What are Grip Socks?

What are grip socks and what do they do?

Grip socks aim to enhance foot grip inside your boots, as they reduce internal slippage which increases comfort and performance.

They incorporate sticky elements, usually silicone/rubber pads, that create contact between the sock, boot, and foot, resulting in improved responsiveness that can be crucial for success.

The idea of grip socks originated in 2007 when James Cherneski, a player-coach, was unhappy with his foot slipping out of his boots, prompting him to develop this performance-enhancing sock.

In 2012, Gareth Bale's decision to wear grip socks brought it to the wider attention of the general public with his goalscoring exploits for Tottenham Hotspur then Real Madrid. Since then, many manufacturers have entered the market from big global players to small independent start-ups.

Why do professional players wear grip socks?

Players wear grip socks since its reducing internal movement of the foot which enhances the stability of the foot and therefore performance.

There are a couple of extra bonuses though. Firstly, there's a smaller chance of blisters due to less movement between the foot, sock and boot.

The secondary bonus is being able to use a consistent sock no matter what team you play for. If you change team, or your team changes kit supplier, and therefore the quality of the sock supplied to you will not affect your performance as you can continue to use your favourite HK grip sock.

How Do You Wear Grip Socks?

Players will cut off the foot section of their official team socks around the ankle and discard it, effectively creating a calf sleeve, which will then be worn over their preferred grip socks. This allows them to enjoy the benefits of the grip socks inside their boots while still wearing the official socks on top, as regulations dictate.

To marry the grip sock and the team socks, players will tape the two together. This can be done using either sock tape or cohesive sock wrap, which can even be colour matched to your team's sock colours.

How long do Grip Socks last?

The longevity of grip socks is directly impacted by the frequency of use and quality of care.

It is crucial to know the correct washing techniques for yourgrip socks. It is advised to wash them inside out in warm water, using a gentle cycle.

It is important to avoid the use of bleach or ironing as these practices can damage the quality of the socks. Additionally, tumble drying should be avoided, with line or air drying recommended instead.

In conclusion, grip socks offer a plethora of benefits to individuals doing various sports where extra foot grip and stability are required, helping to lock down the foot within the player's boot and reducing the chances of blisters.

Whether you're a professional athlete or an amateur player, incorporating grip socks into your training and playing routine can significantly improve your on-field experience and help you achieve your goals in rugby.

So why not give them a try and feel the difference for yourself? Check out the HK grip socks!