Are your tennis socks comfortable enough?
Tennis is an active sport, but you might be surprised how far players run during a match. Top players can run for miles to get through to the final of a Grand Slam, for example. Your whole body gets you there, but your feet feel it with ever-changing footing.
Small wonder, then, that more tennis players are discovering and using compression socks. Here are just some of the potential benefits they offer:
- Greater comfort for your feet and ankles
- A close fit to provide support
- Increased circulation through the ankle and foot
- The potential to reduce pain and inflammation
All good things to have. So, how do you select the best pair of compression socks to wear? Here are some crucial pointers to follow.
Look For Breathable Fabric
It’s said that tennis players’ feet don’t look good. Blisters are common. You’d expect to sweat during a match, so keeping your feet dry and cool is vital.
Look for a blended material designed for maximum aeration. Your feet are going to sweat, so making sure you get plenty of airflow while retaining the tighter fit is important.
The Socks Should Not Move
This applies to ankle socks (more common among tennis players) and below-the-knee socks. You don’t want them to slide down inside your shoes as you’re running to strike the ball. Once they’re on and in the proper position, you want them to stay that way until you remove them after the match.
Choose The Correct mmHg Value
Now we are getting technical! You’ll find lots of socks like these on the market. However, the best of them include an mmHg value. The letters mean millimetres of mercury (Hg is the symbol for that element). The levels range from around 15 – 40 mmHg. The greater the figure, the tighter the fit the socks give you.
Look for graduated socks as these are tighter in the foot than the ankle, and less so as they go up the leg. It enhances your blood circulation by gradually moving from one to the other instead of doing so quickly. So, if you see socks displaying 20-30mmHg, you know the feet offer 30mmHg and the upper portion offers 20mmHg.
Choose Socks That Keep Their Original Shape
Not all compression socks are created equal. Some lose their shape once they’ve been worn or washed once or twice. Look for better materials and production values.
When you walk onto a tennis court, you need to be ready for the match ahead. Supportive socks are just one part of the gear you’ll rely on to help ensure you’re ready. They’re an important part, though, and compression socks provide far more support than standard socks.
Have you tried compression socks while playing tennis? Would you like to? Do you think they give you better support and more comfortable feet before, during, and after the match?
