What are Knee Socks?
Popularly known as Knee highs, they are made from various materials but typically have an elastic top that reaches the knee. Their most popular usage is by school children either as a part of their uniform or from a sheer utility perspective. However, they come in different forms – dressy or casual, colourful or semi-transparent, patterned or plain. Hence, many women tend to pair it with skirts, shorts or dresses to make their look more exciting and fashionable.
People universally wear them in cold weather to keep their legs warm and protected. Harsh winters mean it is time for the boots to come out of the closet, and what better accompaniment for boots than knee-high socks? Do you follow the trend of sporting them on holidays like Halloween and Christmas? Then you’ll know that they not only leave your legs feeling snug but also look stylish.
Apart from being a style statement, these socks are also a striking accessory for entertainers, be it singers, dancers, clowns, actors, etc. or even worn during fancy dress competitions.
However, did you know that Knee Socks are also adapted in various organized sports, including rugby, football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, etc.? So let’s learn a little more about how they find a place in football outfits.
Use of Knee – Football Socks
Many athletes wear knee-high socks as the team’s sportswear or merely for performance and comfort. However, there is more reasoning behind adding football socks to the sport’s ensemble.
Did you know that the origin of Knee Socks dates back to the Roman Empire? Worn by both men and women, they first emerged as mere cloth wrapped around each leg and bound with leather straps.
Mandate
The International Football Association Board laws stipulate that football socks and shin guards form part of the attire. Due to the nature of the sport, injuries often occur in the lower extremities, and hence shin guards or shin pads are used to provide protection. The rules also specify that the shin guards need to be covered by the socks to prevent them from falling off during the game. Hence, due to this requirement, the socks need to be long enough to cover the shins, calves, ankles, heels, and toe areas.
Protection
Football is a dynamic and high-intensity game that involves running, defending, tackling, etc. Hence, while playing the game, falls and grazes are inevitable. Football socks protect legs from grass burns, scratches and other injuries. Further, as the socks cover the shin guards and keep them in place, they tend to stay firm even during a collision. Thus, it helps absorb the impact during duels or tackles in the game.
Further, the length and compactness are essential as it helps keep the shin guards in position. Neglecting to wear them would mean a lack of adequate protection. In fact, some football players even consider wearing socks above the knee level for extra stability.
Warmth
Many football matches are played during cold weather; hence keeping the legs warm becomes a necessity. Muscles, when exposed to cold air or if in an idle state, are prone to cramping. Hence, as the socks cover the entire lower leg, it keeps muscle warm and aids in blood circulation and muscle contractions. It thereby helps movement and boosts performance on the field.
Fashion Accessory
Knee – football socks form part of the sportswear ensemble and are usually uniform within an entire team. Worn to match the team’s jersey colours, they promote camaraderie, team spirit, and fan following. Wearing the same colour sock within the team also allows for easy identification of team members. Moreover, in this sport, the eye traces the foot movements during swift play and diversion tactics. Interestingly, some teams even use it to distract an opponent by wearing neon or bright coloured socks.
What to Look for in Football Socks?
Wearing the wrong socks can not only cause discomfort but also cause abrasions, infections and compressions. With the evolution of knee-high socks and their varied uses, today, athletes and adventure lovers are spoilt for choice. There are different socks for runners, hikers and other players. Today, athletic socks have created a niche with their moisture and odour absorbing qualities, anti-blister material and graduated compressions. Depending on your need, you can even opt for football socks that provide toe and built-in arch support.
Further, it is crucial to understand the fabrics used in socks before using them. For instance, cotton socks retain moisture and breed infections, while socks made from hydrophobic fibres (like nylon or polyester) repel moisture. Further, if you are looking for extra cushioning in your sock, you may want to go in for a tight, dense knit pattern. Hence, the correct selection of football socks is a crucial consideration in appropriate foot care.
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