When you play an equipment-focused sport, workout socks may seem like a small detail. But try jumping, serving and sprinting in an ill-fitting pair of workout socks and you may be surprised at just how important they really are.
Browse some of our favorite, expert-approved tennis socks and never pull your socks up out of your shoe again (fingers and toes crossed).
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How We Chose
We chatted with Gordon Reid, National Tennis Leader at Life Time, to learn all about the best tennis socks. We narrowed our picks based on his criteria, including:
- Fabric
- Cushion
- Support
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1. Best Overall: NikeCourt Multiplier Cushioned
According to Reid, Nike tennis socks are a high-quality must-try. These sit at about mid-calf height, protecting your heels and ankles from unwanted blisters.
Plus, these are reinforced with cushion in high-wear areas, so you don't have to worry about friction causing holes. They come in a pack of two, and you can snag them in white or black.
Buy it: Nike.com; Price: $18 for two
2. Best Crew Height: Adidas 5-Star Team Cushioned High Quarter
These crew socks have a compressive arch, which is a priority to keep in mind, Reid says. The contoured compression sits snug against the middle of your foot, giving you a little extra support.
Adidas' socks are also made with a moisture-wicking fabric, which is another non-negotiable, according to Reid. When you're pivoting quickly and running up and down the court, you don't want to slip inside your shoes.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $18
3. Best Ankle Height: Bombas Tennis Ankle Sock
Bombas' tennis performance socks are best for those who want more minimal cushion and less coverage. But the raised fabric tabs still protect your ankles from unwanted chafing. And bonus: for every pair purchased, another pair is donated to those experiencing homelessness.
These are also contoured and labeled left and right, so each foot gets its most ideal fit.
Buy it: Bombas.com (men's); Bombas.com (women's); Price: $49.50 for three pairs
4. Best No-Show: Lululemon Power Stride No-Show Sock
Want a totally low-profile sock that doesn't peek out of your tennis shoe? Lululemon's no-show socks stay totally hidden.
You definitely don't want your sock to slip into your sneaker (a common no-show flaw). But thanks to the grippy gel material on the heel, you won't find yourself constantly adjusting your socks.
Buy it: Lululemon.com (men's); Lululemon.com (women's); Price: $38
5. Best for High Cushion: Thorlo Maximum Cushion Ankle Tennis Socks
High-cushioned tennis socks can help those who have sensitive joints or want a little extra protection from the impact of the court, according to Reid.
These socks also sit at ankle height, so they offer a little extra coverage and blister-prevention.
Buy it: Thorlo.com; Price: $40.47
6. Best Value Pack: Lapulas Athletic Running Socks
While athletic socks can get pretty pricey, you don't need to break the bank on your new tennis socks. These socks cost only about $3 per pair (they come in a pack of six), so you certainly get your money's worth.
But despite their low price tag, these have thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. And they're made with a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $17.95 for six pairs
3 Factors to Consider Before You Buy
1. Fabric
Tennis can be a pretty sweaty sport, and you certainly don't want to be slipping around inside your shoes. As with your tennis clothes, choose socks with fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin and dry quickly, Reid suggests.
Avoid cotton (it absorbs moisture and dries slowly) and opt for synthetic fabrics, like polyester or nylon, instead. Before you buy any socks, double check the product info to choose a pair with moisture-wicking properties.
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2. Cushion
Alongside the sweat factor, tennis can be a little tough on your joints, especially if you play on a hard court. The sport involves a ton of jumping, leaping and quick changes in direction.
For those who have sensitive joints or just want extra protection from impact, look for higher cushion, Reid recommends.
3. Compression
Your tennis socks should fit snug around your foot with little fabric movement, according to Reid. Also, prioritize a pair that has a compressive arch.
"Look for socks with arch compression or built-in arch support to help stabilize your foot and reduce fatigue during long matches," he says.