What exactly are sneaker socks?
Sneaker socks, also known as ankle socks, are designed to keep you cooler during exercise. They’re shorter, leaving your ankles uncovered. These days, men’s sneaker socks are also worn outside the gym. They’re ideal for summer or for a sporty outfit. Prefer something with a bit more coverage? Then go for quarter socks; they cover the ankle but are still shorter than regular men’s socks.
What are trainer socks made of?
Top-quality trainer socks are mainly made from natural materials such as cotton, bamboo, or merino wool. They’re usually blended with elastane (stretch) so you can move comfortably and the socks keep their shape. Some brands also use synthetic fibres like nylon, but the downside is that these ankle socks are far less breathable and absorb less moisture. A strong alternative is modal: a semi-synthetic fabric made from cellulose derived from beech wood. The result is a breathable material that absorbs significantly more moisture than cotton. That said, chemicals are used during production.
Invisible men’s no-show sneaker socks
The cuff of ankle socks sits just below your ankle, so you’ll still see a glimpse of your socks. That’s exactly why many men choose bold colours and standout patterns—an understated way to show off your creativity and personality. If you don’t like that visible sock edge peeking above your sneaker, there are no-show sneaker socks available. These are cut lower, with fabric that only covers the heel, sole and toes. They’re also known as footies or sock liners.
The reassurance of men’s ankle socks
A common issue when wearing men’s ankle socks is that they slip off your heel, leaving you walking on a bunched-up sock. This happens because the muscles around your ankle push the sock down as you move. With a regular sock, you don’t have this problem because the cuff sits higher on your leg. Below are a few tips to prevent slipping trainer socks:
- First, check the fit. Are the trainer socks properly shaped for your feet? If you’re in doubt, it’s better to choose a size up from what you normally wear. It also helps to lace your trainers tightly to reduce friction as much as possible.
- Some men’s trainer socks have elastic in the cuff or a silicone strip at the heel, helping the sock stay comfortably in place on your skin. Just be careful not to use fabric softener, as it reduces the effectiveness of the silicone strip.
- There are also socks designed not to slip in trainers. For example, the Suitable no-show trainer socks feature a rubber patch as well as an anti-slip section in the sole. For extra grip inside the shoe, a cross-knit runs over the instep (top) of the sock.
