A Guide to Wrestling Socks: FAQs & More

Whether you’re practicing for a tournament or wrestling in a match, you need a good pair of wrestling socks to keep your feet protected and comfortable during a match. With a good pair of socks, you can extend the lifespan of your shoes, keep bad odor in check, and better stabilize your ankles while you’re on the mat. If you’re looking for adult or youth wrestling socks, review some common questions about wrestling socks and the main qualities to look for in wrestling socks.

Do You Wear Socks With Wrestling Shoes?

Socks should always be worn with wrestling shoes, as they protect a wrestler’s feet from blisters and provide additional cushioning for increased comfort. They also help stabilize a wrestler’s foot and give extra support to the ankle, which can reduce the risk of injuries. Not wearing socks can also make wrestling shoes smell bad, with the shoes harder to wash than a pair of socks that will absorb the odor. Wearing socks can even extend the lifespan of your wrestling shoes by putting a soft barrier between the shoes and your feet. 

Do Wrestling Leagues Have Uniform Requirements for Socks?

While some wrestling leagues or schools may have specific requirements for socks, most major leagues don’t. For example, USA Wrestling’s rule book doesn’t contain any rules for a wrestler’s socks, with the league only requiring wrestlers to wear wrestling shoes with firm ankle support. Similarly, the National Federation of State High School Associations doesn’t have any specific regulations about whether wrestlers should wear socks or not. 
Since uniform requirements might be different per school or wrestling league, always check your league’s rules before you purchase a pair of socks. That said, most leagues don’t have sock requirements, giving wrestlers lots of flexibility for the socks they wear during practice or a match.

5 Qualities to Look for in Wrestling Socks

The best wrestling socks will be made out of moisture-wicking yarns, feature extra padding, and come in crew-length or taller heights. As you look for a great pair of wrestling socks, take a moment to learn more about what to look for in wrestling socks below:

1. Moisture-Wicking Yarns

Wrestling socks should never be made from water-absorbent materials like cotton or standard wool, as they increase the risk of blisters and can be very uncomfortable. Instead, the socks should be made with hydrophobic yarns like Merino wool, polyester, and nylon. Unlike cotton, these materials wick away moisture, keeping your feet dry and cool while you wrestle.

2. Crew or Higher Length Wrestling Socks

Like basketball shoes, wrestling shoes extend past the ankle to provide more ankle support to the wearer. This extra support is great for reducing ankle injuries but can cause the shoe to rub against your skin if your socks aren’t high enough. Typically, crew-length socks are best, as they fully cover your ankle and extend a bit up your leg, ensuring your shoes don’t rub against your skin and develop blisters. If you want extra protection for your leg, over-the-calf socks are a great choice. 

3. Extra Padding and Support

Your feet will shift around a lot while you wrestle, and extra padding can help reduce discomfort in various positions. For instance, if you’re in a position where your toes are digging into the mat, the extra padding will protect the front of your toes while you do so. Some extra padding can also assist with supporting your ankle and keeping it stabilized in your shoes, reducing the risk of rolled or sprained ankles. 

4. Appropriately Sized for Comfort and Stability

In addition to checking for at least a crew-length height and additional padding in the heel and toe, you’ll want to make sure your socks aren’t too tight or loose. A loose sock will fall down while you’re wrestling and bunch at the ankles, while a too-tight sock will feel constricting and could restrict movement. Try to find a sock that fits snugly and is tight enough to stabilize your ankles while you make quick movements on the mat. 

5. Anti-Blister Design

The main causes of blisters are excess friction, moisture, and heat, and a wrestling match creates the perfect environment for all three of them. Instead of leaving yourself open to the risk of being distracted and in pain from a blister during a match, you can purchase double-layer, anti-blister socks that neutralize the three main causes of blisters. The inner layer’s hydrophobic yarn will wick away moisture and cool the feet, while the outer layer will absorb friction before it can pass to your skin.

Choose Wrightsock for Youth and Adult Wrestling Socks

If you need adult or youth wrestling socks, Wrightsock can help. Our double-layer socks offer the best in blister protection, with the socks backed by our blister-free guarantee. Alongside protecting wrestlers from blisters, our double-layer socks have a bit more bulk to them, meaning they can help you fill out your wrestling shoes and give your feet additional support.
Review our full section of blister proof sports socks today.