Lacrosse Socks
Socks may not be the flashiest or most exciting article of clothing, but in lacrosse they are an essential piece of equipment. Lacrosse socks serve to make players more comfortable on the field and even provide some injury protection. They can also be a piece of the team uniform or allow players to express their individual style while on the field.
What are lacrosse socks used for?
Lacrosse players wear socks for many of the same reasons that people do everyday, providing comfort and a sense of style. However, socks do a lot more than that when it comes to lacrosse. Lacrosse socks are responsible for preventing mild injuries in the forms of blisters and cuts. Lacrosse cleats need to be tied tightly in order to insure they stay on during a game or practice, so having socks manages the friction between foot and cleat. They also help keep players comfortable by providing foot support and helping wick sweat to keep cool.
In sports, typically teams all wear the exact same things when it comes to uniforms. Lacrosse socks can serve as a piece of that uniform by having all players wear socks that match the team colors and feature the team logo on the side. Socks can also serve as a stylistic piece that allows players to express their individuality with unique colors or designs.
Things To Consider
When looking for lacrosse socks, you'll want to consider the following:
- What type of lacrosse socks do you want?
- Will you be playing lacrosse indoors or outdoors?
- How much money do you have to spend on lacrosse socks?
- Do you have a favorite brand or color?
Types
Socks come in a number of different styles, and lacrosse socks do as well. Let’s look at the three most common styles of lacrosse socks: ankle socks, mid-calf socks, and knee high socks.
Ankle Socks
Ankle socks rise up the foot and leg ending just around the ankle bone, so they’re only slightly visible above cleats. They cover much less of the leg, which allows for more breathability which helps keep the body cooler. The color of these socks hardly matter as they only peek out over the top of low rise cleats.
Mid-Calf Socks
Mid-calf socks cover the entire foot and move up the leg ending midway up the calf, as the name indicates. These socks protect the ankle and lower portion of the calf from cuts, but they retain more heat. These socks are typically efficient at wicking sweat in order to counteract the retained heat. These socks come with a number of different styles and colors for customization.
Knee High Socks
Knee high socks cover the foot and rise all the way up the leg to the knee. These socks provide maximum leg protection, leaving no area of the leg openly exposed, which significantly increases protection against “cleating” and bruising. Many knee high socks also serve as compression socks to help improve circulation.
Materials
There are a number of materials that are used in the production of lacrosse socks, so we’re going to look at nylon, elastic, and polyester.
- Nylon: Nylon is one of the world’s most versatile man-made substances, and one of the main materials used in the production of lacrosse socks. Nylon is a strong, durable material that is light.
- Elastic: Elastic is a material that is capable of withstanding extreme stress, while also being able to retain its original shape. It allows lacrosse socks to retain their shape after being stretched out in large amounts.
- Polyester: Polyester is a type of plastic that is synthetically made. Polyester is shrink-resistant, durable, light, and quick drying. It is a good material for lacrosse socks because it is protective, light, and easily cleaned.
Brands
Some of the most common producers of lacrosse socks are Nike, East Coast Dyes, and Maverik.
Nike
Nike produces a wide variety of lacrosse socks in varying styles and colors, which allows them to sell socks within a wide price range. Their socks are designed to be thick and support the foot at specific pressure points, while also staying cool and dry.
East Coast Dyes
East Coast Dyes is a premier lacrosse brand that produces some uniquely designed socks. They produce socks that include a built-in arch pad and a special foot-locking heel strap to help support the foot. Their socks are also light and produced to wick sweat away from the body.
Maverik
Maverik produces some of the most affordable socks on the market. Maverik socks are more on the simple side in terms of features, but they accomplish the job of protecting the foot and leg all the same.
FAQ
How much do lacrosse socks cost?
Lacrosse socks typically cost in the range of $5-$18 per single pair. Where in the price range a single pair may fall is largely dependent upon the brand that produces the sock and the style of sock being purchased. Some brands add in extra protection or support features that allow them to charge more for their socks. Knee high and mid-calf socks use up more material to go higher up the leg, so they typically cost more than just ankle socks. Buying lacrosse socks in multipacks or bulk allows the price of each individual pair to decrease, so if you’re looking for value that’s the way to go.
What are the kinds of lacrosse socks?
There are primarily three different types of lacrosse socks: ankle socks, mid-calf socks, and knee high socks. These socks all ultimately fulfill the same purpose of protecting the foot and making it easier to put cleats on, but they do it in different ways. Each style of sock offers a different amount of breathability, protection for the leg, and styles. The higher up the leg the sock rises the more protection it offers, but that protection comes at the expense of keeping the legs cool.
What are the main differences between lacrosse socks and regular socks?
Lacrosse socks aren’t that much different than regular socks, as they both fulfill many of the same functions. They both provide comfort to the wearer, while also serving as a stylistic part of an outfit. Lacrosse socks are different in the sense that they offer more protection both for the foot and parts of the leg that it covers. These socks protect the leg from the elements, and offer support for the foot.