Medium cushioning and support are provided by these socks, but they are also comfortable and durable. It takes me 2-3 years to wear through a pack of eight after wearing them every day for a year or two. The best low-priced ankle socks we reviewed for tennis are these.
They are easy to adjust and provide solid support on the court. While still providing good responsiveness, they also provide enough cushion to protect your feet from hard courts.
CelerSport Ankle Athletic Low Cut Socks
Tennis players who want low-cut athletic socks can choose CelerSport’s Ankle Athletic Running Socks. Almost 90% of the socks are made with cotton, polyester, and spandex, which are top-quality materials.
No matter how much sweat you generate on the court, these CelerSport socks will keep your feet dry. Due to their air permeability and superior moisture wicking, the socks maintain a dry environment. Breathability provides optimal comfort while protecting your skin.
There are four unique sizes to choose from, ranging from small to extra large, unlike many socks that provide only two sizes. Featuring elite arch compression, these socks enhance foot stability on the court by safeguarding the arch.
The socks are made of almost 90% cotton, but they feel like athletic socks. Their thickness is also relatively high.
These socks are known for their sizing issues. There is little difference between the small and medium sizes. The extra large size has also been complained to be too small by some customers.
HUSO Performance Sports Ankle Compression Socks
With 42% polyester, 38% nylon, 10% spandex, and 5% both elastic and cotton, Huso’s Performance Sports Ankle Compression socks offer a unique blend of materials.
For superior arch support, these socks provide compression between the mid-foot and plantar fascia. To minimize foot stress and potential abrasion, the heel cup is deep and lightly padded.
The cool and dry feet are ensured with a special dri-fit fabric that wicks away sweat and fights odors.
Only one size is available for these HUSO socks, which fit feet sized 9 to 13. Since these socks are compression socks, they have a particularly tight fit. There are also left and right foot labels. It is likely that the socks will wear out sooner than expected since the material is relatively thin.
Under Armour Women’s Essential No Show Socks
Among the world’s top athletic apparel brands, Under Armour has quickly become a household name. They also make some of the best socks and sunglasses for tennis.
They are constructed with flat knit construction and are made from polyester and spandex. Socks with this design are able to adjust to the shape and size of each tennis player’s foot, allowing for greater comfort and feel.
Foot fatigue is also combated with embedded arch support. When it’s hot and humid, the socks’ materials wick sweat away and dry quickly. With this technology, you’ll be able to keep odors at bay.
Tennis socks like these tend to be thinner than others. There is a possibility that holes and wear will occur sooner than expected, which necessitates early replacement.
adidas Alphaskin Max Cushion Crew
The Alphaskin Max Cushion socks from adidas are marketed primarily as basketball socks, but they’re also excellent for tennis.
With Alphaskin, seams are minimized for maximum comfort, and the garment fits snugly against your skin, giving you a wonderful sense of security. Keeping your feet dry and preventing overheating is also possible with these Climacool socks.
When crew socks stretch out, they tend to droop down, causing annoyance to many people. One of the features I like most about these socks is the anti-slip yarn at the cuff, which helps the socks stay in place.
Designed with a left and right foot compartment, adidas Alphaskin Max Cushion socks fit your feet perfectly every time.
In general, these socks perform similar to Nike’s Elite socks. I find them to be great for tennis since they have adequate cushioning and great performance all around.
New Balance Performance Crew
New Balance Performance Crew tennis socks provide good cushioning and solid performance all around.
These socks are especially comfortable for me. Its polyester and spandex material makes for a great fit and the cushioning at the heel prevents premature wear.
It is hard to beat the price of the New Balance Performance Crew socks for moisture control. Due to the fact that they are not too bulky, these socks are a great option for those who are looking to wear two pairs of socks.
Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women
There are a lot of tennis socks you can find for blisters, but these socks are made for running.
Natural fibers are used to make them. This material prevents blisters by using all-natural mohairs and Drynamix. A unique material and design keeps your feet cool by regulating temperature.
Playing with Drynamix keeps your skin dry. You will also be able to keep your feet dry thanks to the reinforced microfiber mesh ventilation. Rolling up the top of the shoe will also prevent the heel from sliding down. They are a good fit for both men and women due to their low cut profile and variety of designs.
What are Tennis Socks Made of?
Socks made from traditional materials usually include cotton, polyester, and sometimes wool. Sports socks, however, are often made of different materials.
The following materials are commonly used in tennis socks:
- Fibers of cotton
- The polyester fiber
- Materials made from acrylic
- The spandex fabric
- The nylon fiber
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Tennis Socks: Different Styles
The majority of tennis players on TV wear their own style of socks. It is common to see long socks on the men’s tour. Women typically wear ankle or no-show socks, which are lower profile.
We’ve discussed a number of styles above.
No-show Socks
The term no-show socks comes from their appearance – they do not show above the sneakers. This sock style prevents the ankle and calf portions of the sock from getting soaked in sweat. It is more likely that no-show socks will slip down into sneakers during play. It can cause irritation or rubbing that leads to blisters.
Roll Top Socks
The top of Roll Top socks has a small, loose roll to help them fit comfortably. There are different lengths available for these socks. Socks that are ankle-length stay above shoes because of the roll. Sweat can be absorbed by longer roll top socks.
Ankle or Quarter Socks
In tennis, ankle socks are sometimes called mini-crew socks, because they rise a little above the ankle.
A smaller ankle sock allows for better foot and ankle movement for quick pivots on the court. The socks won’t slide down the foot, making them a great alternative to no-show socks.
There is a slight difference in length between ankle socks and quarter socks. Ankle bones are covered by them. Those most at risk of experiencing heel blisters or achilles issues should wear this type of sock.
Crew or Long Socks
Tennis players often wear crew socks, also known as long socks. The socks absorb sweat and offer protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays during those blazing hot days.
You should opt for long socks if you want your socks to stand out visually. Tennis socks with a high rise showcase your unique sense of style. It is well known that Bethanie Mattek-Sands wears long socks when playing doubles in the pro division.
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How to Choose a Pair
I thought I’d share some tips I’ve learned over the years for buying tennis socks, since choosing them isn’t rocket science.
Before you buy, consider these factors:
Fabric
Tennis is a sport that often produces sweat, and you certainly don’t want your shoes to slip around. Choosing socks made of moisture-wicking fabrics and quick-drying fabrics is just as important as choosing tennis clothing, according to Reid.
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are preferable over cotton (it absorbs moisture and dries slowly). Make sure you choose a pair of socks that has moisture-wicking properties before you buy them.
Cushion
Tennis can be a little tough on your joints, especially on a hard court. Apart from the sweat factor, it can be a little hard on your muscles. Sports like this require a lot of jumping, leaping, and changing directions quickly.
Reid recommends higher cushions for people with sensitive joints or simply wanting extra impact protection.
Compression
Reid suggests tennis socks fit snugly around your foot with little fabric movement. It is also a good idea to choose a pair that has a compressive arch.
To reduce fatigue during long matches, look for socks that have built-in arch support or arch compression.
Consider Court Surfaces
Keep your court surface in mind when choosing your next pair of tennis socks. The best socks for clay are ankle or crew socks that provide more coverage.
Sweaty legs tend to stick to dirt and debris, so these styles prevent this from happening.
Color may also be important to you. The problem with white socks is that they get dirty quickly, and they’re not easy to wash clean, so they’ll quickly look worn out. If you want to keep dirt at bay, choose a darker color.
Opt for Speciality Socks
Tennis socks designed specifically for tennis don’t offer the same level of protection and comfort as the socks sold by many of the biggest brands like Nike and adidas.
If your socks have disappointed you in the past, this is likely the reason. It is true that specialty pairs from reputable brands like Thorlos are more expensive and you may have to buy one pair at a time rather than buying six, but you should expect more from them, and you won’t be disappointed.
Thick vs. Thin
There is a wide range of padding available from the best socks companies, which I’ve found is entirely a matter of individual preference.
My Nike Air Zoom Vapors don’t provide much cushion, so I’ve often worn thick socks with them. It may be sufficient to wear a thinner pair of shoes if you have shoes that provide adequate cushioning.
Warmth should also be considered. The first problem is that thicker socks may be uncomfortable in a warm climate. Your shoes’ breathability can also play a role. It may be possible to wear thicker socks comfortably if they offer excellent ventilation.
Ankle Braces & Socks
For comfort, consider wearing higher crew socks if you wear an ankle brace, like Andy Murray’s Aircast A60.
Replace Your Socks Frequently
Without regularly replacing your socks, you’re asking for trouble. Your footwear will become less cushioned and less resilient over time, leaving you susceptible to unnecessary discomfort.
As you play tennis, your socks will take a beating, so buying cheaper socks will require you to replace them more often. The main reason I choose premium options is because of that.
The benefits of wearing quality tennis socks include better comfort, protection, and durability.
Try Wearing Two Pairs
The best performance comes from wearing two pairs of socks. It’s not surprising that a lot of players don’t even consider wearing two pairs.
Trying it is something you shouldn’t miss if you’ve never done it before. This is an easy experiment to run, and even if you don’t like it, you might find you like the way it feels in the long run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes tennis socks different from regular ones?
In addition to offering features like arch support and moisture-wicking, tennis socks are designed specifically for the demands of the sport.
Can I use running socks for tennis?
Tennis socks differ from running socks in that they are designed to adapt to the unique movements and stresses tennis places on the feet.
How often should I replace my tennis socks?
Tennis socks wear out over time, so they should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on the amount of use.
Are there specific socks for different court surfaces?
If you play on hard, clay, or grass courts, you may need different socks depending on the surface.
Do professional tennis players have preferred sock brands?
A player’s choice of tennis socks may be influenced by endorsements, as well as personal preference.
Conclusion
Tennis socks contribute greatly to your comfort and foot health. While underrated, they can make a big difference.
It is hoped that this guide gave you some useful insight into some of the benefits and considerations of wearing a pair of specialized socks along with some brands worth considering when buying your next pair.
I would appreciate hearing from you in the comments below if you have any questions or would like to share your experience wearing socks.
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