In the world of sports, every second matters, and often just a small change in environment can bring a huge increase in performance. One such innovation is the grip sock. Popularized by Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez, the grip sock has become a stable in any football gear guide, while also being very visible in rugby, Gaelic football, hurling and camogie . Such benefits have led to the Eos Elite Ultrasoft Grip Socks being worn by athletes such as Nathan Collins, Jamison Gibson-Park and Paul Mannion. To explain such popularity, let’s dive into the benefits grip socks provide – including increased traction, enhanced agility performance and a reduction in blisters.
The Traction Transformation of Grip Socks
Athletic grips socks are revolutionizing the world of sport, with a proven increase in traction, a critical factor in performance sports. Imagine sprinting for a quick breakaway or sidestepping to avoid a tackle – this is where grip socks shine. Charlotte Apps’ et al. (2022) study on the effects of grip socks, found that grips socks nearly doubled the co-efficient of friction compared to regular socks. The increased coefficient of friction in grips socks corresponded with a reduction of in-shoe foot displacement during the braking phase and during change of direction manoeuvres. Going even further than Apps et al. (2022) findings, Eun et al. (2022) found that the coefficient of friction in grips socks (0.861) was nearly quadruple that of regular socks (0.271). Such traction benefits lead to better stability and increased ankle support for athletes, while also providing increased confidence in movement and reducing blisters while running. Whether its darting across a field or staying on your feet during a jackal, grip socks offer the stability athletes need to perform at their peak.
Grip Socks Amplify Agility
‘How to improve agility’ is a very common question that performance brands have tried to answer for decades. With fancy design elements, these brands market new boots and high performance apparel as a ‘game-changer’ in agility and performance. Yet grip socks, until a few years ago, went largely unrecognized. These specially designed socks, equipped with non-slip grips, enable athletes to execute rapid directional changes and complex manoeuvres with greater precision and less risk. Apps et al. (2022), in the same study which measured the correlation of friction, explored the effect of grip socks on Slalom course performance, a course which tests athlete’s agility. She definitively found that grip socks increased male and female slalom course finish times compared to athletes wearing regular socks. Athletes can push their limits, knowing their foot is secure. This not only optimizes performance but also boosts an athlete's confidence in their ability to handle fast-paced and dynamic situations, making grip socks an indispensable tool for enhancing agility in competitive sports.
No More Blisters
Due to increased traction in the shoe, grip socks serve as an effective way to prevent blisters while running, a common injury in sport. Grip socks lead to decreased plantar pressure in the shoe, which was found by Castro et al. (2023) to reduce foot discomfort and blisters. Designed to lock your feet securely inside your shoes, these innovative socks drastically reduce the friction and rubbing that typically lead to blisters, especially during long games or intense workouts. The grips on the bottom ensure that your foot doesn't slide around, maintaining a stable environment that prevents hot spots and skin abrasions. This means you can focus more on your performance and less on foot discomfort. Whether you're a marathon runner, a soccer player, or just someone who enjoys a good workout, grip socks provide the protective barrier you need to keep your feet smooth, comfortable, and ready for action.
Given the undeniable benefits of grip socks for traction, agility, and reducing blisters, it is no wonder why the grip sock is gaining huge popularity in modern sport, being a staple in every football and GAA gear guide. With the Eos Elite Ultrasoft grip socks being some of the best football grip socks for performance enhancement and injury prevention, it is clear why Eos Elite is represented in the Premier League, the Six Nations, and Inter-County GAA. Athletes across these diverse sports testify to the difference these socks make in their ability to perform at the highest levels with increased confidence and decreased risk of foot injuries. As more professionals adopt grip socks, their influence is likely to grow, setting new standards for footwear in competitive sports.
Author
By Adam McVerry, Eos Elite
Sources
- Charlotte Apps, Laura Dawson, Billy Shering & Petros Siegkas (2022) Grip socks improve slalom course performance and reduce in-shoe foot displacement of the forefoot in male and female sports players, Journal of Sports Sciences, 40:12, 1351-1359, DOI:10.1080/02640414.2022.2080163
- Eun, J.; Ryue, J.; Park, S.; Lee, K. A Novel Method to Measure the Static Coefficient of Friction for Socks. Sensors 2022, 22, 5525. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22155525
- Castro, M., Abreu, S., Sousa, H., Machado, L., Santos, R., & Vilas-Boas, J. P. (2013). Ground reaction forces and plantar pressure distribution during occasional loaded gait.Applied Ergonomics, 44(3), 503–509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2012.10.016