How many times have you taken off your socks after a game, only to notice bruises or cuts from an opposing player stepping on you? I canโt count how many times I could play connect-the-dot with all the bruises I was left with.
That was until I found a small fix that made a big difference: wearing double socks. From being a shield from bruises to filling your shoe, letโs discuss some other benefits of wearing a double pair.ย
An extra protective shield
In recent years, the popularity of soccer cleats made out of synthetic fiber has grown. Sure, the lighter material is good for speed and agility, but it doesnโt provide the best protection from kicks or stomps.
If we look at the more traditional choice, there are plenty of great leather cleat options that offer a slightly better buffer when your rivalโs foot comes crashing down on yours. However, these options arenโt foolproof and still leave you unprotected from the worst stompers.ย
Letโs be honest, you will get stepped on, kicked, or, if youโre really lucky, both. So unless you wear steel-toe cleats (definitely not allowed) or bubble wrap (probably fun but highly inconvenient), your feet could likely use an additional safeguard.
Regardless of your choice of cleats, an easy, proactive way to shield your feet is to wear an extra pair of socks.ย
A sure fit in the shoe
If youโre like me, you may struggle to find the โperfectโ fitting cleat. Sometimes my correct shoe size might fit too snug, while the next size up is too wide.
More often than not, Iโve settled for a pair that was moderately wider than I needed and had to tie them extra tight to avoid losing a shoe mid-kick. Iโve since discovered that wearing a low-cut pair of socks under my long soccer socks fills the extra gap and gives me the fit I desire. Better fitting shoes = fewer wardrobe malfunctions during a game.ย
โStrongerโ kicks
Be it my creative imagination, I have always felt my kicks pack an added punch when I wear double socks. When my foot connects with the ball, I notice a definite difference in my strike. Iโm able to kick harder and feel less of an impact. As a result, Iโm more confident while playing and donโt second-guess myself when I want to shoot from different parts of the field.ย
Now, I wonโt guarantee that the double sock method will save you from Susie Stomp-A-Lot on the other team, but it is worth testing. So give your feet a little more love, and slip on another pair of socks during your next game. See the difference double socks can make!
Featured image via Adobe Stock Images
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