We are trying to build the perfect tennis socks...any advice?

  • Thread starter ADV Tennis Official
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A

ADV Tennis Official

Guest
Hey everyone

My name is a Lavie and I’m the founder of ADV Tennis. We make tennis strings, grips, and dampeners. We are beginning to venture into the world of tennis socks. I’m only here to gather feedback and for those who help, I’m more than happy to send a sample when we get to production.

I attached an image of our first prototype. Some of the core features are:
- Quarter length, not too short to prevent blisters, but not to long to be too hot.
- Ventilated on the top of the foot
- Pull tab in the back.
- Ribbed ankle, to prevent it from slipping down.
- Extra cushion for the toe are to prevent blisters.

I’d to hear people’s thoughts and pains on tennis socks.

a9c9bc2ae9262e29cde576270017f0cf.jpg


Cheers and thanks!
Lavie


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tonylg

Legend
A lot of shoes today have directional fabric in the heal to prevent the heal from lifting in the shoe. If you could make a sock with (opposite) directional fabric on the heal, it would effectively lock the foot into the shoe.

That is the perfect length and at that length, there's no need for the tab.

The biggest problem with socks is that they all get soaked with sweat, even the vented ones. It would be useful to wick the sweat up to the ankle where it would evaporate more than inside any vented shoe
 

The Big Kahuna

Hall of Fame
Hey everyone

My name is a Lavie and I’m the founder of ADV Tennis. We make tennis strings, grips, and dampeners. We are beginning to venture into the world of tennis socks. I’m only here to gather feedback and for those who help, I’m more than happy to send a sample when we get to production.

I attached an image of our first prototype. Some of the core features are:
- Quarter length, not too short to prevent blisters, but not to long to be too hot.
- Ventilated on the top of the foot
- Pull tab in the back.
- Ribbed ankle, to prevent it from slipping down.
- Extra cushion for the toe are to prevent blisters.

I’d to hear people’s thoughts and pains on tennis socks.

a9c9bc2ae9262e29cde576270017f0cf.jpg


Cheers and thanks!
Lavie


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Study the ELSO Dual Sock System and start there. That’s the finest performance tennis sock made to date.


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A

ADV Tennis Official

Guest
A lot of shoes today have directional fabric in the heal to prevent the heal from lifting in the shoe. If you could make a sock with (opposite) directional fabric on the heal, it would effectively lock the foot into the shoe.

That is the perfect length and at that length, there's no need for the tab.

The biggest problem with socks is that they all get soaked with sweat, even the vented ones. It would be useful to wick the sweat up to the ankle where it would evaporate more than inside any vented shoe

@tonylg Thanks for the feedback. I’ll look into the directional fabric. As for the sweat - perhaps altering the material at the top and bottom of the sock. I will be lookin into this too.


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The Big Kahuna

Hall of Fame
@The Big Kahuna - I will definitely look at ELSO. What do you like most about those?



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Each sock in the Dual Sock System has a separate function in trying to keep your foot comfortable, dry, supported. Together they create a system where the sock checks all the boxes you’re looking to aspire towards. The inner sock mostly cushions and wicks away moisture while the outer sock absorbs the moisture and supports the ankle.


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A

ADV Tennis Official

Guest
Each sock in the Dual Sock System has a separate function in trying to keep your foot comfortable, dry, supported. Together they create a system where the sock checks all the boxes you’re looking to aspire towards. The inner sock mostly cushions and wicks away moisture while the outer sock absorbs the moisture and supports the ankle.


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@The Big Kahuna - Wow, I love that. Is there anything you wish they did a better job of?


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jwocky

Rookie
@ADV Tennis Pro

- I am not sure the pull tab is necessary functionally or aesthetically
- I wear two pairs socks - that is my recipe for zero blisters provided the material of the inner sock is a blend of cotton and synthetics AND the inside of the inner sock is not heavily textured
- socks wear away at different rates in the big toe/ball/tarsal and heel areas - some makers address this, others do not
- I am not a big fan of dual layered socks like ELSO because I don't want to throw away a sock (and reuse as a shoe polish buffer) because there's a hole/section that has worn thin
 
A

ADV Tennis Official

Guest
@ADV Tennis Pro

- I am not sure the pull tab is necessary functionally or aesthetically
- I wear two pairs socks - that is my recipe for zero blisters provided the material of the inner sock is a blend of cotton and synthetics AND the inside of the inner sock is not heavily textured
- socks wear away at different rates in the big toe/ball/tarsal and heel areas - some makers address this, others do not
- I am not a big fan of dual layered socks like ELSO because I don't want to throw away a sock (and reuse as a shoe polish buffer) because there's a hole/section that has worn thin

@jwocky

- Yea, we’re debated the pull tab.
- So the inner sock is more or less slicker and thinner? I’m imagining a thin polyester or nylon material. The outside would be more a cushioned cotton. Thoughts?
- We want these socks to last. We could make those areas thicker and heavier.
- What do you mean you throw away ELSO socks? Do they breakdown faster?


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ArliHawk

Hall of Fame
If you do quarter height in colors, you’ll have a new customer in me. Looks good but at quarter height, probably don’t need the tab. Always like right/left foot specific with cushioning. Like a moderate level of cushioning. Looks like you’re on the right track so far.
 

FrankyRelax

Professional
I think getting the synthetic/cotton blend is important. For me, if a sock is heavily polyester then I feel like I am slipping heavily in my shoes.

I also partial to a mid crew sock. So different length options would be nice.
 
D

Deleted member 768841

Guest
Making sure they don’t lose cushioning and are thick and cushioned.
 

milk of amnesia

Hall of Fame
Unsurprisingly, it looks like different people want different features in their socks. Are you making one type of sock or an entire line of socks? What I like is a sock made out of breathable material that wicks away moisture. The sock needs to be made out of material that is thin and firm. Soft, thick, squishy socks give me blisters and as others mentioned, cushioning comes from the shoe. Pull tabs on men's socks usually go in the front not on the back so I'd have to see what that looks like on a person otherwise the sock looks nice. If you make a firm, thin sock I will definitely give it a try.
 

jim e

Legend
If the sock stays put and doesn't move around like some cheap ones do, but does not fit overly snug, just comfortable in fit, should suffice for many players.Size matters.
I would do away with the pull tabs as well.
 
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milk of amnesia

Hall of Fame
Sizing, yes! Offer more sizes. Right now most companies usually just offer S, M, L. I always end up between sizes. If I go with the smaller size I wind up with a sock that is too tight. If I go with the larger size there's too much material in my shoes and I get blisters. If you want to build up a customer base fast, make the increments between sizes smaller so more people have the chance to get a sock that fits right.
 

crabby

Rookie
Sizing is a problem for me too. As a 10 in cage 4 I‘m always between M and L sized socks...
And something that helps my heel lock properly. I like cushioned socks, too thin is nothing for me...
 
A

ADV Tennis Official

Guest
Thanks so much everyone for the feedback.

Some more details on the current design in regards to some thoughts here:

- The sock is more thin and firm than thick and cushiony.
- I’m really considering doing away with the pull tab.
- As for size, because we’re just starting this line of 1 sock type, we’d likely keep it at a M and L. The material does stretch though.

As for color - is the current design with volt, black, and white too much? Perhaps, I just start with black and grey?


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milk of amnesia

Hall of Fame
The current colorway looks nice. Once people put their shoes on the only color anyone will see is white with the black ADV logo.
 

JBH

Rookie
Your socks appear quite conventional- low volume, low padding, moderately slippery. They will likely fit best with the current convention shoe type, which is generally low volume and narrow, particularly in the forefoot in an attempt to reduce slippage. The next generation of tennis shoes will be different. They‘ll model what’s typically called the Altra fit. Foot security is entirely a function of mid-foot and heel retention; the forefoot is wide to allow natural foot splay. Fit correctly, the advantage to tennis is significant. Your ‘grip’ on the ground and ease of balance is worlds better than a conventional shoe. The only drawback is that your foot/sock volume are different than with conventional shoes, and more critical to overall performance.
At this point, there are no tennis-specific socks that fit this model. The best I’ve used elsewhere are the Injini run mid-weight mini crew. There is considerable potential for new products here.
 

Booger

Hall of Fame
Sock technology has been done to death. So many options already out there, I think it's going to be hard for a small operation to innovate in that space.

I think you take a proven design, then add your own unique colors and patterns.
 
I would say socks with a high cotton percentage 70-85% mixed with Nylon/polyester and are thick (but not Thorlos thick) has always been my favorite, ala Nike Elites and their original Nike tennis socks that Nadal still wears.

Much better and last a lot longer than most “modern” tennis socks.
 

Shaolin

G.O.A.T.
I would say socks with a high cotton percentage 70-85% mixed with Nylon/polyester and are thick (but not Thorlos thick) has always been my favorite, ala Nike Elites and their original Nike tennis socks that Nadal still wears.

Much better and last a lot longer than most “modern” tennis socks.

This. Socks with too much polyester are slippery and unwearable. I'm sponsored by adidas but cannot wear their socks because my foot will slip right out of the shoe when I try to change directions quickly. I usually wear under armor socks that are about 70% cotton and they work perfectly.
 

OlgaOM

Rookie
Hey everyone

My name is a Lavie and I’m the founder of ADV Tennis. We make tennis strings, grips, and dampeners. We are beginning to venture into the world of tennis socks. I’m only here to gather feedback and for those who help, I’m more than happy to send a sample when we get to production.

I attached an image of our first prototype. Some of the core features are:
- Quarter length, not too short to prevent blisters, but not to long to be too hot.
- Ventilated on the top of the foot
- Pull tab in the back.
- Ribbed ankle, to prevent it from slipping down.
- Extra cushion for the toe are to prevent blisters.

I’d to hear people’s thoughts and pains on tennis socks.

a9c9bc2ae9262e29cde576270017f0cf.jpg


Cheers and thanks!
Lavie


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

How about asking people which socks they are currently using as preferred for tennis. Why. And if they could improve them, what would they do.

This way you can analyze and have at least some valuable info.
Cheers
 

swizzy

Hall of Fame
steal everything the nike elite basketball socks offered.. but beware, even nike stopped producing them at the same quality as they were when first introduced.. and that was marketed at a much larger target audience. mine are still like new after 3-4 years and many many washings. great socks.
 

The Big Kahuna

Hall of Fame
@ADV Tennis Pro

- I am not sure the pull tab is necessary functionally or aesthetically
- I wear two pairs socks - that is my recipe for zero blisters provided the material of the inner sock is a blend of cotton and synthetics AND the inside of the inner sock is not heavily textured
- socks wear away at different rates in the big toe/ball/tarsal and heel areas - some makers address this, others do not
- I am not a big fan of dual layered socks like ELSO because I don't want to throw away a sock (and reuse as a shoe polish buffer) because there's a hole/section that has worn thin

Never worn a hole in either pair of a set of ELSO DSS socks.


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The Big Kahuna

Hall of Fame
This. Socks with too much polyester are slippery and unwearable. I'm sponsored by adidas but cannot wear their socks because my foot will slip right out of the shoe when I try to change directions quickly. I usually wear under armor socks that are about 70% cotton and they work perfectly.

ELSO Dual Sock System is:

Inner Sock Fabric: 70% Coolmax[emoji2400] 15% Spandex 7% Elastic 8% Nylon
Outer Sock Fabric: 63% Coolmax[emoji2400] 15% Spandex 12% Elastic 10% Nylon


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Dags

Hall of Fame
I currently wear two brands of socks. First is Thorlos, and I favour the L3.

Positives:

Cushioning is unparalleled.
They last a very long time.
They come in both white and black.
There is no branding on them.

Negatives:

When brand new, they are slippery. I have to wash them a couple of times before they’re playable.
They can slip at the heel.
The socks aren’t foot specific, which means they don’t fit as well.
They can get a little warm in summer. Please note that the bit that is prone to overheating is the foot, not the ankle.

The other is Nike, one of the Elite range from several years ago.

Positives:

Excellent fit.
Decent cushioning.
No slippage.
More breathable than the Thorlos.
When I went through a phase of wearing colourful socks, there was plenty of choice.
Generally very good durability.

Negatives:

Getting them on isn’t easy - I ripped one pair at the back of the ankle when pulling it over my heel.
A bit more cushioning in key areas would be an improvement.
There were very few minimal colours options or low key branding.
They were pretty expensive.

Right now, my perfect sock would be the fit and breathability of the Nike, with some additional cushioning and Thorlos colour and lack of branding.

Comments on your prototypes:

The length is very unusual. This may be a way to differentiate yourself, but for me a tennis sock is crew length.
The pull tab appears odd. Do people really pull on their socks from the back? I’ve always used both hands and pulled at the sides.
The branding is fairly minimalist, but I’m not convinced it’s required. When have you ever bought socks because you saw someone else wearing them? Most of the important bit is inside the shoe, so not on show.
You don’t mention price, but I’m assuming you’re aiming at the premium end of the market rather than bundling them up in bulk.

Best of luck with it. Are you the same Lavie from the failed Shot Stats Kickstarter? If so, hope this venture proves more successful.
 
A

ADV Tennis Official

Guest
I currently wear two brands of socks. First is Thorlos, and I favour the L3.

Positives:

Cushioning is unparalleled.
They last a very long time.
They come in both white and black.
There is no branding on them.

Negatives:

When brand new, they are slippery. I have to wash them a couple of times before they’re playable.
They can slip at the heel.
The socks aren’t foot specific, which means they don’t fit as well.
They can get a little warm in summer. Please note that the bit that is prone to overheating is the foot, not the ankle.

The other is Nike, one of the Elite range from several years ago.

Positives:

Excellent fit.
Decent cushioning.
No slippage.
More breathable than the Thorlos.
When I went through a phase of wearing colourful socks, there was plenty of choice.
Generally very good durability.

Negatives:

Getting them on isn’t easy - I ripped one pair at the back of the ankle when pulling it over my heel.
A bit more cushioning in key areas would be an improvement.
There were very few minimal colours options or low key branding.
They were pretty expensive.

Right now, my perfect sock would be the fit and breathability of the Nike, with some additional cushioning and Thorlos colour and lack of branding.

Comments on your prototypes:

The length is very unusual. This may be a way to differentiate yourself, but for me a tennis sock is crew length.
The pull tab appears odd. Do people really pull on their socks from the back? I’ve always used both hands and pulled at the sides.
The branding is fairly minimalist, but I’m not convinced it’s required. When have you ever bought socks because you saw someone else wearing them? Most of the important bit is inside the shoe, so not on show.
You don’t mention price, but I’m assuming you’re aiming at the premium end of the market rather than bundling them up in bulk.

Best of luck with it. Are you the same Lavie from the failed Shot Stats Kickstarter? If so, hope this venture proves more successful.

@Dags
Thanks so much for the thorough feedback. I’m going to compare and contrast the ones you mentioned.

Yes, that’s me. Shot Stats was a trying time, but I’ve learned a lot for this second go.


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J

joohan

Guest
White socks that won’t get red playing on clay. Just take my money now...
 

brownbearfalling

Hall of Fame
My favorite socks have a very thin upper in the mid foot area for ventilation. The toe box and heel having decent cushioning. Thorlo is a house hold name for tennis.

color wise- as close to all white and all black.

crew length would be preferable just in case I need to wear an ankle brace. I would like the sock to line the whole length of the brace.
 
A

ADV Tennis Official

Guest
My favorite socks have a very thin upper in the mid foot area for ventilation. The toe box and heel having decent cushioning. Thorlo is a house hold name for tennis.

color wise- as close to all white and all black.

crew length would be preferable just in case I need to wear an ankle brace. I would like the sock to line the whole length of the brace.

@brownbearfalling
Great point about the ankle brace. Thanks.


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adv_official

New User
Hey everyone, thanks so much for the feedback. We ultimately decided to hold on the socks and invest in wristbands (which have been launched last year with positive feedback, yay). Along the way we also build a tennis bag (with a cooler!).

Our next product we want to innovate is the humble cap! What are some things, tennis players wish in a tennis hat/cap? Some things that come to mind are:
  • Super lightweight material - maybe perforated?
  • Sweat wicks towards the back only
  • Sleek and simple design with no branded
  • Longer bill to block sun
  • UV protective material
  • Non-stink material
Although this isn't a tennis hat, Melin has some pretty great hats.

I would LOVE everyone's thoughts.

Thanks!
 
Thorlo Tennis Socks. If you can beat these guys, comfort, longevity - never had better - then you'll make history. One hint, they are still made in Statesville, NC. American made, quality never slips.
 

Funbun

Professional
Hey everyone, thanks so much for the feedback. We ultimately decided to hold on the socks and invest in wristbands (which have been launched last year with positive feedback, yay). Along the way we also build a tennis bag (with a cooler!).

Our next product we want to innovate is the humble cap! What are some things, tennis players wish in a tennis hat/cap? Some things that come to mind are:
  • Super lightweight material - maybe perforated?
  • Sweat wicks towards the back only
  • Sleek and simple design with no branded
  • Longer bill to block sun
  • UV protective material
  • Non-stink material
Although this isn't a tennis hat, Melin has some pretty great hats.

I would LOVE everyone's thoughts.

Thanks!

I think a great consideration is how it looks/performs when also worn backward, as silly it may sound. It's a very tennis player-specific market niche that may be worth exploring.

Also I think a lot of people will find branding acceptable as long as it isn't loud. A lot of designs place logos small and to the corner and they manage to still look fine.
 
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innoVAShaun

Legend
If you have to go with Velcro, please stick to hook to hook fastening. Hook and loop seems to wear a lot more quickly.

Polyester is a must. Maybe a little stretch material but not necessary. Uniqlo had some very nice stretch.

Fit is deep enough to sit on or directly above ears.

Keep the logo to a minimum.
 
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adv_official

New User
Great points!
  • Black bill - check
  • Minimal branding - check, I'm thinking a small ADV logo in the corner with the same color as the hat along with stitching inside the hat.
  • Washable / durable - check
- Interesting about wearing it backwards. What did you think about Kyrgios' look? @Funbun

- Yea, how it fastens is going to be really important. It want be the cheap plastic. What do you mean hook to hook? @innoVAShaun ?

- As for material, I'm looking at polyester and bamboo. Bamboo is sustainable + stink resistant.

Once I get prototypes, I'd love to see if people here want to give it a test run!

Thanks again
 

innoVAShaun

Legend
Great points!
  • Black bill - check
  • Minimal branding - check, I'm thinking a small ADV logo in the corner with the same color as the hat along with stitching inside the hat.
  • Washable / durable - check
- Interesting about wearing it backwards. What did you think about Kyrgios' look? @Funbun

- Yea, how it fastens is going to be really important. It want be the cheap plastic. What do you mean hook to hook? @innoVAShaun ?

- As for material, I'm looking at polyester and bamboo. Bamboo is sustainable + stink resistant.

Once I get prototypes, I'd love to see if people here want to give it a test

Thanks again
There are usually two sides to velcro: the hooks that are hard and rough; and the loops that are usually soft (and fuzzy). The loops usually wear out naturally and every time you wash them.

Let me know if you need playtesters. My children and I both play in hats.
 
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