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7 Different Types of Socks for Pickleball (Men)

A man adjusting sock on sports field.

Since I was a child, I have always hated the smell of shoes, especially sneakers or sports shoes worn without socks. This is so much so that whenever I do smell their almost putrid stench my stomach turns, and 95% of the time I puke, figuratively throw up my guts, violently vomiting. So, as you can imagine, just after Wifey and I had finished loading my cart with all types of pickleball shirts, shorts, and shoes, she was about to proceed to check out, when, with a scream, I stopped her.

“And just what is the matter NOW, bumpkin?!” she enquired, alarmed that something was seriously wrong. “Sorry to scream sweet cheeks, but SOCKS, our cart has no socks!! We forgot to get me some new pickleball socks for men”, I almost yelled, almost terrified.

“Are you seriously telling me that men also have specific clothes for pickleball?” asked Wifey in mock horror.

Contents show

Yes, my lovely, pickleball socks are a must too for us men.

A sportsman wearing his white socks.

They say nothing is good for your pickleball mood, style, and game, than….pickleball socks. Generally, pickleball socks for men are a great way to protect your feet from blisters and rashes during pickleball. As such, some pickleball socks for both men and women are made of a breathable, stretchy material that will keep your feet cool and dry.

For example, the design of some is based on a close-toed sock, but the foot is more open for ventilation. The socks are machine-washable and come in a variety of colors. Pickleball socks for men are designed to be durable and comfortable.

Coming in different designs and lengths, they are also made from different materials, mainly polyester and spandex. Sticking to pickleball socks that are “a blend of fabrics that include nylon, spandex, acrylic, or polyester can make a difference.”Their design is meant to fulfill different purposes relating to your feet as well as to pickleball.

Besides, you know how I am about wearing shoes without socks. Don’t you remember how I…

Wifey didn’t even wait for me to complete my sentence. Before I could, Flash Gordon-like,   she was already looking up the available types of pickleball socks for men. Below are those she found and asked me to pick from.

1. Choice Pick Pickleball Crew Socks  

Super Fly Goods Pickle Baller Pickleball Socks | Pickleball Gift | Performance Crew Tennis Socks for Men & Women | Fun Pickle ball AccessoryWhat is it?

A short pickleball sock that extends above the ankle and is often ribbed.

Why would you choose this type? Pros? Cons?

Not too short and not too long either, pickleball crew socks are the perfect footwear for you and your game. For example, OS1st Pickleball Crew Socks will keep your feet comfortable on and off the court. These moderate compression socks have nano bamboo charcoal cushioning to give your feet support when and where they need them.

The custom blend of cotton, nylon, polyester, and spandex makes these socks breathable, soft, and incredibly comfortable on and off the court. The high-quality construction means these socks provide a great fit for all-day comfort. With their fashionable retro look, light cushioning, and ventilation lanes, these performance crew sport socks are the perfect socks for everyday and sports.

Pickleball Master Course by Steve Dawson ($199)

What is it used for?

Pickleball crew socks are mainly worn when you are playing pickleball.

Key features

NIKE Unisex Performance Cushion Crew Socks with Band (6 Pairs), White/Black, Large

In addition to nano bamboo charcoal cushioning, these socks also feature cooling technology for temperature regulation, seamless construction, moisture-wicking, anti-microbial fabric, and anatomical left/right design for a precise fit.

Any other pertinent info to share?

The socks are unisex. So feel free to get them for your girlfriend, daughter, wife, or mother as birthdays, or Christmas gifts. They would also make great boots, hiking, or outdoor walking socks for women.

2. Now you see me, now you don’t No Show Socksadidas Mens Superlite (6-pair) Super No Show Sock, Black/Night Grey, Large USWhat is it?

As their name suggests, these socks are a “no show” in that they cannot be seen when you are putting them on with your sneakers.

Why would you choose this type? Pros? Cons?

Being slip sneaker socks, no-show socks stay hidden inside your shoes. They are super lightweight, making them fit comfortably. No-show compression secures your feet all the extra support they might need.

Mesh ventilation on top of the foot gives these socks breathability. No-show socks also have a reinforced toe for extra durability.

What is it used for?

These no-show socks are designed to play, amongst others, pickleball.

Key features

They are made of 97% Polyester and 3% Spandex.

Saucony mens Multi-pack Mesh Ventilating Comfort Fit Performance No-show Socks, Black Basic (6 Pairs), Shoe Size 8-12 US

Any other pertinent info to share?

These socks are machine washable.

3. Rolly  Polly Roll Top Socks

thorlos mens Max Cushion Rolltop tennis socks, White, Medium USWhat is it?

These socks can come rolled so that they just show above the edge of your sports shoes.

Why would you choose this type? Pros? Cons?

These socks offer maximum comfort and protection for the longest matches or for anyone who wants maximum comfort and protection. They also have high durability fibers embedded in the forefoot and toe box area to resist wear. Their padding has been clinically shown to reduce blisters, moisture, pain, and pressure.

Whilst their unique rolltop design allows for a minimum amount of sock outside of the shoe while still protecting the Achilles area against rubbing. Lastly, they are sculptured to fit in the heel, forefoot and, while their instep provides an excellent fit and keeps the socks from sliding.

What is it used for?

Ideal for playing tennis, running as well as pickleball during warm summer months.

thorlos mens J Max Cushion Rolltop Running Socks, White/Navy, X-Large US

Key features

They are composed of 83% Acrylic, 16% Nylon, and 1% Elastic. If they are a pair of Thorlo socks, then you can expect Thorlo’s legendary padding in the heel, forefoot, sidewalls, and over the toes to protect against the forces inside your shoe.

Any other pertinent info to share?

Made in the United States,  they also come with fibers that wick moisture to keep your feet dry.

4. Nice One Novelty Socks

Pickleball Novelty Socks For Women & Men One SizeWhat is it?

New, unusual and often colorful socks are worn for sports. Novelty pickleball socks for men feature bright colors and prints of the sport.

Why would you choose this type? Pros? Cons?

If you like to stand out on the court- more for your dress sense and shoes than for your play, then these socks are what you need. These high-quality socks can be a great conversation starter during pickleball breaks-in addition to adding some pizzazz and personality to your wardrobe! Soft, comfy, and breathable fabric can be worn with sports, casual, or dress shoes.

What is it used for?

Generally comfortable, they are perfect for pickleball as well as casual, work, or dress wear. It can also be the perfect pickleball gift for any pickleball lover, whether it be Dad, Mom, friend, Grandpa, Grandpa, husband, boyfriend, father-in-law, or friend. Gift for birthdays, Father’s Day, or any special occasion.

They will love feeling stylish in these comfy, fun pattern novelty pickleball socks. Socks come packaged in a gift box with your choice of pickleball quote sock wrap.

Key features

Characteristically colorful, these socks comprise 98% polyester and 2% spandex. The hosiery is a black foot towel with a thick 200-needle knit. Others feature 70% cotton, 25% Polyester, 5% spandex.

Doodle Beads Pickleball Novelty Socks for Men or Women With Sock Wrap In Gift Box, Funny Pickleball Gifts for Pickle ball Players, Fans (socks only), Medium

Any other pertinent info to share?

These unisex pickleball socks are one size fits all: they will fit women with shoe sizes 7.5-12. As well as men with shoe size 5.5-10.(Length: 40cm , Tube circumference: 9cm).

Also, please note to machine wash, and tumble dry low.

5. Another day, another game of Ankle Athletic socks  

CWVLC Unisex Cushioned Compression Athletic Ankle Socks Multipack, 3-pairs Black, L (10.5-13 W US/ 9-11.5 M US)What is it?

These are pickleball socks designed with the ankle, particularly in mind.

Why would you choose this type? Pros? Cons?

Light padding in the heel, forefoot, and around the toes protects from the constant forces of impact. This light padding extends up the Achilles area to protect them from rubbing court shoes. If of the Thorlong brand, then they are made exclusively of  Thor-Wick COOL fibers that actively wick moisture to keep your feet cool and dry.

Their o-Rub toe seam will not irritate your feet.

What is it used for?

thorlos mens Pbmu Thin Cushion Pickleball Ankle Socks, White, Large US

They were specifically designed for the game of Pickleball. Although sometimes they are also used for running.

Key features

Made in the U.S. from 74% Polyester, 25% Nylon, and 1% Elastic. They also have light padding on the heel, forefoot, and around the toes. Some brands also come with thor-Wick COOL fibers.

Any other pertinent info to share?

They have apparently been tested by the top players in the world.

6. Quality, not Quantity Quarter Socks  

Carhartt mens 3 Pair Pack Work fashion liner socks, Grey, Large USWhat is it?

These are pickleball socks that are a quarter higher than the ankle.

Why would you choose this type? Pros? Cons?

The higher ankle protects against friction and eventual blistering. The moisture-wicking fabric blend also helps prevent blisters, while the cushion in the foot bed adds comfort and limits friction. They have arch support and an enhanced heel pocket for a secure fit. Whilst their ribbed channels improve ventilation in the legs.

They also come with mesh instep for breathability.

What is it used for?

For running, walking, and workout, these socks will also do for pickleball.

Key features

Made of 72% Cotton, 27% Polyester, and 1% Elastane, these socks have Pull On closures. They have heels, arches, and toe cushioning. The socks also come with abrasion-resistant yarns on the heel and toe.

CWVLC Compression Athletic Unisex Quarter Socks Cushioned, 4-Pair Black Royal Blue, L

Any other pertinent info to share?

They fight odor on your behalf.

7. Costly Comfortable Compression Athletic Performance Socks  

Thirty48 Elite Compression Socks Women & Men Graduated 20-30mmHg for Running, Athletic, Flight Sock - Performance & RecoveryWhat is it?

These are socks that are designed to improve circulation and reduce the chances of swelling.

Why would you choose this type? Pros? Cons?

These compression socks are a great option for athletes. They reduce the pain of swollen ankles and calves, relieve varicose veins, plantar fasciitis, diabetes, and shin splints, and boost recovery of edema. Made with a blend of fabrics, they help reduce swelling and pain while you are working out.

Worn by beginners as well as top professionals, these socks offer great foot and ankle support that will leave you still feeling amazing after you have long walked off the court.

In these socks, you can train as much as you can and recover quicker. Muscle efficiency and stability are increased, while muscle fatigue and soreness are decreased. Promise All-Day Moisture Wicking Comfort.

As such, these socks are durable and lightweight, well-ventilated, and sweat-free, making them ideal for all-day wear.

What is it used for?

For running, walking, workout as well as wearing on your daily commute, these socks will also do for pickleball.

Key features

Designed and engineered in the USA, most of these socks are made from recycled Post-Consumer Poly Fibers of 52% Polyamide-Nylon, 41% Tempcontrol™ Repreve Polyester and 7% Lycra Spandex. They have a 15-20 mmHg Compression Level.

Dovava Dri-tech Compression Crew Socks 15-20mmHg for Men & Women, Athletic Fit Running Nurses Flight Travel Pregnancy Edema Diabetic, Boost Ankle Calf Circulation, Small-Medium, Black (4 Pairs)

Premium Compression Crew Socks for men and women, such as the ones above, are made from 65% Nylon and 35% Lycra Spandex. They are designed with a circular knit structure that delivers a 360-degree stretch.

Any other pertinent info to share?

In addition, these socks enhance athletic performance and improve blood circulation AND oxygen flow. They have been known to help reduce cramping, fatigue, blisters, swelling, and muscle soreness. By wearing them, you recover faster from running, training, cycling, basketball, tennis, gym, hiking, and other sports activities.

Pickleball Clothing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What other clothing might I need to play pickleball?

A: Generally speaking, a good pair of training shoes, some socks, breathable shorts, a shirt, and a pair of gloves if you prefer, will see you through.

Q:  What should I look for when buying pickleball socks?

A: When buying pickleball socks, consider some of the following:

  • moisture wicking
  • engineered comfort
  • ankle support
  • arch support
  • improved circulation

Q: Which are the best type of pickleball socks?

A: While there are many types of pickleball socks, they are not all made equal and, like kissing, go by favor. However, compression athletic performance socks come highly recommended and are considered the

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