Why Do Basketball Players Wear Double Socks?
If you spend enough time watching professional basketball games, whether the NBA or the NCAA game, you will notice that many players wear double or two pairs of socks on each foot. But why do basketball players wear double socks and does doing so help you be a better basketball player?
While not all basketball players wear two socks on each foot, many, in recent years, have begun to do so. While the reasons for wearing double socks is varied, basketball players have noted the decreased friction that comes from wearing double socks and the added support that comes from doing so.
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Cushioning and Comfort
By far, the number one reason why so many basketball players have adopted the practice of wearing double socks during games and practice is due to the increased cushioning and comfort provided by doing so. When wearing double socks, a player will be able to increase the amount of overall cushioning provided by the socks on their heels and shoe.
This cushioning can be especially useful during basketball games and practice, as basketball players are expected to run, jump, pivot, and play in a manner that places excess stress on the foot. These movements, while normal in certain circumstances, can be difficult throughout a full 48-minute game.
As-such, NBA and basketball players throughout professional and pickup leagues have opted to wea two pairs of socks on each foot. This cushioning provided helps them to ease the wear-and-tear on their feet and to remain competitive throughout the allotted time of play.
Decreased Friction Between Sock and Shoe
In addition to the cushioning provided by wearing double socks, many NBA and basketball players will opt to wear double socks due to the decreased friction between the socks and the shoe. For example, wearing one pair of socks may leave excess room in the shoe, leading to added slippage and less grip.
However, by wearing two pairs of socks, a basketball player is better able to gain decreased friction within the sole of the shoe. This decreased friction will provide great strength and grip on the foot and will help the player to perform at higher levels, without feeling lessened grip.
Due to its simplicity and ease of use, wearing double socks is often a quick and easy fix to grip and friction issues with a shoe.
Protection Against Blisters
In addition to the above, by wearing double socks on each foot, a basketball player can decrease the chances of blisters and soreness on the feet. Blisters are often caused when a part of the body rubs against an object for an extended period of time.
By wearing double socks, a basketball player is adding an additional layer of fabric between their foot and the shoe. This added fabric acts as a barrier between the athlete and the materials within the shoe, making blistering less likely and more avoidable.
Protection of the Calcaneus Bone
The calcaneus, or heel bone, is the largest of the tarsal bones in your feet. It lies at the back of the foot and is directly below the three bones which make up the ankle joint. Due to its position on the foot, the calcaneus bone is highly likely to suffer from blistering and bruising during extended periods of exercise and exertion.
However, this impact and stress can be minimized by wearing two socks. Wearing two socks will place more cushion, leading to less direct impact, on the bone. This can help basketball players, and athletes as a whole, remain competitive during more rigorous levels of play.
Can Help to Break in New Shoes
Particularly for NBA and professional basketball players, wearing two pairs of socks can help with breaking in a new pair of shoes. Many NBA players will receive new pairs of shoes every other game, if not every game. As-such, these players need a quick and easy way to break in the shoes.
By wearing two pairs of socks, a basketball player can provide added grip between their feet and the shoe. This added grip can make a new pair of basketball shoes feel more secure and more broken in, without the need to wear them for multiple days and through multiple games.
Best Basketball Socks to Wear Double Socks With
When it comes to choosing a pair of socks to double-up on, it really comes down to personal preference and style. However, you should always go for basketball socks and never, ever wear dress socks for a game of basketball or practice.
Personally, we prefer the Nike Unisex Elite Basketball Crew Socks. If you follow this website, you know that we have a certain affinity to the Nike brand and their line of basketball gear, and for good reason. Nike has developed the Dri-FIT technology which we’ve found is the best material for basketball clothing, allowing breathability and comfort throughout.
However, we also recently had an opportunity to try out the Adidas Alphaskin Cushioned Crew Socks and were also very impressed. These socks provided maximum comfort and shock absorption throughout, providing protection and cushioning for the points of the foot that need it most during a game.
To add a bit more, neither the Nike Elite Crew Socks nor the Adidas Alphaskin Crew Socks were too thick that we had difficulty placing them on or off, especially when we attempted to place an additional sock on the foot. Although not easy, per-se, it was definitely not as difficult as we had expected.