Why do pros where two sets of socks?

[evanb]

Hello,
I noticed yesterday that both Federer and Istomin both were wearing two sets of socks. I've always noticed that Federer wears two, but I thought it was a personal thing, but now I see others doing the same. Does anyone know why? It seems to me that one's foot would move more inside the shoe with two layers. Thanks for your help...

 

[vandre]

wearing two pairs of socks on a hard court really helps your feet take less abuse. i used to do this until i got into thorlos (which are nice albeit cashy and hot)!

i never really noticed my feet moving more with 2 pairs of socks on but maybe i'm a mutant!

 

[jmverdugo]

If you search over the pictures on the South Florida thread you will find a very special pic of a big toe, that is what you are trying to avoid by using 2 socks.

 

[Ash_Smith]

Yep, i've always worn either 2 pairs of sports socks or thorlos and recommend to all my players that they do the same. Much better cushoning and support for your feet.

Ash

 

[Admerr]

This sock thread, watching today's match, and just having returned from the pub made me wonder why Fish wears women's socks?

 

[SoBad]

This sock thread, watching today's match, and just having returned from the pub made me wonder why Fish wears women's socks?

I haven't seen today's match (hope he lost badly to whomever he played), but he has always worn women's socks in public - I think it's a manifestation of his anger issues.

 

[BreakPoint]

Yep, i've always worn either 2 pairs of sports socks or thorlos and recommend to all my players that they do the same. Much better cushoning and support for your feet.

Ash

But Thorlos make your feet slide around inside your shoe and cause toe jamming because they are so slippery and thick. I used to wear only Thorlos years ago until my toes and toenails turned black and blue from all the toe jamming. I switched to thinner and less slippery socks and the problem was solved.

 

[BobFL]

Hello,
I noticed yesterday that both Federer and Istomin both were wearing two sets of socks. I've always noticed that Federer wears two, but I thought it was a personal thing, but now I see others doing the same. Does anyone know why? It seems to me that one's foot would move more inside the shoe with two layers. Thanks for your help...

Quite the opposite! I used to wear 2 pairs of socks when I was playing basketball: the first socks would be relatively thin and the second pair would be a regular socks. Btw, that was not my idea. I saw it from MJ. The main purpose of this is to prevent lateral movement inside the shoe. A firm fit is a must for basketball and tennis imho...

 

[Bobby Jr]

Adding to what BobFL says above, most tennis shoes have bigger toe areas than other sport shoes - I guess to prevent the 'tennis toe' bashing that can happen. I've always worn 2 pairs of sock too. It means I can have shoes which fit right and lace them firmly so they don't move laterally or slide about so my toes get smashed.

I had issues last year with an inflamed nerve from tennis toe bashing - from 1 game wearing crappy old cross-trainers. My podiatrist suggested putting your socks on and then pulling a little slack down by your toes before you put your shoes on. He said, over many years of working with tennis and squash players, he's seen ample evidence it helps prevents 'tennis toe'. When you stop abruptly your foot moves forward a little - and socks that are tight around your toes already can majorly compress the nail and skin together... doing that over and over it's only a matter of time before the side of your nail punctures the skin and starts annoying infection issues which can be hard to shake if you don't notice them immediately.

He also said you should get into the habit of bathing your feet in warm salted water a few times a week if you play tennis type sport - for 15-20 mins. It is magic for preventing infections, ingrown nails (warm salt water softens your nails and skin around them) and also aids recovery significantly.

 

[Virtua Tennis]

Thorlo's acrylic socks are the worst. If your feet sweat it would turn and twist in your shoe. I remeber I would have to take off my shoe every few minutes and straighten my socks.

It's way better to wear two thin socks for the comfort rather than any acrylic thorlos.

 

[Jonny S&V]

I maybe weird about this, but when I do wear my Thorlos, I wear a pair of Feetures socks that are made to fit size 6-9 feet (I have size 11.5 feet). They stretch a bit, but they are very tight around my feet, but the tight fit of the Feetures and the thickness of the Thorlos means my feet always feel amazing and cushioned.

 

[mtommer]

I always thought wearing two socks was to help prevent blisters.

 

[stangaele]

players usually wear two pair of socks to increase feel between socks and shoes

 

[BobFL]

I always thought wearing two socks was to help prevent blisters.

And you are right, that is true as well. It is just not the main reason, more like a positive side effect

 

[JackB1]

He also said you should get into the habit of bathing your feet in warm salted water a few times a week if you play tennis type sport - for 15-20 mins. It is magic for preventing infections, ingrown nails (warm salt water softens your nails and skin around them) and also aids recovery significantly.

What does the "salt" do?

 

[larry10s]

i always wear 2 pairs thorlos maximum cushion.never had a roblem. only thing need sneaker 2 sizes larger than shoe size

 

[In D Zone]

I started wearing 2 pairs of socks - noticed a big difference in comfort on my feet after play long matches.

I used to do it when I was playing hoops - somehow I forgot about it when I switched my sports to tennis.

I don't like see any benefits sporting those thin moisture wicked shocks - it does not offer any cushioning at all.

 

[Devilito]

I always thought wearing two socks was to help prevent blisters.

you are correct. The other posts are really irrelevant because if players have toe jamming problems they cut a hole in the toe box which relieve the pressure. The biggest problem is skin friction causing blisters which can be alleviated by wearing 2 socks

 

[kevoT]

It's to act as a stabilizer or a support for the ankle, though some pros like roddick use ankle supports

 

[Bobby Jr]

What does the "salt" do?

Sorry, should have explained it better.

Warm salt water is a very good basic cleaner/anti-septic... there are other concoctions people suggest like epsom salts etc but basically plain old salt is easy/cheap/practical. (1 tablespoon per litre approx is how I mix it)

It also softens the nails apparently (so I'm told - not sure if it's real 'science') which is beneficial for preventing the nail inflaming/puncturing the skin (down the sides) which starts some of the nail issues which are common in tennis and other sports where heaps of stop-starts and turning happens.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

But Thorlos make your feet slide around inside your shoe and cause toe jamming because they are so slippery and thick. I used to wear only Thorlos years ago until my toes and toenails turned black and blue from all the toe jamming. I switched to thinner and less slippery socks and the problem was solved.

That was my experience with Thor-Lo's to BP. BHBH

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Ahhhh......foot care!

Lots of thoughts. But as pertains to SOCKS, I've found wearing two pair:

1. Allows a more 'snug' fit in the shoe, which reduces foot movement during abrupt stops, starts, and turns.
2. Reduces 'shock' to the feet, which in turn provides a shock absorber of sorts for the ankles, knees, and hips.
3. Prevents blisters.
4. Interestingly, and perhaps unwittingly (at least for me) makes you just a smidge taller in your shoes, which in turn gives you ever-so-slightly more 'reach' on the serve (I am 6'2" so it's not that big a deal to me, but I DO notice it!)

Best,

BHBH

 

[mtr1]

I wear 2 pairs of socks to prevent blisters and to provide a more comfortable fit. And because my father always told me to

 

[sargeinaz]

I could never do it. My feet get far too hot with 1 pair of socks on. I didnt know it was this popular though

 

[Tall Bama Guy]

I have been wearing double layer socks by WrightSock for a few weeks - they were recommended by a friend that is a runner. Like them better than anything else I've tried. Good cushion, good moisture wicking, nice fit.

 

[Outlined]

I think it is to prevent blisters.

 

[bsandy]

To Prevent Blistrers is correct.

When your feet slide around inside the shoe, the friction between the two pairs of socks is less than the sock against your foot or the sock against the shoe. So any sliding will be one sock on the other.

BB Players have been doing this for years -- even players with custom made shoes, so it not a fit thing.

. . . Bud

 

[Ajtat411]

I use Balega socks. They are runner's socks. They are comfortable, moisture-wicking and retain quality after many washes.

It prevents the build up of sweat that can cause blisters and provide nice cushioning. They are a little expensive though at $15/pair but are worth it.

I don't get blisters anymore.

The toe jam/nail issue can be fix by periodically clipping your nails before playing.

 

[In D Zone]

you can also you tape your foot with athletic tape or an ankle brace aside from the extra socks.

These are primarily for support on the ankle. But its hard to fit in 2 pairs of socks with the rest unless you have a extra sized shoes.

 

[EKnee08]

i always wear 2 pairs thorlos maximum cushion.never had a roblem. only thing need sneaker 2 sizes larger than shoe size

Larry, Bob and mtumer are all right. and I have been wearing thorlos for years.
In fact when I used to play only on hardcourts, I wore two pair.

 

[10ACE]

After reading this a while ago- I decided to try this yesterday- after a long summer my feet were really banged up and I had just gotten over some bad blisters breaking in a new pair of shoes during a match- not smart.

I did an ankle high sock and then a Nike mid high- no problem playing- only thing I needed to do was tie my shoes tight after warming up- due to them stretching out. My feet felt great no issues pushing off- calluses on toes never became soar.

 

[Admerr]

I use Balega socks. They are runner's socks. They are comfortable, moisture-wicking and retain quality after many washes.

It prevents the build up of sweat that can cause blisters and provide nice cushioning. They are a little expensive though at $15/pair but are worth it.

I don't get blisters anymore.

The toe jam/nail issue can be fix by periodically clipping your nails before playing.

So true. I absolutely love Balega socks. There's a running specific store in my area that carries a wide variety of them. I've never used them for tennis though. Maybe I'll give them a shot as the base layer when doubling up for tennis. They are pricey, but like stated before, they stay soft after many washes.

 

[BLACKOUT]

Just this year I started with the wearing 2 pair of socks, helps the feet stay intact, less abuse, less odors, all around good stuff

 

[Winky]

This is what happens when you wear only one pair of socks:

WARNING, unpleasant imagery ahead..

The third and fourth toes on the left foot aren't unclipped, the nails have been partially torn back from the quick.

 

[Vertiz]

I've always changed into 2 pairs of nike crew socks when playing tennis. Not only does it keep my feet perfectly snug in my shoe, it prevents blisters.

 

[mad dog1]

.........................

 

[embot]

I grew up playing on clay and wear two pairs of socks. The inner sock is a thin cotton sock to absorb moisture and the outer sock is my regular sport sock.

Moisture absorption is important for two reasons. Primarily to prevent blisters and secondly to prevent clay dust and sweat to mix and stain the outer sport sock.

 

[nn]

one word MUST have two socks (first one thin and outer one can be your choice normal or thin)

 

[markwillplay]

I just rediscovered this. My old high school coach used to tell us to wear two pairs of socks to avoid blisters. Recently had to because of Bab sfx3 being too big. Worked like a charm.

 

[gusgrand]

Hello,
I noticed yesterday that both Federer and Istomin both were wearing two sets of socks. I've always noticed that Federer wears two, but I thought it was a personal thing, but now I see others doing the same. Does anyone know why? It seems to me that one's foot would move more inside the shoe with two layers. Thanks for your help...

Comfort & security, I also wear two pairs and it has always felt like my feet are cocooned in cushions!

 

[gusgrand]

This is what happens when you wear only one pair of socks:

WARNING, unpleasant imagery ahead..

The third and fourth toes on the left foot aren't unclipped, the nails have been partially torn back from the quick.

Looks like you need to go up a half size!

 

[The Big Kahuna]

You might want to check out the double impact socks system by ELSO. They’ve taken the research from a lot of experts in kinesiology and developed a system that actually is designed around to socks each serving a different purpose. I wore in just about everything out there is nothing compares to these in terms of moisture management, support, cushioning, and comfort.

I also see right now that they have a introductory discount promotion running. If the code: ELSO20 is used, shoppers would automatically recieve a 20% discount.

 

[nb1234]

Been wearing two socks (thin inside, more cushioned outside). Prevents blisters. Inner sock stays close to your skin and doesn't slide against it. It is, however, free to move a bit against the outer sock. Frictional forces happens there, instead of against your skin.

Thin, ankle-high cycling socks make great inner socks.

This is very similar to how wearing a compression (or at least a somewhat tighter fitting) shirt under a polo allows the polo to slide more easily and not "bind" as much when you're sweating a lot.

 

[The Big Kahuna]

Been wearing two socks (thin inside, more cushioned outside). Prevents blisters. Inner sock stays close to your skin and doesn't slide against it. It is, however, free to move a bit against the outer sock. Frictional forces happens there, instead of against your skin.

Thin, ankle-high cycling socks make great inner socks.

This is very similar to how wearing a compression (or at least a somewhat tighter fitting) shirt under a polo allows the polo to slide more easily and not "bind" as much when you're sweating a lot.

This is in essence what the ELSO Dual Sock System is. Exactly.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Tommy Haas]

This is very similar to how wearing a compression (or at least a somewhat tighter fitting) shirt under a polo allows the polo to slide more easily and not "bind" as much when you're sweating a lot.

Some men wear undershirts under their polos to better fill it out and look more muscular. It does in a way, but your skinny arms will still be skinny arms. The chest and shoulders will look bigger a little though.

 

[MRfStop]

Where, wear, and whey're