How Do Tennis Socks Differ From Other Types of Socks?
Tennis players make short sprints, quick stops and sharp turns, which all place a great deal of pressure on their feet. People who take tennis seriously wear shoes that provide additional cushioning, support and traction, but they rarely pay much attention to the socks they wear. This article will explain why tennis socks are important and how the right pair could improve your game, prevent injuries and help you to recover more quickly.
What Are the Best Type of Socks for Tennis?
The best socks for playing tennis provide a good balance of support and comfort. They should be thick enough to prevent chafing, but not too thick as this can lead to bunching around the toe. Another pitfall to avoid is choosing socks that are extremely comfortable but do not do much to improve circulation or promote tissue regeneration. This is important because even minor foot problems can be extremely painful and sideline tennis players for days or even weeks.
Why Tennis Socks?
Preventing injuries and promoting recovery are probably the best reasons to choose socks designed with performance in mind. TRUEENERGY® uses infrared technology that works in conjunction with the body’s natural chemistry to reduce discomfort, promote healing and prevent common foot problems associated with tennis. Foot issues that you will probably want to avoid include:
- Corns and calluses: Tennis players develop corns and calluses when the shoes and socks they wear do not provide adequate balance and cause pressure and friction.
- Blisters: Blisters are caused by chaffing between shoes and socks and are the bane of tennis players around the world. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, wearing socks made out of acrylic fibers like polyester, nylon and spandex instead of socks made out of just cotton can both prevent blisters and reduce the size of blisters that do develop.
- Tennis toe: This painful and debilitating condition is caused by the sudden stops tennis players make. The resulting pressure and hemorrhaging can cause swelling and turn toenails purple.
How Are Tennis Socks Different From Regular Socks?
Tennis socks tend to have more cushioning at the heel to make jumps less jarring and fairly thin seams around the toes to prevent bunching. However, what really sets them apart is their ability to wick moisture away from the skin.
Tennis is played in warm weather or indoors, so keeping foot moisture to a minimum is important. Cotton absorbs moisture, which is why the best athletic socks are made with blends that include wicking materials like spandex and nylon. These blends stretch well, offer the comfort of cotton and keep feet dry.
What Socks Do You Wear With Tennis Shoes?
Not everybody who wears tennis shoes actually plays tennis, so they do not all have the same concerns when they choose their socks. People who wear tennis shoes because they like the way they look can get away with wearing stylish fashion socks, but those who play the game should select their apparel based on performance as well as appearance.
What Are the Most Comfortable Tennis Socks?
Comfort can be elusive, and an item of clothing that feels great initially can become unbearable when subjected to the rigors of playing sports. Cotton socks are extremely comfortable, but they do not wick moisture and can quickly become soaked with sweat. Cotton socks feel the most comfortable when they are put on, but socks made out of cotton and acrylic blends will probably feel much better after a few sets.
What Socks Do Pro Tennis Players Wear?
Foot problems that a casual tennis player would consider a relatively minor inconvenience could be disastrous for a professional. Pros cannot reschedule their matches, so they have to be ready to play when tournaments start. They also cannot afford to sit idle while they wait for injuries that could have been prevented to heal. This is why they often choose to wear compression socks. The reason compression socks have become so popular include:
- Improved circulation: Compression socks gently squeeze the ankles and lower legs to improve blood flow. This is crucial for athletes because blood is what delivers oxygen and nutrients to their muscles.
- Reduced swelling: Swelling occurs when fluid builds up in tissue, and the feet and legs are usually the parts of the body affected. Tennis pros wear compression socks because studies have shown that they reduce swelling and may prevent a condition known as leg edema.
- Faster recovery: Scientists have also found that wearing compression socks can delay muscle fatigue and reduce the accumulations of acetate and lactic acid caused by intense exercise. This reduces discomfort and speeds up recovery times.
Putting It All Together
If you are looking for ways to improve your tennis game and have more fun on the court, you may want to consider switching to socks that have been scientifically developed to help you reach these goals. TRUEENERGY® compression socks will not add velocity to your serves or spin to your lobs, but they could make playing more comfortable and help prevent many common tennis ailments.