The entire population of the globe can be divided into two more parts: those for whom sport is an important and even integral part of life, and those for whom it is something distant, dark and incomprehensible. However, do not forget about another type. These are the people who are attracted and attracted by physical activity, only now to pull themselves together and join, finally, the sports community lacks skills and motivation. When planning future classes, another difficulty arises - choosing the right, reliable and comfortable training equipment. Particular attention should be paid to the selection of sports socks. What are they needed for? How do they differ from ordinary ones, and is it really necessary to use them when spending money on purchasing? What are their disadvantages and advantages? Most importantly, how do you pick the best sports socks for 2020?
Content
Sports socks
As you might guess from the name, they are intended directly for practicing various sports. According to customers who use them, this piece of clothing significantly improves comfort and safety during exercise. But can't ordinary socks achieve the same effect? Is having specialized training options so important, or is this just another marketing ploy?
Differences between sports socks and ordinary socks.
They are very similar in appearance. What then is the difference between them?
- Material. For the most part, in socks not intended for training, cotton occupies a predominant place in the composition. In sports, the main component is synthetic materials. They are included in all the elements of the above-mentioned clothing for sports, because without them the socks will simply slide off the feet during physical exertion, which leads to discomfort and even chafing and calluses on the feet.
- Rubber. The elastic sewn into many of the usual options is too tight, which interferes with the normal blood circulation, which is so necessary during exertion. Sports ones have a wide, dense elastic band that moderately holds clothes on the leg;
- Finger seam. This seam is made thin and flat, it is hardly felt when worn. This condition is necessary to limit the possibility of rubbing in the area of the fingers, which are so rare in sports involving sudden stops and braking.
- Individuality of the left and right socks. The left and right legs are physiologically different - they have different anatomical curves. The equipment follows the curve of the leg, which is why it is individual for both legs. This feature protects the leg from stretching and unnecessary discomfort.
- Reinforced zones. These zones appear in special seals. Different types of socks have different reinforcement zones, depending on the areas where the majority of the physical activity occurs.Such seals help to avoid unnecessary stress and rubbing of the surfaces of the foot.
Strengths and weaknesses of sports socks
The differences between the two items of clothing have been identified. But what are the strengths and weaknesses of the sports version over the usual?
Benefits:
- Thermoregulation and moisture removal function. This moment is simply necessary when doing physical activity. After all, wet, sweaty feet are not only great discomfort, but also the risk of injury. The work of this function is to absorb moisture and then evaporate it. By the way, this is another reason for making clothes for classes from synthetic materials, natural fabrics prevent moisture absorption and evaporation.
- Durability. Specialized elements of clothing for classes are much more durable than ordinary ones. This result is achieved due to the presence of reinforced zones. Kevlar threads are woven into some models, which further increase the level of wear resistance of the product.
- Antibacterial. Many models contain silver threads, as well as iodine and aloe ions. All of the above components help fight bacteria, and, as a result, with an unpleasant odor.
- Extra warmth. Warming is a necessary property for winter sports, this is achieved through the addition of wool. It helps to retain body heat and also allows the sock to adapt more quickly to the shape of the shoe.
Disadvantages:
- Weaknesses of this item of clothing have not been identified, they are ideal for physical activity.
Types of sports socks
All of them can be divided into subgroups. They differ in their adaptability for different sports, as well as for different levels of skill in the classroom.
Each sport has its own type of socks
For tourism
Going on a trip, you need to be sure that the clothes and the body will be like halves of one whole, complementing each other. Particular attention should be paid to socks, because legs and feet are those parts of the body that are most stressed during long transitions. The options for tourism are long, thanks to which they protect not only the foot, but also the lower leg, which gives not only a feeling of comfort, protection from cold weather and physical damage, but also a "shield" in the fight against annoying numerous insects.
Features of this type of sportswear:
- Padded front panel. It helps to avoid the discomfort that comes with the tight lacing of hiking shoes.
- Reinforced zones. Heels and toes are such zones.
- Finger pads. The toe pads are located on special pads, which helps to avoid slipping of the feet in the shoe.
For running.
When choosing a pair for running, it is important to realize that 90% of all physical activity from jogging goes to the feet. Socks should act as reliable protection against various mechanical damage. The functions of heat and moisture exchange must be especially good. After all, a sweaty leg in conjunction with unsuccessful weather conditions can lead to hypothermia of the leg or a cold, in general.
This piece of equipment is also subdivided into compression and membrane options. How do they differ?
- Membrane. The principle of "work" of membrane socks is no different from the rest of the membrane clothing. The membrane prevents moisture from passing to the skin of the foot, but heat regulation does not get worse from this - the leg does not sweat, the excess "heat" goes out.
- Compression. The idea of creating compression underwear came from medicine, it should be used by people prone to diseases associated with circulatory disorders.
You can read about how, in addition to socks, you should dress for a run at different times of the year. here.
For cycling
A cyclist can be distinguished from an ordinary person at first glance: for their training, they always wear tight-fitting clothing, because baggy ones will clearly interfere with movement. For maximum wearing comfort for cyclists of medium or shorter than medium length, the elastic thus wraps around the ankle.
Features:
- Reinforced zones. This zone is the upper and main parts.
- Raising the foot. It is made of an elastic material that prevents the sock from sliding and folding while riding.
For rollers
The main function is to protect the leg from mechanical damage, so the sock elastic is fixed to the lower leg. There are also reinforced areas on the front and back of the ankle to protect the legs. In addition, seals are made on the heels and toes.
Features:
- Side stripes. The stripes on the sides of the legs are the highlight of roller skating clothes, they are made of fabric with a loose knit, and it is they who are responsible for thermoregulation and moisture removal.
For tennis
The peculiarity of tennis is sharp braking. In this regard, socks should provide reliable protection for the soles of the feet from both minor injuries - rubbing, and from serious injuries. To create such conditions, there is the following feature - side seals in the main part of the foot.
Every level in sports has its own socks
There are three levels of sports training - rest, comfort and sport.
Recreation
This level includes people who have only recently joined the sports community and are taking their first steps. There are not many features in such socks, their main task is to save the leg from minor injuries that can appear under conditions of physical activity that are unusual for the foot. Made from dense fabrics.
Comfort
This level includes those people who are usually called "amateurs". Clothing of this level is designed to provide increased comfort for the practitioner through the use of various technologies. Made from fabrics of medium density.
Sport
As you might guess, this level is professional athletes and active amateurs. A special feature is the use of numerous technologies to ensure the comfort and safety of the foot and leg in general. The fabric is the thinnest, which makes the athlete's movements especially precise. It is important for a professional athlete to feel his legs as much as possible.
Differences between sports socks
In addition to differences based on sport or skill level, there are a few interesting differences between models and brands. Here are some of them.
- Material.
As mentioned above, the main material is synthetics, however, threads of various fabrics are most often added to it, the most common are lycra, polyamide and polypropylene.
- Floor.
Socks, like all other clothing, are divided into three branches: mens, womens and unisex. What's the difference? Mostly in appearance. As a rule, women have a wider color gamut, and are also complemented by various patterns. Currently, the most popular are unisex socks, which are chosen by representatives of both sexes.
It will not be superfluous to note one more difference - dimension lines. The female line usually ends in size 40-41, the male line - 45+.
How to choose sports socks
Now that we know what these elements of sports equipment are for what they are intended for, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the differences between different options, it is necessary to figure out what criteria should be considered and what should be paid attention to in order to avoid mistakes. when choosing.
If you want to know which sports socks are best to buy to make your workout comfortable and safe, then here are some tips and tricks:
- Buy options that are right for your sport and fitness level;
- Get a pair with your exact size. This criterion is especially important to comply with, because all reinforced zones must fall into a certain area of the foot.Too small or, conversely, too large a size threatens the failure to fulfill this condition, which means it threatens comfort and safety;
- Miser pays twice. In this matter, it is better not to show your ability to save money. Highly made socks will serve you faithfully for years.
Where to buy sports socks?
You can buy them both in "real life", offline, by going to the store, and virtually - ordering online in the online store. Since the 21st century is the age of information technology, the second option is more popular and in demand. This is understandable, on the website of the online store you can see not only the description of the product, its photo and all its main characteristics, but also read the reviews left by real buyers.
The nicest sports socks for 2020
What are the most popular models? Which firms are the best to take a look at? Ratings will help you sort out these questions. The most successful solution would be to make an overview of both budget and premium options.
TOP branded sports socks
Lorpen Trekking & Expedition Polartec Gray
These socks are used for tourism, especially climbers love them. The company that makes them is a favorite all over the world, and all thanks to their special, one-of-a-kind manufacturing technology. They combine synthetic materials with natural fibers made from eucalyptus cellulose.
Price: 4.150 rubles.
Advantages:
- The foot feels comfortable, even despite the rigidity of mountaineering boots;
- Withstands low temperatures, keep warm and dry even in extreme conditions.
Disadvantages:
- not.
X-Bionic 2018 X-SOCKS RUN SPEED ONE LADY W161
Designed for running. X-Bionic have established themselves as almost the best thermal underwear company, so a lot was expected from their socks. By the way, the expectations were fully justified.
Price: 1.600 rubles.
Advantages:
- Suitable for everyday use;
- Perfectly withstand medium and long distance races;
- They have excellent ventilation.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Lorpen M3USM Ultra Light Mini
Used for cycling. Their peculiarity lies in a very thin three-layer material: the inner layer, made of hydrophobic polyester, is responsible for moisture removal; the middle layer, the material of which is eucalyptus cellulose, absorbs moisture well; the outer layer of polyamide is responsible for moisture evaporation.
Price: 1.250 rubles.
Advantages:
- The polyamide from which the outer layer is made ensures maximum wear resistance;
- The sock does not slip and folds thanks to the X-shaped zone.
Disadvantages:
- not.
SEBA SOCKS WHITE / RED
Purchased for roller skating. Produced by a fairly well-known European company - InterSocks.
Price: 1,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- This option is membrane, which contributes to the rapid removal of moisture, as well as the exclusion of the possibility of corns;
- Buyers respond to the special softness and comfort of the foot provided by the reinforced zones.
Disadvantages:
- not.
NIKE ELITE CREW SOCK WHITE / BLACK
Designed for tennis. Produced under one of the most famous brands - Nike.
Price: 1.250 rubles.
Advantages:
- The use of many technologies in the manufacture;
- Buyers note the special convenience of the elastic, which firmly holds the sock in the ankle area, but at the same time it is not felt at all;
- Allows you to keep your feet clean not only during your workout, but throughout the day.
Disadvantages:
- not.
TOP budget sports socks
Satila Alba
Used for tourism and mountaineering.
Price: 360 rubles.
Advantages:
- 80% propylene in the composition contributes to the enhanced work of the moisture wicking function, and the high content of polyamide protects clothes from wear and tear during washing and active use.
Disadvantages:
- not.
MORETAN
Almost every second marathon runner knows about Moretan. And not only knows, but also sincerely loves and recommends.
Price: 800 rubles.
Advantages:
- According to customer reviews, they perfectly wick away moisture, protect the foot from chafing, which is very likely when running long distances, after which, it is worth noting, the socks look like they were taken out of the package five minutes ago.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Splav "Trace"
Designed for cycling. They are in great demand among buyers, as they are suitable not only for classes, but also for everyday life.
Price: 210 rubles.
Advantages:
- The special knit provides the elements of training equipment with a special elasticity and a "breathable" effect;
- Special Coolmax fibers create conditions for accelerated moisture evaporation.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Rollerclub Motion sock
Purchased for roller skating. For a fairly low price, they have all the qualities of an expensive analogue.
Price: 400 rubles.
Advantages:
- They are in no way inferior to the expensive analogue described above.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Mizuno Active Training Mid 2p
Used for playing tennis.
Price: 590 rubles.
Advantages:
- The material is very light and pleasant to the body;
- Equipped with DryLite technology, which allows the skin to stay dry even during the most intense exertion.
Disadvantages:
- not.
Choosing high-quality, comfortable, durable clothing for physical activity is far from easy. It is worth taking it seriously, because your success in classes, as well as your safety and health, depend on it. The tips above will help make it easier to find the right outfit at the right price. Enjoy your sports life!
