As a consumer, it can be hard to know what’s a legitimate recommendation and what’s an attempt to get you to buy something you don’t need. Telling the difference can be especially tough when it comes to sports. When pro athletes are paid millions just to show up, money loses meaning and hype is king. But the basics don’t change. Customers still ask, “Do sports socks make a difference?” We can honestly answer that they do, for several reasons.

Moisture Makes a Difference

Everyday socks aren’t bad for you, but they’re not very ambitious. They’re there to keep your feet warm, prevent blisters, and even wick away some perspiration. But athletes don’t just glisten with sweat; it pours off them, eventually pooling in their shoes. The main reason people buy sports socks are because they’re tired of sloshing around during games. Sports socks use materials specially blended to wick all the sweat away from your feet. Physical activity is sweaty, and feet pay the price. That’s why sports lovers have gotten a fungus named after them: Athlete’s Foot.

Features Prevent Injuries

Walking around the office, your dress socks don’t have to block you from a tackle near the Xerox machine. But on the field or the court, you need to sprint, dodge, weave, pivot, jump—a lot of sudden and taxing moves. In the middle of a game, a regular sock can’t compete your flying feet. But sports socks are built to protect you. Your ankles get snug, strong support. Your arches are uplifted, your toes won’t slip, your heels are cushioned. A sport sock is a critical barrier between you and potential injury.

Sports Are Specific

Regular socks can go anywhere, but athletic socks are engineered for certain sports. For instance, knee high baseball socks have ergonomic cushioning, whereas many runners swear by compression for long distances. Basketball players are always adjusting two layers of socks because they haven’t invested in a good, basketball-specific pair. Sometimes it’s worth it simply to have socks that stay up during play; no one wants to call a time-out to watch you adjust droopy ones. Not every athlete notices the different features, but champions take advantage of anything that’ll give them an edge.

Do sports socks make a difference? That’s ultimately something only you can answer with a little trial and error. But at MK Socks, we don’t want you to learn your lesson when it’s already too late. Contact us for more information on how we can support your team’s feet during your drive to victory.