A COMPLETE GUIDE TO FOOTBALL GRIP SOCKS

Grip socks have become increasingly popular with football players in recent years due to the significant performance benefits and foot protection they offer. But what exactly are they, and how did they evolve into the popular sports accessory they are today? We have put together this complete guide to football grip socks to provide you with all the information you need.

What are grip socks?

Grip socks are typically made from soft breathable material and feature a dot dimple design. The dimples are made from silicone/rubber and reduce the internal movement in boots, creating contact between the foot, sock, and boot.

Grip socks play a key role in the world of football. As players can be running for over 90 minutes in matches, sweat produces in the soles of their boots which can cause friction. This friction rubs against the foot which creates a burning feeling, resulting in blistering which can be painful. Grips socks were created to reduce the movement of the foot in the boot and provide comfort as well as other benefits.

Who wears grip socks?

Footballers at professional level have been wearing grip socks for over 10 years, and in more recent times amateur players young and old have started to wear them too. Their increased popularity is down to the performance benefits they offer and the fact they are very affordable which has made them accessible to junior and senior players at all levels.

Do grip socks work and are they worth it?

The answer to both questions is yes, they do work, and they are worth it! The dimpled design used with grip socks provides traction and prevents your foot from slipping in your boot. The enhanced grip and reduced movement has a number of benefits which we have listed below:

• Prevents blister development and sore feet – reducing the movement of feet in football boots prevents friction and rubbing which can result in blisters and sore feet.
• Provides foot comfort while playing – the prevention of foot movement in boots ensures feet are comfortable and protected.
• Increases response & reaction times – grip socks ensure there is solid contact between feet, boots, and the playing surface to provide a solid foundation for sudden changes in direction.
• Maximises mobility and performance – the improved responsiveness aids mobility and ensures players can perform at their best.
• Reduces the risk of injuries – the reduced risk of slipping and twisting helps prevents common injuries such as rolled ankles, whilst the extra support provided by grip socks also supports feet, ankles, and calves to reduce the risk of strains and sprains.

HOW TO WEAR FOOTBALL GRIP SOCKS

How do you wear grip socks with football socks?

Before getting started you will need:

• Grip socks
• Pre-cut football socks (pre-cut socks can be purchased or you can cut traditional football socks)
• Shin pads (shin pad sleeve is optional depending on personal preference)
• Sock tape
• Football boots

Once you have the items listed above you can follow the step-by-step guide below which explains how to put the socks on with other related football gear:

• Step 1: Put on football grip socks.
• Step 2: Tuck your shin pads into the grip socks. Some players also put their shin pad sleeve on or tape the shin pad to keep it in place, but this comes down to personal preference
• Step 3: Put on football socks on and cover the shin pad, making sure the end of the club sock and grip sock meet
• Step 4: Apply sock tape where the grip socks and club socks meet
• Step 5: Put your football boots on.

HOW TO WASH AND DRY GRIP SOCKS?

When washing grip socks, we recommend turning them inside out to preserve the grip and prevent it from wearing. Use a gentle detergent and wash them in water no higher than 30 degrees Celsius.

After washing it is best to air dry socks to maintain the elasticity of the sock and prevent any potential damage from high heat.

Following this approach will maximise the lifespan of the socks, ensuring they last as long as possible. Depending on the frequency of use grip socks can last up to 12 months (or a full season), although this will depend on various different factors.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING GRIP SOCKS?

Before making a purchase, it is always wise to consider certain aspects:

• Checking size guides: Generally, most grip socks will come in S/M or L/XL which fit a wide range of foot sizes, sometimes they will feature an XS for kids’ sizes.
• Colour options: Always consult with your clubs as to what colour your sock needs to be, having a wide range of colour options is always ideal so you know exactly which you need to go for.
• Rotating socks: Using more than one pair at a time will help to prolong the durability of socks so they last longer.

Given the performance benefits of grips socks it is a no brainer to wear them when playing football. Our FORZA Football Grip socks come in a selection of sizes to fit any footballer, and we have various colours available to match club colours. We also have pre-cut football socks which can be paired with grip socks for a professional look!