Hockey equipment is heavily based on personal preference, especially when comparingseveral differentmanufacturers and fit styles. Sometimes smaller pieces of equipment, such as skate socks(the ones you wear under your skates), get overlooked. Players often ask us about the differences between skate socksand if they are even necessary.
Are skate socks necessary to play hockey?
Absolutely not! Many players, including myself, go barefoot in their skates for a variety of reasons. I choose not to wear skate socks because I like my skates to fit as tight as possible. There is simply not enough space in the boot for my feet to have a second layer. Also, the bottoms of the feet are some of the most sensitive areas of the body. By not wearing skate socks, Iam able to feel my edges easily, make tighter turns, and stay stronger on my feet because I have a more direct "connection" to the ice.
What are the downsides of skating barefoot?
First, the skates mustbe baked (or already broken in) to ensure a comfortable fit. Wearing brand new, stiff, high-end skates for the first time without socks will not be an enjoyable experience. The skates can cause blisters, hot spots, and general discomfort until they are broken in.
Second, not wearing socks means that sweat will go directly into the skate. Playing hockey multiple days in a row will result in wet skates before stepping onto the ice. However, this can generally be avoided by putting the skates ona drying rack after each use.
Third, because of the sweat issue, the skates will begin to smell at a much faster rate. Again, this can be slowed - but not entirely avoided - by airing the skates out after each game and practice.
Why should I wear skate socks?
A player should wearskate socks when first learning how to skate. New players will not have theankle strength to skate with perfecttechnique, whichcancause the skates to rub and create blisters. Plus, they can help younger players fit into skates that they haven't quite grown into.
Also, players wearing low-end skates should strongly consider wearing skate socks because their skates cannot be baked withoutbeing weakened. This means that the boot won't be completely form-fitted to the foot and may be uncomfortable.
Experienced players wearing higher-end skates may still want to wear skate socks, too. They should wear socks if they do not want their skates to get wet or smell.
Which skate socks would you recommend?
There are many types of socks available, starting with "no-frills" ankleand crew socks, like the Bauer Low Cut or the Warrior Lazer.Thereare basic socks thatgo up to the calf, as well, like the Bauer NG Core Tallor the Reebok 14K socks. These are generally quite inexpensive per pair and use thicker materials.
For players that are playing full contact hockey or are concerned about safety, cut-proof skate socks, like the Bauer Elite Performance or the Bauer NG Elite socks, are available and are recommended. These high-end socks use thinner materialsthat allow you to feel your edges easier in addition to Kevlar reinforcement to prevent lacerations from skates.
Wearing skate socks or going barefoot is all personal preference.If you have been considering skating barefoot, try it at a pickup game, practice, or open skate. If you want to wear socks when you skate, you can see our full selection of skate socks right here at DiscountHockey.com. Thanks for reading and we'll see you on the ice!
FAQs
Walking barefoot at home for an extended amount of time can result in the development of foot deformities, this is from the imbalances in pressure that happen when you walk barefoot. Wearing socks at home alleviates this as it provides a cushion effect to improve your balance, when walking.
Do NHL players wear socks in their skates? ›
It's not a straightforward choice. Some hockey players simply wear whatever socks they wear for everything else; others buy special socks that are super thin or extra thick; still others wear no socks at all.
Can you roller skate without socks? ›
Ice speed skating, roller and ice hockey and climbing are all done mostly without socks. Skating with socks can give your feet a little bit of extra comfort, the sock will absorb some sweat and can minimise friction that can lead to blisters or chafing.
Do hockey players play barefoot? ›
While it's not for everyone, skating in the “buff” (sockless) is preferred by most Junior, College, and Pro players throughout the world. Although there are many rules in hockey, nowhere does it state “thou shalt wear socks”. Obviously, your skates have a lot to do with whether or not you can go sockless.
Why is barefoot healthier? ›
When we make a connection with the Earth, when we ground through barefoot walking, there has been found to be a reduction in white blood cells and an increase in red blood cells, which hints to better immunity. Barefoot walking has been shown to help increase antioxidants, reduce inflammation and improve sleep.
Is it better for your feet to be barefoot or wear shoes? ›
Going barefoot leaves your feet vulnerable
Unshod feet, especially in public areas like gyms and pools, run the risk of picking up a fungal infection like athlete's foot or plantar warts. We recommend that you always wear sandals or shower shoes when walking through damp, public areas.
Why do NHL players tape their ankles? ›
Purpose. Hockey Tape: Hockey tape is primarily used in ice hockey and other similar sports to wrap around hockey sticks. It provides players with a better grip on the stick and helps enhance puck control.
What do NHL players wear under their pads? ›
WHAT DOES A HOCKEY PLAYER WEAR UNDER ALL OF THEIR EQUIPMENT? Long shirt and pants that are breathable, typically a moisture wicking material is preferred. The base layer should fit tight and feel comfortable. This layer improves the fit of the pads and helps control body temperature.
Why do hockey players tape their ankles? ›
Athletic Taping
Athletic tape can help you recover from ankle injuries and also prevent further injury. Ankle taping works so well because it limits the movement of your ankle joint, allowing it to heal quickly in a set position. Overall, it fits really well inside almost any hockey skate since it's so thin.
Should you wear socks with skate shoes? ›
Sure, there's a certain look that can mark out the skater in the room, but ten minutes at your local skate park or precinct will show you that you can wear what the hell you like. Wearing socks is a great way to stay comfy and to stop your feet and your Vans getting smelly though, so we'd recommend it.
Opt for thinner socks to give yourself a little wiggle room. If the skate is rubbing your ankle, protect yourself with taller socks. Add some extra cushioning with moleskin padding. Moleskin and similar products are widely used to ease or prevent the pain caused by new shoe friction.
Do NHL players shower between periods? ›
Most players fill said extra time just by resting more, to ensure they can perform at their best. Some players, though, have found more unique ways to pass the time. Some players will take a shower during the intermission to feel revitalized for the upcoming period.
Why can't you wear 0 in hockey? ›
The NHL no longer permits the use of 0 or 00 as the League's database cannot list players with such numbers, and in 2000 the League retired the number 99 for all member teams in honor of Wayne Gretzky.
Why don't you wear 99 in hockey? ›
Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 is retired throughout the NHL not only because he is considered the greatest player in League history, but because the number and his name are synonymous. Though there is no debate over who the best player to wear that number is, there are 98 other numbers with more than one worthy candidate.
Is it healthier to wear socks or not? ›
Socks are designed to keep your feet safe from uncomfortable friction, infections, and bacteria. Without socks, perspiration is absorbed by your footwear, setting up the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, and it's your feet that pay the price.
Is barefoot good for your feet? ›
There are benefits to walking barefoot on soft surfaces such as carpeted flooring, grass, or sand (not hard wood floors) which include increased circulation which increases the nourishment of nerves, muscles, and bone of the foot and also helps minimize swelling of the lower extremities.
Is it better to wear socks or not? ›
Socks are important for the overall health of your feet. Not only do socks absorb moisture, but they are also used to help prevent rubbing of shoes on the bare foot. Socks can also provide cushioning to pad the feet and help keep them warm.
Is it better to be barefoot at home? ›
It's not just about the risk of getting dirt and germs on your feet. Going barefoot in your house can lead to foot problems such as heel pain and/or ball of foot pain.
