Hockey skates became mainstream during the 2010s, and they continue to grow in popularity every year. Many people have taken up the sport and are looking for ways to make it more convenient to play. One of the areas where they struggle is with the gear. It’s not uncommon for people to wear tennis shoes or similar non-hockey shoes when they play, simply because they’re easier to wash and dry clean.
If you’re a hockey player who wants to keep their feet comfortable while playing, what socks should you wear? We’ve put together some handy tips on what to wear, so you can keep your feet happy while you play.
Table of Contents
Hockey Skates: The Basics
Hockey skates are one of the most popular sports accessories during the winter months, which is no surprise considering the sport revolves around getting the most amount of friction between your feet and the ice surface as possible. It’s no wonder people are also fans of hockey socks, as they help to prevent accidents due to slipping and sliding on the ice surface.
You’ll often see hockey players wearing either no socks or small dots of cotton on their feet to keep their feet at the proper temperature. If you’re planning to play the sport, it’s imperative that you purchase the proper hockey equipment, which includes both skates and apparel.
The Pros And Cons Of Several Fabrics
You need to decide how you want your feet to perform while you play the sport for best results. If you’d like your feet to be as quick as possible, thin fabrics such as synthetic fabrics will do the trick. Thicker fabrics such as cotton can also be effective provided your playstyle doesn’t involve a lot of sliding around on the ice.
If you typically play on a dry surface with no oil or grease, then thick fabrics are ideal as they will keep your feet warm during your game. If you play on a wet or icy surface, then thin fabrics are preferable as they’ll keep your feet from getting too hot during your game. Of course, the opposite is also true if you want your feet to stay cool while playing.
Consider The Environment First
The environment also plays a big role in determining what socks you should wear while playing hockey. If you play on a natural surface, then thin fabrics and natural fibers are ideal as they’ll help keep its natural beauty intact. Wearing synthetic fabrics and polyester can also negatively impact the environment, as it takes a lot to produce them and they don’t decompose easily.
If you play in a colder climate, then thick fabrics will keep your feet warm during your game. If you play in a warmer one, then thin fabrics will keep your feet cool during your game. While it’s always nice to be warm, it’s important not to sacrifice your comfort for the sake of keeping your feet warm. After all, you’ll be out there for a while and you want to make sure your feet are okay.
Choose The Right Size
The right size is also important when choosing your socks for hockey. Remember that the sport involves a lot of sliding and turning, so your socks should be at least a couple of inches higher than your shoe to prevent any accidents or injuries. If you’re on the smaller size, you’ll constantly be slipping and sliding on the ice surface, which can be dangerous. If you typically wear a size 8 shoe, then you should be wearing an 8 or 9, and if you wear a size 9 shoe, then you should be wearing an 9 or 10.
Carry Spare Pairs
No one likes to play with one shoe, so if you plan to play hockey regularly, it’s best to carry a spare pair of shoes. It’s not always easy to find a good sport shoe that fits your foot, so if you have a pair of Pumas or similar shoes, it would be wise to wear them when playing. This way, you’ll be less likely to injure yourself due to improper footwear.
There are a variety of socks you can choose from to keep your feet happy while playing hockey. If you want your feet to be ultra-comfortable while you play, go with synthetic fabrics and similar materials. If you want your feet to be warm during your game, then choose thicker fabrics and natural fibers, as these will help to keep your feet at the right temperature. Consider the environment first, then choose the right size to keep your feet happy while you play.