What are the Different Types of Socks? June 24 2021, 0 Comments

People may think of socks in terms of the activities for which they are worn, such as sports, dress and slipper socks. There are other types of socks designed to be worn with certain shoes or to provide feet and legs with compression and protection. Here are five major types of socks, broken down by design. Bear in mind that many options are available for personalizing custom socks.

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Sport Socks

Athletic socks are often made of synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester or polypropylene. Socks made of these textiles have moisture-wicking properties and provide support and cushioning. Socks for sports are available in the following lengths:

  • No-show
  • Ankle
  • Crew
  • Mid-calf
  • Knee-high 
  • Over-the-knee
  • Thigh-high

Some sports require unique footwear. For instance, many baseball uniforms involve pairing liner socks, also known as sanitaries, with stirrups. Football and soccer players can protect their legs by wearing longer socks.

Casual Socks

Casual socks are made for daily wear. The main priority is comfort, which is determined by sock material and construction. When it comes to ordering customizable socks for everyday wear, the most common lengths include ankle, crew and mid-calf. This category of socks also includes footwear designed to be paired with certain shoes, such as boot socks and loafer socks. Everyday socks may be made of either synthetic textiles or organic materials such as cotton and wool.

Dress Socks

Men’s and women’s dress socks tend to be made of softer, thinner materials than casual or sport socks. These socks come in lengths up to thigh-high trouser socks. Cotton blends and synthetic materials are common, particularly in work socks designed for day-long wear.

Functional Socks

There are several types of functional socks for wearers with various podiatric needs. Compression socks can be worn to manage leg or foot pain by increasing blood flow. Support socks may go up over the calf, and are made with spandex to support muscles and relieve strain. Other socks are designed to provide wearers who have diabetes with foot support and protection.

Custom Socks

Customize sports or casual socks with a choice of colors, designs and sizes. Select a base sock style and choose from available colors and options for text and logos. Customizing socks can be a good choice for outfitting a team or an individual with footwear of any color or size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which socks can I customize?

You can customize any length of socks, from ankle up to quarter, crew, knee-high or over-the-knee socks. The style of sock you choose may determine which lengths, materials and custom design options are available. Customize your favorite sock with a choice of colors and embroidered or printed words or logos.Yes, it is completely easy to order customized socks. All you need to do is take a moment to explore your options with the personalization features at Socks Rock and play around with the intuitive tools. In no time, you’ll have created a sock you can’t wait to slip on for your next game.

Can I get socks custom stitched or printed?

Choose to have socks embroidered with custom logos and text or printed with dye sublimation. Stitched designs are often paired with a selection of primary and accent colorways and a choice for adding logos or text to different parts of socks. Printed socks may feature a full or half design.

What are the best materials for sport socks?

The best sport sock materials include nylon stretch yarn and a blend made of 70% polypropylene, 20% nylon, 8% elastic and 2% Lycra Spandex. Sock styles and options for custom embroidered or printed designs tend to determine which material is used. Synthetic materials wick moisture better than cotton or wool.

Which socks are good for active and casual wear?

Socks made out of synthetic materials such as nylon, polypropylene, elastic and spandex can provide a comfortable fit and stay in place during vigorous activity or throughout hours of everyday wear. These socks are durable and wick moisture away from feet to prevent blisters and prolong the life of shoes.

How can I order socks for a team?

Place a bulk order for at least 12 socks per size. Save on orders on any quantity and size of socks in your choice of colorways and with design elements such as brim or toe text and logos on the front or back to outfit team members in matching footwear.
No matter which style of footwear you prefer, wearing the right socks is important for comfort and foot health. Select a sock style to see all of the available length and design options for custom socks.