If you’re an athlete, you probably learned the hard way why socks are so essential. If they’re too big, you’ll slip; too small or worn, and you’ll get blisters; and if they’re too stretched-out, you’ll be pulling them up the whole game. No, it’s best to get the different sock lengths right from the start. Here’s our guide.

Liner (No Show)

These footies are what you wear when you don’t want to show the world that you have socks on. If you’re outside, you might not want weird tan lines, either. They hit just below the ankle but shouldn’t rub up against the top of your shoe. Whatever your motivation, you can have a lot of fun choosing zany prints and bright colors that make you smile, even if no one else sees them.

Ankle Quarter

These handy basics can have components that are anything but basic. They look right with any athletic shoe but have features that can optimize your performance playing anything. For the best results, look for extra padding where you need it: at the ankle, heel, and toe. And make sure they’re moisture-wicking, for everyone’s sake.

Crew

The most common length falls in the middle of the calf, which is plenty of room if you’re looking for personalization with stripes, logos, or team colors. There are so many patterns and possibilities that you could pass them off as trouser socks in a pinch. Make sure you insist on a ventilated footbed for extended wear.

Knee-High

These should sit securely just below the knee, so if you’re tall, make sure you have the right fit—and that they’ll stay up. If you wear a team uniform, the odds are good that you’re familiar with knee-high baseball socks, volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, and novelty patterns to suit your mood. They should have enough cushioning that you won’t need to double up on pairs. And there’s plenty of room to customize knee-highs with colors, stripes, emblems, logos, team names, and more.

Over-the-Knee

Depending on your sporting needs, you might opt for over-the-knee socks for football, soccer, hockey, or extremely cold days. They’ll give you extra cushioning in the knee, the sole of your foot, and heel. They’re perfect for knicker pants with baseball uniforms or as knee-highs for taller athletes.

The different sock lengths aren’t as crucial as the job they do in protecting your foot from fatigue, moisture, and injury. At MK Socks, you can count on our selection to give you a foundation for extended play and top performance. Browse what we have—and don’t hesitate to customize them for team spirit or a little more fun.