FOOTBALL SOCKS

Back in the day, your school or team would supply your football socks, and you had no choice in what pair you had to wear on game day. Those socks were usually made of cotton, and you were lucky if they fit your foot properly. Today, there are many options when it comes to choosing a proper pair.

Many players think that one type of football sock is as good as any other, but when you're playing in them, it can be a very different matter. The wrong pair can cause almost as much damage and discomfort to your feet as ill-fitting cleats. So it's to your benefit to choose the right pair.

A proper-fitting football sock shouldn't be so tight as to be restricting or so loose that they bunch in the toe of your shoe. Comfortably snug is about right. Some players wear tube socks, but generally speaking, socks should have shaped heels and toes for extra comfort.

Today's football socks can be made from pure cotton, synthetics, or a mixture of both. Cotton is comfortable for most people, but synthetic fibers can keep the feet dryer as they wick moisture away from the skin. You can also look for socks made with moisture-management fabrics like Nike's Dri-FIT or Eastbay's own EVAPOR that will keep your feet from becoming soaked in sweat during practice and games.

Always make sure that the toe and heel seams are as flat as possible. Rounded seams can cause friction that creates blisters and chafing. Don't forget to wear your socks whenever you try on a pair of football cleats, as different thicknesses will fit differently. You want to be as comfortable as possible during the big game.

Choose football socks from Nike, Under Armour, and Eastbay in a range of lengths, including ankle length, over the calf, and knee high. If your team does not have specific requirements, socks should be chosen based on your own personal preference. Most of these socks will have padding to relieve cleat pressure and zonal cushioning everywhere else you need it most.