Men · Socks · Basketball

Men's basketball socks are usually crew length — they cover the ankle and sit below the calf muscle. (adidas basketball socks are intentionally made a bit lower than crew socks for other sports so they’re easy to wear with tights.) Crew socks aren’t the only option, though. Some players like the feeling of free movement they get from a mid-cut sock that just covers the ankle. Low and no-show styles sit inside your shoes. Some players still prefer an old-school over-the-calf sock for muscle support during fast games. But long socks for basketball are now largely out of style.

When you decide which socks to wear to play basketball, look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials, plus cushioning on the ankle and Achilles. Compression on the ankle and arch provides a little extra support for fast cuts and also helps keep the socks from sliding around in your shoes. The best basketball socks are made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials and are designed with an anatomical fit — not unshaped like tube socks.

Basketball socks are a little different from socks designed for running, training and other sports. Socks made for basketball typically have cushioning on the ankle and Achilles. Socks for other sports might cushion the heel or the whole footbed. Socks for basketball also often have added compression on the ankle and arch to support the feet during the game’s fast cuts and lateral movements. adidas basketball socks like the Creator 365 even put polypropylene at the heel and toe to repel moisture and help prevent blisters.