Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks (2024)

Basketball players can often be seen wearing two pairs of socks during a game, practice, or even a local pickup game at the park. Wearing two pairs of socks is common among basketball players of all ages.

Basketball players wear two pairs of socks to provide a maximum cushion between heel and shoe, prevent less friction, and for style purposes.

In this article, we’re going to show you why basketball players two pairs of socks.

Why Wear Two Pairs Of Socks In Basketball

Wearing two pairs of socks may seem odd at first, but there are a few reasons you may want to think about doing it. Let’s learn why.

Less Friction Between Sock & Shoe

Many players will have the double sock look mainly because it lessens the friction between sock and shoe.

For instance, when it’s just one layer of the sock in the shoe, the foot may slide around in the shoe because there will always be a small amount of room for the foot to move.

Wearing two socks will make for a tighter fit for the shoe, causing the foot to be locked in place with the shoe.

This is always why players wear ankle braces, to limit the amount of room that the foot can move around when making cuts or crossovers. A perfect example is what happened with Zion Williamson in the Duke Vs. UNC game.

Zion’s shoe completely blew out the side, forcing him to miss the entire game. This could have happened for a few reasons:

  • Poorly designed shoe – This is probably not the issue, as Nike makes top quality shoes
  • Wrong sized shoe – If Zion’s shoe was the improper size, his foot could have been sliding around in the shoe which could of cause the impact on the shoe walls.
  • Size and Force – Zion’s sheer mass and size alone, along with the force he’s putting into the side of the shoe, along with the force could have caused the shoe to blow out.

Friction between the feet can also cause blisters. If the shoes don’t fit properly, the back of your heels can develop blisters that impede you from running full speed.

Comfort During The Game

The comfort of wearing two socks adds double the comfort. Especially if you’re wearing Nike socks, they feel like a pillow on your feet.

Since players will be running for 30-45 minutes consistently, having proper foot comfort is key for players to thrive, especially for the game’s full length.

Sock comfort and the right fit will also help basketball players avoid blisters. Hands and feet are the two most valuable body parts a basketball must take care of. Blisters on the feet will prohibit an athlete from moving at full speed.

Schools and rec leagues don’t provide socks to players as part of the uniform. It’s up to the basketball player to go out and purchase socks to match the uniform.

Companies like Belisy are creating socks specifically for running and basketball, which gives the athlete the compression it needs, proper ventilation, and thick enough to fill the shoe.

The Stylish Look

The last and most important (to some of us) is the look. We want to look good when we’re balling. Since the Fab 5, the mid-calf Nike socks are the prime sock to wear during a basketball game.

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks (1)

Since the fab 5 introduced the world to baggy shorts and sporting Nike primarily, the “lower half” of the basketball player is the most customized part of the body.

Players have no choice but to wear their team’s jersey and shorts, but the shoes/socks are where players can get creative and sport their own personalized look.

Double Socks For Basketball

As mentioned, players can control the socks they wear. Therefore it’s in our best interest to find comfortable socks, provide less friction in the shoe, and wear the same colors as our team.

Here are our picks for the most comfortable and stylish socks that can be doubled up to reduce friction and improve style.

Nike Sock

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks (2)
Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks (3)

Nike socks are seen as the leader, especially in the double sock style. Players will often be seen wearing double socks that feature the Nike logo on each pair. They layer nicely and provide style for pretty much any team and any color.

  • Cushioning in key areas provides targeted comfort and long-lasting wear.
  • Cotton/Polyester/Nylon/Elastaine
  • Dri-FIT technology helps keep feet dry and comfortable.

Ice Cream Sock Style Sold Here

Belisy Socks

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks (4)

Belisy socks are great to be worn as a double sock or a solo sock. Its main goal is comfort and the ability to be worn in tough conditions.

  • 17% nylon
  • A sports socks for towel sports fabrics, with breathable moisture mesh, keeping your feet refreshed.
  • Mid crew socks are not too thick or too thin, warm in winter and breathable in summer. Professionally customized for all sports, mainly used for basketball

Under Armour

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks (5)

A direct competitor of Nike, the Under Armour sock is a great sock to double up. The X layered in between two socks are a great style symbol and the well-known Under Armour comfort.

  • 97% Polyester/3% Spandex
  • Moisture Transport System wicks sweat away from the body
  • Anti-odor technology prevents growth of odor causing microbes

Conclusion

Wearing double socks has become more of the norm in terms of style. Basketball players can often be seen wearing two pairs of socks, both on both feet. That means the player needs to put on four socks to be stylish and have the proper comfort/friction between the shoe.

We recommend checking out the socks we’ve listed above as they will answer all of your sock needs, and they will turn heads for sure. Nike socks are a leader in basketball style. The Nike checkmark is seen as a style symbol and can be seen in basketball courts worldwide.

What kind of basketball socks do you wear? In the comment section below, let us know what your favorite types of socks are and what types of socks you think we should add to the list of double socks.

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks (2024)

FAQs

Why Do Basketball Players Wear Two Pairs Of Socks? ›

Basketball players wear two pairs of socks to create a larger cushion between their heels and the shoe, thereby reducing friction and providing better comfort. The second pair compresses your foot, cutting it off from circulation and making it colder than if you were wearing one pair only.

Why do basketball players wear two socks? ›

You can commonly see basketball players of all ages wearing two pairs of long socks during a game or practice. The double-layer helps eliminate friction between your foot, the shoe and the ankle brace.

Why do some people wear 2 pairs of socks? ›

Double-socks introduce a third interface

You can create an extra interface by wearing another pair of socks. This creates a sock-sock interface. If the sock-sock interface COF is lower than that of the other two interfaces, the two socks will slide across one another before the others are able to.

What is the sock rule in the NBA? ›

NBA rules specify that everyone on the team has to wear the same color socks. That color can be white, black or one of the team's official colors.

Why do football players wear 2 socks? ›

They are actually wearing a pair of socks and a pair of compression sleeves. The compression sleeves are tight-fitting garments that are worn over the calf muscles and lower leg. They are made of stretchy materials such as spandex or nylon and provide support and compression to the muscles and tendons in the lower leg.

What is the double socking for basketball? ›

Wearing two pairs of socks is common among basketball players of all ages. Basketball players wear two pairs of socks to provide a maximum cushion between heel and shoe, prevent less friction, and for style purposes.

What is the point of half socks? ›

If you think about it, though, half socks are the same as walking on a no-show or ankle sock that's slipped halfway down your foot. Half socks simply cut out the irritating sock bunch, and its absence makes all the difference.

Why do athletes wear 2 socks? ›

This friction is measured by a coefficient of friction (COF), and is a number usually less than one. High friction between both interfaces contributes to the formation of blisters. To alleviate this problem, the wearer should have an extra interface by wearing an additional sock.

Do 2 pairs of socks prevent blisters? ›

Double-layer socks can prevent blisters by reducing friction and wicking away moisture. 4 Some double layer socks, such as WrightSocks, even come with a no-blister guarantee. You can also wear two pairs of socks, which is a common tactic for hikers.

Do athletes wear 2 pairs of socks? ›

Blister prevention, sweat absorption, and style are all reasons why players might choose to double up on socks. Basketball players wear two pairs of socks to create a larger cushion between their heels and the shoe, thereby reducing friction and providing better comfort.

What is Rule 13 in basketball? ›

13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In case of a draw, the game may, by agreement of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.

Can you wear 1 in the NBA? ›

It has also produced some dominating playmakers in Tracy McGrady, Penny Hardaway and the current incumbent of No. 1, the NBA MVP Derrick Rose. The only All-Star big man to wear No. 1 has been Amare, who switched over to No.

Why can't you wear short socks in the NFL? ›

1945: Commissioner Elmer Layden, apparently with way too much time on his hands, decides that NFL players have unsightly legs and decrees that all players must wear long stockings.

Why do players cut holes in socks? ›

The tight socks can be very uncomfortable and restricting, and sometimes can even cut off blood circulation, which can lead to cramps. To ease the pressure, some players simply cut holes into the back of their socks, where the calf muscle is the biggest.

What does second socks mean? ›

SSS usually refers to the inability to produce complete pairs of socks. Knitting the first sock usually goes quickly. But the second one seems to drag on, never gets completed or even cast on in the first place. This is due to a lack of motivation and interest.

Why do players cut their socks at the back? ›

Players will usually wear a new pair of socks for every match and the material can be restrictive, particularly for those with sizeable calves, so some cut holes in the back to allow for better circulation and reduce the risk of getting cramp.

Is double socking good? ›

Is it okay to wear two socks? Wearing two socks can cause ineffective circulation and lead to cold feet. Compressing the second pair of socks restricts blood flow, making your feet colder than they need to be.

Why do basketball players put rubber bands on their legs? ›

Those are a form of patellar orthotics (bracing) called infrapatellar straps or bands. They are designed to reduce knee pain, especially in athletes who experience knee pain with running and/or jumping.

What are socks without feet called? ›

Tube socks are basically socks without heels formed into them.

Why wear socks with toes? ›

Toe socks are popular with runners and hikers as they are designed to match the natural shape of our feet to optimize natural function, prevent skin-on-skin rubbing and improve breathability. This gives a wide array of health benefits such as preventing blisters, skin redness and compressed, sore toes.

Does 2 layers of socks keep your feet warmer? ›

Many people think that wearing layering or thick socks is the best solution for dealing with cold feet. But they actually create pressure on your feet and cut off blood circulation to your toes. So in order to keep your feet warm and dry, you need socks that are breathable, moisture-wicking and thin or medium-thick.

How many pairs of socks is enough? ›

The number of socks you should own can be estimated by the number of days between laundry cycles. Typically, a fresh pair of socks should be worn each day. Knowing the average young adult washes their clothes and socks once every 7-10 days, a safe estimate would be to own at least 10 pairs of socks.

How many pairs of socks do you really need? ›

Generally 6-12 pairs of socks are used in a regular weekly cycle, plus 2 -7 pairs of socks that are used for special occasions. Thus, 8-16 pairs of socks is the most ideal number of socks one must own.

What does wearing 2 different colored socks mean? ›

Advocates for people with Down syndrome celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing colorful mismatched socks.

How can I toughen my feet? ›

Tannic Acid to Toughen: Marathoners and long-distance walkers may want to toughen the feet with 10% tannic acid or a tea soak. Apply the tannic acid to your feet, or soak in strong tea, twice daily for two to three weeks.

Does Vaseline stop shoes rubbing? ›

Decrease friction to the skin of your feet by applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, or tape to areas that are likely to be rubbed by poorly fitting shoes or socks.

What is Rule 52 in basketball? ›

Unacceptable Behavior - Laughing, pointing finger, name calling, yelling player name or number, etc., directed at opponents in an attempt to distract; to degrade an excellent performance by opponents.

What is the rule 7 5 7 in basketball? ›

The thrower shall release the ball on a pass directly into the court, except as in 7-5-7, within five seconds after the throw-in begins. The throw-in pass shall touch another player (inbounds or out of bounds) on the court before going out of bounds untouched.

What is an illegal 3 in basketball? ›

The defensive three-second count is suspended when: (1) a player is in the act of shooting, (2) there is a loss of team control, (3) the defender is actively guarding an opponent, (4) the defender completely clears the 16-foot lane or (5) it is imminent the defender will become legal.

Is the number 69 banned in the NBA? ›

No NBA player has ever worn the number 69, which is believed to be implicitly banned due to its sexual connotations; the NBA has never confirmed this. Dennis Rodman allegedly requested the number 69 when he joined the Dallas Mavericks but was refused and instead wore 70.

What does 00 mean on a jersey? ›

Most teams won't assign those numbers. Players usually have to request them, perhaps thinking that “0” or “00” will distinguish them and make them stand out. But over the years, various players have sported a jersey with zero or double-zero, often for surprising reasons, and to mixed results.

Can you wear 69 in the NFL? ›

No, the NFL has not banned the number 69. However, the NBA apparently does not issue the number.

Why can't NFL players show skin? ›

A player's appearance on the field conveys a message regarding the image of the league and directly affects the league's reputation and success,” the NFL's Game Operations Manual states. All players must tuck in their jerseys.

Can NFL players show skin on their legs? ›

Showing too much skin is prohibited by Rule 5, Section 4, Article 3, Item 4, which states that “Pants must be worn over the entire knee area; pants shortened or rolled up to meet the stockings above the knee are prohibited.” The only exception is if a player wears a device — say, a knee brace — that replaces the ...

Can NFL players wearing hoodies on field? ›

— -- NFL players no longer can wear exposed "hoodies" over their shoulder pads, and assistant coaches are now expressly prohibited from entering the field of play, following a series of adjustments that will appear in the 2016 edition of the NFL rulebook.

Why do male soccer players wear bras? ›

The "sports bras" worn by men's soccer players are actually GPS tracker vests. Each vest has a tracker in the back that provides a ton of data for coaches, trainers, and players to learn from.

Why do players pull their socks over their knees? ›

Professional footballers use long socks pulling up over their calves because it keeps their leg muscles warm, and also to help keep their shin guards in place. While they are incredibly useful, they can also be quite tight and restrictive – which can cause problems with effective blood flow and circulation.

Why do football socks have left and right? ›

Our left and right asymmetrical socks deliver specifically targeted compression to the foot's arch and cushion that matches the distribution of the toes.

What does sleeping with socks on mean? ›

Wearing socks in bed increases blood flow to feet and heat loss through the skin, which helps lower core body temperature. In turn, this helps a person get to sleep faster.

What are half socks called? ›

Need some low-cut socks that no one can see inside your shoes? Also known as pedi socks or footies, a pair of no-show socks will be invisible when worn with most shoes. Rock a sockless look in boat shoes or loafers — no-show socks are a great way to keep cool and stink-free in the summer!

Is it OK to repeat socks? ›

Socks should be changed regularly to avoid unpleasant smells and athlete's foot (a fungal infection). Fungus loves warm, damp and dark environments which makes your socks the ideal breeding place. My suggestion is to change your socks at least once a day.

What is a sock trick in sports? ›

Did you know scoring six goals in lacrosse is called a sock trick?

Do pros wear grip socks? ›

Pro players want any 1% advantage they can find. Grip socks reduce the external slippage between the players sock and the boot for improved speed and acceleration. Truly elite grip socks also focus on the internal grip between the players foot and the sock itself.

Why do athletes not wear socks? ›

The idea is that a foot could slip a little inside a boot, and that slip would mean wasted energy and slower times. “Our athletes are barefoot when it gets molded their barefoot when they skate,” said Domer. “That's to provide minimal slippage when they are in the skate and putting down the power they put down.”

Does wearing two pairs of socks prevent blisters? ›

Double-layer socks can prevent blisters by reducing friction and wicking away moisture. 4 Some double layer socks, such as WrightSocks, even come with a no-blister guarantee. You can also wear two pairs of socks, which is a common tactic for hikers.

Does wearing two socks prevent pain? ›

Bring an extra pair of thick socks that you can wear at night while your others dry. The thin sock will dry quickly so you only really need one pair. Advantages: less blisters, drier feet, less pain.

Why do players cut their socks at the bottom? ›

Players will usually wear a new pair of socks for every match and the material can be restrictive, particularly for those with sizeable calves, so some cut holes in the back to allow for better circulation and reduce the risk of getting cramp.

Do your feet get colder with two pairs of socks on? ›

Double Up on Socks

Rather than wearing a single pair of wool socks, try wearing two pairs. With two pairs of socks, your feel will inevitably stay warmer. Your feet are bound to lose some of their heat. If it's cold outside, heat will escape your feet.

What are left and right socks called? ›

Have you ever noticed some of the athletic socks are labeled “left” and “right”? Sometimes these socks are called “asymmetrical fit socks.” Actually, the asymmetrical fit socks can greatly improve the performance of athletes! About Feet Shape. 1- The Asymmetry Shape. Human feet are asymmetry.

Are left and right socks a thing? ›

Yes, there is a difference between "left" and "right" socks . Many socks are designed with specific fits for the left and right feet to provide added comfort and support. The left and right socks may have different shapes, sizes, and materials in specific areas to match the unique contours and needs of each foot.

Why should you sleep with socks on? ›

Research suggests that wearing socks to bed can help people not only fall asleep faster, but sleep longer and wake up fewer times throughout the night. One study found that young men wearing socks fell asleep 7.5 minutes faster, slept 32 minutes longer, and woke up 7.5 times less often than those not wearing socks.

Is it better to wear 1 or 2 pairs of socks? ›

Wearing two pairs of socks can offer more room on your feet, making them feel warmer and reducing the risk of frostbite or other cold-related injuries. If you tend to get sweaty or wet insole wear down quickly, wearing two pairs of socks might be a good solution for you.

Is it OK to wear the same socks everyday? ›

Socks should be changed regularly to avoid unpleasant smells and athlete's foot (a fungal infection). Fungus loves warm, damp and dark environments which makes your socks the ideal breeding place. My suggestion is to change your socks at least once a day.

How many pairs of socks is good? ›

Generally 6-12 pairs of socks are used in a regular weekly cycle, plus 2 -7 pairs of socks that are used for special occasions. Thus, 8-16 pairs of socks is the most ideal number of socks one must own.

Why do footballers put holes in the back of their socks? ›

The tight socks can be very uncomfortable and restricting, and sometimes can even cut off blood circulation, which can lead to cramps. To ease the pressure, some players simply cut holes into the back of their socks, where the calf muscle is the biggest.

Why do England players have holes in their socks? ›

Players generally cut holes in their socks in order to reduce pressure on the calf muscles, which are often restricted by the form-fitting, snug nature of the garment.

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