Best Ice Hockey Socks
Ice hockey socks are an essential piece of equipment used in the sport. They look much different than regular socks and have different purposes. Hockey socks have been used for a long time and they have stayed relatively similar over the years.
What are ice hockey socks used for?
Hockey socks are used to cover protective gear on the shin area of a hockey player. They keep shin pads in place and stretch all the way from the ankle to above the knee. Contrary to typical socks, hockey socks do not cover the feet. They also help to keep the player warm in the cold hockey arenas. Hockey socks tend to fall down if not secured properly. Due to this, they are usually held up by either clips or velcro and reinforced with athletic tape.
Hockey socks are usually designed to match with the team uniforms. They usually feature the team colors and will follow a similar pattern to the jersey worn in that game.
Things To Consider
When looking for ice hockey socks, you'll want to consider the following:
- What type of ice hockey sock do you want?
- Do you lose socks often?
- How much are you looking to spend on ice hockey socks?
- What size of ice hockey sock do you need?
Types of Hockey Socks
The two different types of ice hockey socks are knit and performance.
Knit
Knit socks are the more traditional style of hockey socks. While they look very similar to performance socks, they are usually made of cotton and other materials that more resemble a regular sock. These are usually cheaper but less durable than performance socks.
Performance
As the name would suggest, performance socks are designed with better performance aspects in mind. They can be lighter, more water resistant, and more durable than knit socks. They also often feature more secure strapping systems than knit socks in order to prevent them from falling down.
Considerations
When deciding which hockey socks to buy, always consider the durability, cost, and sizes.
Durability
The lifespan of hockey socks can vary greatly based on a few different factors. Sometimes, they may only last a few games if they catch sticks or blades often and sometimes they can last a whole season. Polyester socks will typically last longer than cotton. It is recommended to get new socks if they start to rip or fray.
Cost
Hockey socks can usually be found for under $30. Performance socks will usually cost more while knit socks can often cost around $15. Buying specific colors or customizing your own design will likely make the price go up, however this is often an essential step to match the jersey.
Sizes
Most hockey socks come in sizes junior, youth, intermediate, and senior. The lengths of these sizes typically range from 20” to 32” which represents the length from the ankle to the bottom of your undershorts or jock strap. Most companies will have their own sizing guide to match your specific measurements.
What are the best hockey socks?
- CCM 5000 Performance Hockey Sock
- Pear Sox Pro Weight Solid Color Hockey Socks
- CHAMPRO Shift Hockey Hockey Socks
- TronX SK100 Dry Fit Ice Hockey Socks
- COLDINDOOR Adult Ice Hockey Socks
- CCM SX6000 Performance Mesh Hockey Socks
- EALER HSK Series Knit Hockey Socks
- TCK Rib Knit Ice Hockey Socks
- EALER HS100 Series Dry Fit Hockey Socks
- Trenway Pro Style Rib-Knit Ice Hockey Socks
1. CCM 5000 Performance Hockey Sock
Specifications:
- Price: $21.99
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: CCM
The CCM 5000 Performance hockey socks are the quintessential great value hockey socks at a moderate price of $21.99. They have an advanced fine-knit polyester base which allows maximum ventilation and breathability, making them perfect for those who prefer lightweight and flexible hockey socks they can trust to stay in place. The material is water and abrasion-resistant, keeping them reliable both in the game and for months on end. The elastic ankle and velcro fasteners that attach to the jock keep the 5000 Performance socks secure and comfortable throughout any kind of movement. They come in a youth size of 22 inches, a junior size of 24 inches, an intermediate of 27 inches, and a senior size of 30 inches. These hockey socks also come in a variety of solid color options with a sleek, modern design that matches any uniform easily.
2. Pear Sox Pro Weight Solid Color Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $6.99-$16.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: Pear Sox
The Pear Sox Pro Weight hockey socks are some of the best quality, especially at the asking price. At just $6.99 for their smallest size and $16.99 for senior size, these are one of the most affordable pairs of hockey socks on the market. The half-acrylic and half-polyester base is especially thick and resistant to water and abrasions, lasting for years if needed. These hockey socks are available at mite size in 16-18 inches, youth at 20-22 inches, intermediate at 24-26 inches, and adult at 30-32 inches. The elastic ankle makes for a comfortable yet secure fit, and the thigh opening is slightly larger compared to other pairs for those who need roomier socks. The Pear Sox Pro Weight Hockey Socks work well with velcro and stay on the leg throughout hard sessions without slipping. They also come in solid colors with nine options to choose from.
3. CHAMPRO Shift Hockey Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $13.49
- Rating: 4.2/5
- Brand: CHAMPRO
The CHAMPRO Shift Hockey socks are a great value, lightweight pair which protects against all elements and stays snugly in place. The 100% mesh polyester material makes for a comfortable fit with a moderate stretch, and they are conveniently machine washable on gentler cycles. They’re perfect for hockey gear that does not have a velcro system, as the loops by the front and back of each thigh are meant for classic tape instead of velcro attachments. The elastic ankle and thigh opening are snug enough to prevent slippage without being too tight. However, due to their lightweight knit, they are also slightly less durable and may wear out faster than similar polyester pairs of hockey socks. These socks are available in medium and large adult sizes and one of the widest assortments of solid colors, with 12 options, including everything from classic black to bright orange.
4. TronX SK100 Dry Fit Ice Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $18.99
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: TronX
The TronX SK100 Dry Fit ice hockey socks are a sleek, aerodynamically designed wave-knit pair of especially lightweight hockey socks. At just $19, they’re also one of the most affordable, high-quality, and streamlined socks available. The fine-knit polyester material is well vented, water-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. The unique bubble band at the ankle allows for extra comfort even as it keeps the sock tightly in place. The socks attach to the gear via the velcro straps on the front and back of each thigh. They come in a 22-inch youth size, a 26-inch intermediate size, a 28-inch size for teens/adults, and a 30-inch size for adults. There are 12 solid color options available, with everything from classic black or white to rarer colors like gold or sky blue. Each sock bears the classic Tron logo embroidered on the shin.
5. COLDINDOOR Adult Ice Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $16.99-$33.98
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Brand: COLDINDOOR
The COLDINDOOR Ice Hockey socks for adults are a great value and a popular choice for those who prefer a tight weave polyester fit. They come in solid black or sleek team color designs with thick or thin stripe variations. The dry-fit material is water-resistant and durable while still well ventilated and light, allowing the same comfort level from start to finish during a player’s time on the ice. They come in sizes of extra small, medium, and large, with the larger 28-30 inch fit adaptable to even especially tall athletes. The velcro tabs make for a secure fit for gear with velcro attachments, and the seam attaching them to the fabric does not tear even after years-long use. Like other polyester hockey socks, they have an elastic ankle to ensure no slippage. COLDINDOOR also sells similar separate pairs for youth and intermediate sizes.
6. CCM SX6000 Performance Mesh Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $22.00-$32.99
- Rating: 4.6/5
- Brand: CCM
The CCM SX600 Performance Mesh hockey socks are a uniquely aerodynamic and modern pair of luxury hockey socks. At $22 to $33 size depending, they’re on the more expensive end of hockey socks, but they’re also exceptionally high-performance with many NHL players preferring the brand. The fine-knit mesh polyester is lighter, more flexible, and more abrasion-resistant than traditionally knit socks. They are also water-resistant to ensure the wearer stays dry from start to finish in his or her time on the ice. They come in solid white, navy, or red, all with the CCM logo on the shin. Sizes are 22 inches for youth players, 24 inches for junior, 27 inches for intermediate, and 30 inches for senior. They have secure-fit velcro tabs that attach to the jock to keep them in place and comfortably-fitting elastic ankles to prevent slippage.
7. EALER HSK Series Knit Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $15.95-$17.95
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Brand: EALER
The EALER HSK Series knit hockey socks are a reliable, comfortable pair of socks available in both junior and senior sizes. At $16 to $18, depending on size, they make for a good value option. The 100% polyester material is breathable and thinner than most cotton variations while still staying durable and long-lasting, and the elastic ankle makes for a comfortable fit true to size. The socks come in sizes 16-18 inches long for players under 8 years old, 20-22 and 22-24 inches for youth players, 24-26 inches for teen players, and 28-30 inches long for adults. While they’re a great option for adults who fit a medium size, adults in need of a larger fit over 30 inches will want to look elsewhere. They come in both solid practice color or team color options, with black, white, green, yellow, red, and blue options.
8. TCK Rib Knit Ice Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $15.99-$20.99
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: Twin City Knitting
The TCK Rib Knit ice hockey socks are a secure, solid-color pair of socks that make a great option for practice. The material is 60% nylon and 40% acrylic, with the striated rib-knit design adding extra stretch for a perfect fit that stays in place throughout a session in the rink. Color options include black, white, navy, blue, pink, maroon, and red. They come in sizes 16-18 inches long for children 4 and under, 20-22 and 22-24 inches for players 4 to 8 years old, 24-26 inches for teen players, and 28-30 inches long for adults. Some users have found the sizes run small and can shrink slightly in the wash, so it may be advisable to order a size above usual. While the stretchy fit is comfortable, some have also found minor difficulty velcroing the softer material onto the rest of their leg gear.
9. EALER HS100 Series Dry Fit Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $19.95
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: EALER
The EALER HS100 Series Dry Fit hockey socks are a popular polyester-based pair of socks that come in a wide variety of team colors. They are slightly more pricey at $19.95, but their aerodynamic design makes them a good value for lightweight and comfortable hockey socks. With a mesh ventilation system and a slight stretch fit, the HS100 Series Dry Fit socks are especially breathable and cool throughout an in-rink session. They come in an extra small of 20 to 22 inches, a small of 22 to 24 inches, a medium of 24 to 26 inches, and a large of 28-30 inches, making them a great option for anyone 8 years or older. The velcro tabs make for a secure fit onto the rest of the leg gear, and the elastic ankles further keep the socks from slipping.
10. Trenway Pro Style Rib-Knit Ice Hockey Socks
Specifications:
- Price: $12.49
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Brand: Trenway
The Trenway Pro Style Rib-Knit hockey socks are a solid, reliable option for children getting into hockey. At just $12.49, they’re one of the more affordable hockey socks available, with solid white, black, and purple color options. Their rib-knit fabric is sturdy with a slight stretch to its 56% polyester and 44% acrylic base, with a snug, elastically fitted ankle that keeps them in place. This youth option, in particular, comes at 20-22 inches long, making it perfect for hockey players 8 and under. The rib knitting makes it a warmer, more durable option which is great for practice. They also hold up well after going through the washing machine, making them a good value, long-lasting pair of hockey socks to go for. Trenway also offers similar pairs in intermediate or adult sizes at a higher price.
FAQ
What kind of socks do NHL players use?
NHL players wear both knit and performance hockey socks, depending on their preference. While knit socks are more traditional and preferred by some players, performance socks are becoming more common. A lot of NHL teams believe that performance socks can sometimes even prevent injuries, leading towards a shift in styles.
How much do ice hockey socks cost?
Most ice hockey socks will usually cost less than $30. As a general note, performance socks will likely cost more than knit since they have more advanced materials and technology. Customizing socks with certain colors will also likely add to the price.
What are the different kinds of ice hockey socks?
There are two different kinds of hockey socks, knit socks and performance socks. Knit socks are more traditional and are usually made out of light weight cotton. These socks are often less durable but cheaper. Performance socks are usually made from polyester and have better moisture-wicking properties as well as compression features.