When you’re looking for the right soccer socks, there are quite a few possible decisions to make.
First you want to make sure they fit you appropriately with shin guards on. Think about whether you prefer to pull them all the way up, fold them down, and how far up your leg you feel most comfortable. (our article on soccer sock length can help with this).
But at some point, you’ll find yourself comparing the more popular brands since these are the most highly trusted among players. With soccer gear, you inevitably come up with two names: Nike and Adidas.
Differences Between Nike and Adidas: Which is Better for Soccer Socks?
As we’ve said, these are two of the most well-known and successful soccer brands, so you know that in both cases, the socks will be high-quality.
And it’s important to remember as well that each brand has many different varieties.
It is difficult to make any definitive conclusions about fit, comfort or quality between Nike and Adidas since they both make so many different soccer socks. But there are a few general points to keep in mind.
Nike is the biggest name in all of footwear, which is a selling point for some people. The brand has long been associated with their crew socks, but these days they have plenty of soccer socks of all lengths as well, as well as a plethora of short socks you can use in training or when you don’t need to wear shin guards.
Adidas is the largest sportswear company in Europe and second in the world after Nike. Soccer has always been a main focus of Adidas, which some players appreciate.
Another point of comparison is the different sweat-wicking technology that Nike and Adidas use to help to control moisture and sweat. Adidas uses ClimaCool (ClimaLite) while Nike utilizes Dri-FIT, and you may find a slight preference for one or the other.
At a more basic level, the look and attractiveness of the socks can play a major role, as well as favorite professionals who don the apparel.
Soccer players who are or have been sponsored by Nike include Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Wayne Rooney and Landon Donovan, and teams include Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea and Tottenham.
For Adidas, player sponsors have included Lionel Messi, James Rodríguez, Gareth Bale, Mohamed Salah and Paul Pogba, and teams include the big-names of Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Benfica, and Real Madrid.
In addition to the pros, the simple preference of the three stripes (Adidas) or the iconic swoosh (Nike) can be a powerful factor.
Thus, much of the decision of which sock to go for depends on your specific preferences. Textures, fit and comfort (and not to mention price!) are all variable depending on the specific sock that you select. (Read our guide on fit for soccer socks)
We also recommend reading reviews from players on the specific socks you are interested in:
If you are a soccer player, do you like Nike or Adidas for socks? Or do you prefer another company?
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