Baseball season is about to begin. This means you need to be equipped with the right equipment for the field.
One of the most valuable and often overlooked accessories for a game is baseball socks. These can increase not only your performance but also become a fashion accessory.
In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know regarding baseball socks, and our recommendations of the best baseball socks you can find.
How are Baseball Socks Different to Regular Socks?
It's been well over a century since athletic socks became a thing. And the baseball socks with stirrups are different than a regular sock.
Baseball socks have two layers in them for high safety for the players. You will find baseball socks very specific for each foot, either left or right, for a high level of comfort and safety.
Baseball socks typically have cushioning on the ankle and even padding under the ball of the foot and heel. Along with that, they should also have ribbing support just above the instep.
These features in the baseball socks are designed to provide comfort while jumping, sliding, or playing on the field.
Another essential feature is going to be moisture-wicking technology. Due to high moisture, a baseball player can develop fungal infections, and a clean and dry sock can keep your feet from developing any infections during and after the game.
You also need to know that baseball socks also differ from regular socks as they have to be pulled up higher than an average sock. These sports baseball socks not only look great but also boost your performance.
Compression near the ankle also is seen in a pair of baseball socks, as it limits movements to the ankle and ensures high mobility and performance.
How Should Baseball Socks Be Worn?
First and foremost, you are required to do the checking of the length of your baseball socks. If you have a pair of baseball socks that are cuffed at the angle, then wearing baseball stirrups will not be functional.
Stirrups are preferred for baseball players who tend to wear pants that are cuffed at the knees.
Then after this, the first step is to wear sanitary socks which reach to your calves. Ensure the pair you you choose are new, and the elastic is tight enough for your feet.
After this, begin wearing baseball stirrups above your sanitary socks. The stirrups will cover your lower leg entirely, and then the loop needs to go around your feet.
You need to take into account three things when you are wearing baseball socks. The type of sanitary socks you are choosing, your baseball knickers, and their length. It's all a matter of preference.
Some baseball players prefer the narrow loop, which is visible between your pair of shoes and cuff. Whereas other players tend to choose baseball socks in which sleeves are visible as well.
Regardless of the type of knickers you choose, you ought to put the stirrups under your baseball pants.
Lastly, check that the grip of your stirrups is snugging with your limbs, as if the pair of socks is loose, then this can cause mobility problems and hamper your performance.
Things to Consider When Buying Baseball Socks
Before you purchase your pair of baseball socks, you will need to consider these important factors below.
Material
Without a doubt, the material on your pair of baseball socks is vital. It needs to be of top quality and high durability. A low-quality material would mean that the socks will lose their elasticity very fast, which will impair your performance while playing baseball.
The materials to look for when it comes to baseball socks often includes a combination of different materials. Look for nylon, polyester, and even spandex in your pair of baseball socks.
Level of Comfort
Without a comfortable pair of baseball socks, your performance will most likely suffer.
To prevent that from happening, the best baseball socks are going to include cushioning for your feet along with integrated mesh material. This is great for adding comfort to your feet.
You should also look for sports socks that come with a toe seam, as it ensures breathability and protection of your feet.
Make sure not to wear your baseball cleats with your baseball sock, as this can cause blisters on your feet—a sock act as the necessary barrier between your feet and your baseball cleats.
Moisture Wicking
If you are looking to keep the sweat away from your feet. A great pair will be made from acrylic material as it has moisture-wicking properties in them.
If you choose a baseball sock that isn't controlling moisture, it can cause severe skin allergies and infections. And no one wants that, right? It's better to choose cool baseball socks with a moisture-wicking feature in them.
Durability
You need to ensure that your socks are top quality and will last you from one season to another. It would be highly frustrating to buy a pair of baseball socks and seeing them tear apart after a few wears.
Support
Make sure to buy baseball socks that not only provide support to your ankle to prevent any injuries and abrasions. But also opt for socks that have enough thickness and cushioning for your lower legs.
The best baseball socks will also provide you with arch support to reduce foot pain and maintain stability and balance while playing baseball.
Size and Fit
Regardless of the brands claiming that one size fits all for the baseball socks, we advise to check that the pair of socks is the right fit for you. Great sports socks should be a comfortable size and snug-fitting without any extraneous efforts required while wearing them.
The best baseball socks will have high-quality elasticity to be able to wrap snuggly around your feet. Anything too loose or tight can be an issue. A snug fit will ensure great mobility and blood flow, and they will stay put while playing.
Thickness
Another important thing to look for in your pair of socks is thickness. The thickness should be just right for your feet. If the socks are thicker than required, then they will cause discomfort. Remember to opt for a pair that is lightweight and of ideal thickness.
Breathability
The material of your baseball socks needs to be of top quality breathable material. Mesh can ensure just that.
Team Colors
It may not occur to you, but baseball socks can be a great fashion accessory and identifying factor of your team while playing baseball.
It is best to choose a pair of sports socks that match your jersey's color and are a good representation of your team's colors. For example, striped baseball socks are a great option for similar jerseys.
Uniform Requirements
Some teams have specific uniform requirements from their players, some might prefer over the knee baseball socks. At the same time, others might require you to wear particular colors to maintain harmony amongst the player's uniforms.
Make sure to check with your coach and team members before choosing a pair of socks.
Our Top 5 Baseball Socks
Now that we have outlined all the things you need to know before buying a pair of socks here are the top picks for baseball socks.
1. Under Armour Men's Baseball Over the Calf Socks
Our first pick is these Under Armour Baseball socks made from 83% polyester, 4% nylon, and 2% spandex high-quality imported material.
What's best about these pair of socks is that they have moisture-wicking technology that keeps sweat away while playing baseball.
These sports socks have great cushioning for maximum protection and comfort. Along with this, these socks will also provide arch support to maintain your balance while you play.
Not to forget, these socks have an ArmorBlock feature, which prevents foul odor from your feet. Along with that, due to its polyester material is also has good breathability.
It also provides comfort to your toes and reduces abrasion and irrational while you play.
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When it comes to baseball, Rawlings has a huge brand name and loyalty. And the reason behind that is that Rawlings provides the best baseball equipment. So another one of our picks has to be these.
These socks are made from 80% acrylic, 16% nylon, 3% polyester, and 1% spandex high-quality imported material.
The socks also have a cushioned bed for added comfort and protection. Along with this, they also provide arch support for a better balance and performance.
These socks also have deep heel cups, ensuring the socks remain in place while you run or slide on the field.
Pros
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These Madsportstuff socks are one of the best baseball socks you can find if you are looking for a spin on your traditional baseball sock.
The length of these socks is mid-length till the calf, and you can find them in a vast variety of color options. You'll be able to find socks which match your jersey.
The best part about these socks is their sizing. Available in youth, men, and women sizes.
These socks are made from 77% polypropylene, 17% nylon, 3% elastic, and 3% spandex, the elasticity, and durability are high on these socks.
They not only have moisture-wicking technology but also provide arch and ankle support for your feet.
Along with this, blister control technology prevents blisters and abrasions on your feet.
Not to forget, the yarn material prevents odor from these sports socks.
Pros
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If you are looking for knee high baseball socks, then this will be your best bet.
These socks have a traditional old-school color theme. The material of these socks includes 93% polyester, 6% spandex, and 1% nylon.
It also has moisture-wicking technology, which is going to keep you sweat-free while playing baseball.
This baseball sock is also extremely lightweight yet high in durability.
The best part about this baseball sock is its ergonomic cushioning, which prevents abrasions and injuries during your game.
Along with this, it features Archilles cushioning, which ensures additional protection to your heel.
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If you are looking for youth baseball socks, then this would be a great choice.
These youth baseball socks are not only lightweight but highly durable with moisture-wicking technology.
You can choose from a wide variety of color options, which are going to match your jersey.
You will also find extra cushioning on these Franklin sports youth baseball socks for additional protection and comfort while playing your game.
The best part about these is that they can be used with stirrups.
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Conclusion
Considering all the features, our pick for the best baseball socks has to be the MadsportsStuff Crew Socks. They have high-quality, durable material, with varying color and size options, along with good elasticity.