Your favourite socks

TforTommy

Semi-Pro
What are your favourite socks? Looking to find a pair of thick, soft, breathable socks.

Heard alot of good things about nike elite basketball socks, but not too sure. It's been years and of course socks eventually go missing etc etc. Used to have heaps of amazing asics socks, they were so soft yet breathable. All my nike socks feel like cardboard after a wash

just wondering what are your favourite socks? Ideally after thick socks but where I live it's always hot, so ideally some breathable ones too :)

Thanks
 

TypeRx

Semi-Pro
Thorlo VRMU Edge Running socks are what I currently use and love. They breathe great, wear amazingly well (as in, they don't seem to wear out!), provide just the right amount of compression over the main parts of the feet, and have just the right amount of cushion on the heel and toe area. Just turn them inside out and you can quickly see how they are different than other premium socks. FYI, they are currently running a 25% of promo -- actually bought more socks for me and some for my Mom for Mother's Day as she has some foot problems. After trying these socks on, she was shocked at how big a difference socks can make.

Downsides? They are expensive at ~$15/pair MSRP. I would also prefer if they had L/R fit. But, neither is a dealbreaker. Depending on preference, you may also want a higher (e.g. mid-calf, etc.) cut.

I also like Feetures! socks (available from TW), but am now sold on Thorlos. I learned the hard way to not cheap out on your footwear, especially as I aged. Now I make sure to buy extremely well fitting shoes (using Asics Court FF) and excellent socks, with minimal price sensitivity. I also make sure to thoroughly dry my shoes after each session by pulling the insole out and allowing the shoe body as well as insole to air dry outside for a few hours. I then re-insert the insole and put some cedar shoe trees in there to keep things formed well and fresh. If I play twice in a day I always use another pair of shoes (another set of Court FF) plus fresh socks.
 

swizzy

Hall of Fame
those nike elite basketball socks from a few years ago are great. i have had mine for a long time and they are still like new. great cushioning, compression, and dri-fit breathability
 
Check out “Darn Tough” socks. They use Merino wool and come in a huge variety of cushion levels and cuff heights. Merino wool keeps your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s great at wicking moisture and is naturally anti-microbial so your feet/socks won’t stink.

Darn Tough socks also have a lifetime warranty! If you manage to wear a hole in them or have any other issue they’ll just swap yours out for another pair of your choosing. It makes the investment in relatively expensive socks worth it in the long run. Believe me, once you go wool you never go back to cotton or synthetic socks.

A couple of my other favorite brands are Swiftwick (their “Pursuit” line uses Merino wool) and Feetures (they have Merino wool options as well).
 

netlets

Professional
My favorite socks are from a new company called Orfiks. They were a sponsor of a tournament I played in so we each got a pair. Best socks I’ve ever used.
 

1990's Graphite

Hall of Fame
My favorite socks are from a new company called Orfiks. They were a sponsor of a tournament I played in so we each got a pair. Best socks I’ve ever used.

They just need to tone down their designs, not much going on looks wise.. with those paw prints
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
WOW,, these Bombas Tennis socks are BEST in the world, like the GOAT himself.

white-layflat-product_fd5fd433-dbd5-470a-9997-1300237e736f_1600x1600.jpg%3Fv%3D1551129518


https://bombas.com/products/mens-performance-tennis-calf-sock-3-pack?variant=white

Midweight purpose-built socks for court speed and comfort with cushioning where you need it most. Thermoregulation to help your feet breathe. Moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from your body. Made with a proprietary cotton-poly yarn blend that performs but feels natural. There’s also front and rear blister tabs and left / right contouring to help you move around the court like a pro.
 

Nacho

Hall of Fame
What are your favourite socks? Looking to find a pair of thick, soft, breathable socks.

Heard alot of good things about nike elite basketball socks, but not too sure. It's been years and of course socks eventually go missing etc etc. Used to have heaps of amazing asics socks, they were so soft yet breathable. All my nike socks feel like cardboard after a wash

just wondering what are your favourite socks? Ideally after thick socks but where I live it's always hot, so ideally some breathable ones too :)

Thanks

Only do Stance these days
 

ragingbull1980

Semi-Pro
WOW,, these Bombas Tennis socks are BEST in the world, like the GOAT himself.

white-layflat-product_fd5fd433-dbd5-470a-9997-1300237e736f_1600x1600.jpg%3Fv%3D1551129518


https://bombas.com/products/mens-performance-tennis-calf-sock-3-pack?variant=white

Midweight purpose-built socks for court speed and comfort with cushioning where you need it most. Thermoregulation to help your feet breathe. Moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from your body. Made with a proprietary cotton-poly yarn blend that performs but feels natural. There’s also front and rear blister tabs and left / right contouring to help you move around the court like a pro.

How is the breathability if these socks?
 

DailyG&T

Rookie
Stance! Pricy but worth it and they last a long time. I wash them on cold with my other cold wash sports gear and I think that helps preserve them too.
 

rrortiz5

Rookie
Does no one here play in 90+ degree climates? These poly blends are terrible when you're sweating buckets every match. In the hot weather I can only do under armour or nike cotton blend training socks. They usually are 70% cotton.
 

ericg

Rookie
Thorlo VRMU Edge Running socks are what I currently use and love. They breathe great, wear amazingly well (as in, they don't seem to wear out!), provide just the right amount of compression over the main parts of the feet, and have just the right amount of cushion on the heel and toe area. Just turn them inside out and you can quickly see how they are different than other premium socks. FYI, they are currently running a 25% of promo -- actually bought more socks for me and some for my Mom for Mother's Day as she has some foot problems. After trying these socks on, she was shocked at how big a difference socks can make.

Downsides? They are expensive at ~$15/pair MSRP. I would also prefer if they had L/R fit. But, neither is a dealbreaker. Depending on preference, you may also want a higher (e.g. mid-calf, etc.) cut.

I also like Feetures! socks (available from TW), but am now sold on Thorlos. I learned the hard way to not cheap out on your footwear, especially as I aged. Now I make sure to buy extremely well fitting shoes (using Asics Court FF) and excellent socks, with minimal price sensitivity. I also make sure to thoroughly dry my shoes after each session by pulling the insole out and allowing the shoe body as well as insole to air dry outside for a few hours. I then re-insert the insole and put some cedar shoe trees in there to keep things formed well and fresh. If I play twice in a day I always use another pair of shoes (another set of Court FF) plus fresh socks.
I’ve been wearing the level 3 thorlo and they aren’t holding up as well as I’d like and thinking about trying the Feetures Elite Max Cushion or the Thorlo Court Edge...are those the models you compared on your post
 

TypeRx

Semi-Pro
I’ve been wearing the level 3 thorlo and they aren’t holding up as well as I’d like and thinking about trying the Feetures Elite Max Cushion or the Thorlo Court Edge...are those the models you compared on your post

My experience has been that the Thorlo Court Edges hold up like no sock I've ever had (including Feetures Elite Max Cushion). However, if you have wide feet they may not work best as they seem to run quite narrow. Here is a run-down on things:

1. Padding: Thorlo has considerably more padding around the toes
2. Durability: I have probably 9 pairs of the Thorlo's now and some have been worn and washed probably 50 times. They are still working fantastic. The only difference I can detect between my old ones and the new ones is that the newer ones feel a little "slicker" against the insole. But otherwise they have held up remarkably. I turn them inside out after use and wash as normal. Feetures also wear reasonably well but are a bit thinner and tend to pill up.
3. Look: I think the Feetures look a bit better and also have slightly more low ankle coverage. I also like that they are L/R designated.
4. Wicking: tough to say, both are really good at this
5. Support: While the Thorlo provides great support (maybe because they run tight?), I think the Feetures have more strategic placement of their elastic vs. more firm threads.

In the end, when I can find sales on Thorlo (25% off happens a few times a year direct from them), I'll buy them over Feetures. I've never used the Level 3 Thorlos so cannot compare.
 

esm

Legend
I have these. Very thick and cushioned, I liked them.

What's the most cushioned socks you recommend? To protect the knees on hard courts...

i have been using them on the hard court with good insole in the shoe. that has been good for my knees
 

pabletion

Hall of Fame
What are your favourite socks? Looking to find a pair of thick, soft, breathable socks.

Heard alot of good things about nike elite basketball socks, but not too sure. It's been years and of course socks eventually go missing etc etc. Used to have heaps of amazing asics socks, they were so soft yet breathable. All my nike socks feel like cardboard after a wash

just wondering what are your favourite socks? Ideally after thick socks but where I live it's always hot, so ideally some breathable ones too :)

Thanks

I've heard TECNIFIBRE socks are one of the best out there, specially now that they roll with Lacoste....... Would've never thought of paying attention to their socks or that theres anything special on them, but apparently, they're top of the line, worth a try for sure.
 

ericg

Rookie
My experience has been that the Thorlo Court Edges hold up like no sock I've ever had (including Feetures Elite Max Cushion). However, if you have wide feet they may not work best as they seem to run quite narrow. Here is a run-down on things:

1. Padding: Thorlo has considerably more padding around the toes
2. Durability: I have probably 9 pairs of the Thorlo's now and some have been worn and washed probably 50 times. They are still working fantastic. The only difference I can detect between my old ones and the new ones is that the newer ones feel a little "slicker" against the insole. But otherwise they have held up remarkably. I turn them inside out after use and wash as normal. Feetures also wear reasonably well but are a bit thinner and tend to pill up.
3. Look: I think the Feetures look a bit better and also have slightly more low ankle coverage. I also like that they are L/R designated.
4. Wicking: tough to say, both are really good at this
5. Support: While the Thorlo provides great support (maybe because they run tight?), I think the Feetures have more strategic placement of their elastic vs. more firm threads.

In the end, when I can find sales on Thorlo (25% off happens a few times a year direct from them), I'll buy them over Feetures. I've never used the Level 3 Thorlos so cannot compare.
Thanks so much..great review
 

ericg

Rookie
My experience has been that the Thorlo Court Edges hold up like no sock I've ever had (including Feetures Elite Max Cushion). However, if you have wide feet they may not work best as they seem to run quite narrow. Here is a run-down on things:

1. Padding: Thorlo has considerably more padding around the toes
2. Durability: I have probably 9 pairs of the Thorlo's now and some have been worn and washed probably 50 times. They are still working fantastic. The only difference I can detect between my old ones and the new ones is that the newer ones feel a little "slicker" against the insole. But otherwise they have held up remarkably. I turn them inside out after use and wash as normal. Feetures also wear reasonably well but are a bit thinner and tend to pill up.
3. Look: I think the Feetures look a bit better and also have slightly more low ankle coverage. I also like that they are L/R designated.
4. Wicking: tough to say, both are really good at this
5. Support: While the Thorlo provides great support (maybe because they run tight?), I think the Feetures have more strategic placement of their elastic vs. more firm threads.

In the end, when I can find sales on Thorlo (25% off happens a few times a year direct from them), I'll buy them over Feetures. I've never used the Level 3 Thorlos so cannot compare.
Any votes for the Balega blister resist ?
 

Gyswandir

Semi-Pro
Any votes for the Balega blister resist ?
Amazing socks that I’ve completely moved to them for sports. They are more comfortable than Thorlo and very padded. In fact, I would recommend that you use something else from Balega if your shoes fit tight. However, if you have the room, then they are outstanding. They even worked for me in high temp/humidity and I just wore them on a mountain trail hike last weekend. They definitely protected me from getting a blister.
 

Yoneyama

Hall of Fame
I use Injinji toe socks. I don't know how... I just play better with them compared to regular socks.
 

ericg

Rookie
Amazing socks that I’ve completely moved to them for sports. They are more comfortable than Thorlo and very padded. In fact, I would recommend that you use something else from Balega if your shoes fit tight. However, if you have the room, then they are outstanding. They even worked for me in high temp/humidity and I just wore them on a mountain trail hike last weekend. They definitely protected me from getting a blister.

nice review..
Im currently using the Thorlo level 3 so thickness shouldn’t be an issue
 

Gyswandir

Semi-Pro
Is the Balega as thickly padded as the Thorlo 3?
It looks and feels thicker between your fingers, but offers a softer feel, resulting in a better overall feel for me than the Thorlo.

I honestly think the Baelga is the best brand. The Elite Feetures are a good alternative for a medium padded sock, but you could get the Enduro (even though it is geared towards Women). For something in between, then the Silver. I haven’t tried the thin variants, as I don’t need such socks, but they would be my first choice if I ever wanna try
 

ericg

Rookie
I ended up ordering 2 pair of each...Thorlo Court Edge..Balega Blister Re and Feetures
Max cushion.
Agreed the thorlo edge court is a very well made full cushioned sock and an upgrade to the level 3 Thorlo’s I’ve been wearing the last 10 yrs...Balega blister resist is a very nicely made tight fitting premium sock imo. Feetures max cushion is nice but not enough cushion for tennis imo. I’ll stay with the Edge Court for tennis and the others for gym, casual sneaker use.
 

socallefty

G.O.A.T.
I’ve been wearing Thorlo Level 3 minicrew socks for more than a decade. The only time I wear thinner socks is if I try a new shoe model and it fits too tight for the bulky Thorlo cushioning. You might need to buy a 1/2 size bigger shoe in some models if you get used to these extra-cushioned thick socks.
 

SteveI

Legend
I’ve been wearing Thorlo Level 3 minicrew socks for more than a decade. The only time I wear thinner socks is if I try a new shoe model and it fits too tight for the bulky Thorlo cushioning. You might need to buy a 1/2 size bigger shoe in some models if you get used to these extra-cushioned thick socks.
^^
The Best.. they are not cheap.. but you can make six pairs.. last 3 years with proper care
 

AceyMan

Professional
Fan here of the Solinco Wonder Socks.

They are 80/20 cotton/poly so maybe not the best in mega humid conditions but they ride great for me here in SoCal.

I love Thorlo for running but the 100% poly is too slippery inside the upper for tennis, imho. I never know exactly where my foot will end up after a hard stop or direction change.

The Solinco lets me feel better connected to the shoe, so to speak.

/Acey
 
Last edited:

Rosstour

G.O.A.T.
I love the Nike Elite & HyperElite L/R socks, but even wearing shoes on the smaller side has me sliding around a bit.

I find the best solution for me is the less glamorous one: Nike dri-fit crew socks with a Nike dri-fit ankle sock under it.
 
Top