10 Performance-Ready Soccer Socks for Adults
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As with many sports, a solid pair of socks is key to playing soccer at the top of your game.
When it’s time to hit the pitch, you should feel comfortable in what you’re wearing from head-to-toe and focused on your performance. The last thing you want to deal with is ill-fitting socks that keep slipping down your leg or bunching up in your cleats — not to mention socks that make your feet and legs hot and sweaty.
The best soccer socks for matches are designed to be worn over your shin guards as a means of supporting them. They should fit snugly and stay in place without being too tight that they cut off your circulation. However, soccer training doesn’t always call for shin guards, so your socks for training can vary a bit in terms of style. Some players may prefer sporting over-the-calf styles during training, while others may reach for crew length or lower-cut pairs.
And although your cleats offer a certain level of protection, the best soccer socks are typically engineered with strategic cushioning to ensure optimal comfort. Moreover, soccer socks should ideally be crafted from a material containing added spandex so they can stretch to fit athletes of different sizes.
Ready to find your perfect match? Look no further. We’ve rounded up the 10 best soccer socks for adults for matches as well as training.
Why Trust Our Recommendations
When compiling our list, we opted for styles made of moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon or polyester with mesh ventilation to keep feet dry and prevent blisters. We also considered features like targeted cushioning, compression and arch support, as they’ll help keep the socks from slipping and provide a supportive feel underfoot. Additionally, there are pairs on our list designed specifically to fit the left or right foot for a custom fit and feel. We also looked to top athletic brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and Puma for our picks.
Match Socks:
Adidas Rivalry Over-the-Calf Soccer Socks
Featuring moisture-wicking yarns, Adidas Rivalry Over-the-Calf Soccer Socks are designed to keep you cool and dry as you work up a sweat. You can also count on them to stay up thanks to double-welt construction at the top. We also love that they come in a pack of two.
Key Features
Targeted cushioning on the footbed provides shock absorption
Arch and ankle compression offer added stability
Available in five colors
Take Note
May be somewhat see-through with shin guards
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Adidas Rivalry Over-the-Calf…
$12
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Under Armour Over-the-Calf Soccer Socks
Under Armour’s Over-the-Calf Soccer Socks help keep odors at bay thanks to a moisture-wicking nylon performance fabric blend with anti-odor technology. Boasting a lightweight knit construction, they’re also designed to be soft, breathable and quick-drying.
Key Features
Dynamic arch support helps minimize foot fatigue
The footbed is fully cushioned
Ventilation channels increase breathability
Take Note
Some may find they run slightly small
CREDIT: Amazon
Buy:
Under Armour Soccer Socks
$17
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Puma Liga Soccer Socks
Another good over-the-calf style, Puma’s Liga Soccer Socks contain mesh knit throughout for added breathability and temperature regulation, and an ankle brace design for enhanced stability when showing off your fancy footwork.
Key Features
A cushioned cotton heel and toe add comfort
Anatomically designed footbed for left and right foot
Take Note
Some may find they run a tad long
CREDIT: Courtesy of Soccer.com
Buy:
Puma Liga Soccer Socks
$9-$12
Buy it
Umbro Adult Soccer Socks
These Umbro Adult Soccer Socks are made to draw moisture away from the skin and promote breathability to keep players cool. They’re also designed to reduce friction and support the foot for minimized fatigue.
Key Features
Seamless toe construction delivers comfortable wear
Mesh ventilation offers proper airflow
Includes arch support
Take Note
May run a bit small
CREDIT: Courtesy of Walmart
Buy:
Umbro Adult Soccer Socks
$8
Buy it
DSG Soccer II Socks 2 Pack
Coming in a pack of two, these DSG Soccer II Socks are moisture-wicking and cushioned underfoot. What’s more, they’re equipped with an elasticized arch band and deep heel pocket for a secure, supportive fit.
Key Features
Comfort toe seams prevent irritation
Mesh venting adds breathability
Includes supportive shaft with foldover ribbed cuff
Take Note
Not offered in an XL
CREDIT: Courtesy of Dick’s Sporting Goods
Buy:
DSG Soccer II Socks 2 Pack
$15
Buy it
New Balance Match Socks
New Balance’s Match Socks utilize NB Dry technology to keep sweat at bay. This pair is also designed with mesh ventilation on top to promote better airflow.
Key Features
Includes cushioned heel and toe for added comfort and durability
Thick, ribbed cuff keeps the sock in place
Take Note
Only goes up to a men’s size 13
CREDIT: Courtesy of Soccer.com
Buy:
New Balance Match Socks
$9-$12
Buy it
Training Socks:
Nike Squad Crew Socks
An ideal choice for training your hardest, Nike’s Squad Crew Socks are also rendered from a sweat-wicking fabric with added cushioning for support. They also boast a striped sole design for a sporty look.
Key Features
Cushioning in high-wear areas adds durability
Offer anatomical left foot/right foot fit
Take Note
They don’t offer arch support
CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike
Buy:
Nike Squad Crew Socks
$14
Buy it
TruSox 3.0 Cushion Crew Socks
For players that prefer ample cushioning, these TruSox 3.0 Cushion Crew Socks have a thicker sole for plush comfort. Moreover, thanks to gripping pads on the inside and outside of the socks, they’ll ensure feet are locked into your cleats.
Key Features
Patented adhesive technology allows for easier change of direction and shot control
Designed to meet the contours of your foot
Features durable and moisture-wicking material
Take Note
Not for athletes with larger feet
CREDIT: Courtesy of Soccer.com
Buy:
TruSox 3.0 Cushion Crew Socks
$50
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Drymax Running Lite Mesh No Show Socks
As the name indicates, Drymax’s Running Lite Mesh No Show Socks are made to keep feet dry and comfortable as you work hard. The low-cut style boasts a dual-layer construction that wicks moisture away from the skin for a cooler, drier feel.
Key Features
Includes an anti-slip heel design
Has breathable mesh panels
Includes vented arch band
Features flat toe seams for reduced friction
Y-heel stitch offers a better fit and feel
Take Note
May not fit feet over a men’s size 13
CREDIT: Courtesy of Zappos
Buy:
Drymax Running Lite Mesh No Show Tab 3-Pack
$36
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Paplus Compression Running Ankle Socks
Designed to promote better circulation, Paplus Compression Running Ankle Socks may help boost performance. They’re made of a lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking material that shoudn’t weigh you down or feel too bulky inside cleats. A heel tab provides protection and prevents them from slipping down.
Key Features
Six pairs come per pack
Mesh ventilation zones deliver maximum airflow
Targeted arch compression keeps your arch stable and secure
Reinforced heels and toes add durability
Take Note
These may run large
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
Buy:
Paplus Compression Running Ankle…
$19-$21
buy it