Grip socks are now becoming a must-have in rugby. 

Everyone from grassroots players looking for extra stability in the scrum to professionals who can’t afford a slip when breaking the line are making the switch. 

What started as a “football thing” has quickly crossed codes, because the same benefits apply. Maybe even more so in rugby.

The problem is that 9 out of 10 grip socks in the rugby market are cheap knockoffs that promise grip but won’t perform on the pitch.

So to cut through the noise here is our official list of the 10 Best Rugby Grip Socks:

#10 OXEN

The budget-friendly option in the rugby grip sock space. It delivers a simple, no-frills design aimed at grassroots and club players who want better stability without spending big. Not the grippiest of socks and the knit is less refined than others on this list, but it’s a solid starter grip sock if you enjoy playing rugby for fun at the weekends. 

Pros:

• Affordable entry point compared to premium brands

Cons:

• Less advanced grip tech than other socks 

• Lacks quality, premium materials

• Durability not as strong under heavy use

#9 ADIDAS

Their Grip Printed Crew Socks are marketed as a performance upgrade, but in rugby it feels more like a lifestyle sock dressed up as tech. The cushioned sole is comfortable and the printed grip details look decent enough, but aren’t that grippy. The ‘Traxion’ grip pads are made from a basic silicon material and are raised from the surface of the sock. Still a solid choice.

Pros:

• Adidas quality and comfortable fit

• Cushioned sole adds softness underfoot

• Printed grip provides minor upgrade over plain socks

Cons:

• Cushioning creates bulk, reducing responsiveness in boots

• Printed grip is more cosmetic than functional 

• Lacks the stability, lockdown, and durability of quality grip socks

#8 TAPEDESIGN

One of the original ‘big name’ grip socks in Europe. A few professional rugby players will wear TapeDesign, but that’s largely because they’re sticking to what they know rather than what’s best. The grip pads are fairly smooth and don’t give great lockdown when scrummaging or rucking. For the price, there are now far better options built for rugby:

Pros:

• Comfortable athletic fit

• Established, recognisable brand

Cons:

• Grip pads lack true traction under pressure

• Nearly identical versions available much cheaper

• Overpriced given the lack of tech

• Apex Pro 3.0 and other rugby-specific socks outperform it

#7 SOXPRO

The SoxPRO is built around a signature arrow-shaped grip pads, which do provide extra traction, but can sometimes feel a little “stuck” in the boot compared to smoother grip tech. The sock is pretty breathable and the fit is solid, but the overall build feels more multi-purpose rather than purpose-built for rugby. A good sock if you’re just looking for some extra grip, but there are better socks for rugby players. 

Pros:

• Targeted and strategically placed arrow-grip

• Wide range of colours and sizes for fit and style

Cons:

• Grip pads and stitching wear fast

• Expensive for what you get

#6 ATAK

Atak’s grip sock takes features from their popular Shox sock and adds compression, additional padding, and large silicone grip zones, which makes it a reasonable choice for rugby players. The downside is that the grips are pretty thick and aren’t particularly durable, so may be comfortable and wear easily. Overall, it still feels more like a tweaked training sock than a true performance model. 

Pros:

• An upgrade from Atak’s Shox sock

• Ventilation panels improve breathability

Cons:

• Grip pads lose effectiveness with repeated use

• Not very innovative

• Not as stable or durable as premium rugby socks

#5 NIKE

Nike grip socks don’t use any grip pads, choosing to weave a proprietary non-slip yarn directly into the sock instead. For rugby, they’re stable enough for light training, and the fit is what you’d expect from Nike. But compared to specialist grip socks, they just don’t deliver the necessary benefits for match performance if you want that extra 1% that normal socks don’t give you.

Pros:

• Innovative non-slip yarn built into the fabric

• Classic Nike quality and consistent fit

• Comfortable for lighter training and casual use

Cons:

• No dedicated grip pads 

• Non-slip yarn stiffens with age and washes

#4 VYPR

One of the few grip sock brands pushing real innovation. The base is made from DriRelease, a performance yarn that works very well for wicking sweat quickly and holding a snug, supportive fit - a big plus in rugby where moisture management is critical. Their grip is pretty reliable too, but don’t always sit flush against the fabric, which can make them feel less seamless inside the boot. 

Pros:

• Premium DriRelease base material for moisture control

• Innovative diamond-pattern grip design

• Snug, supportive fit with standout look

Cons:

• Raised grip pads aren’t fully flush to the knit

• Not as widely tested for rugby (more popular in football)

• More expensive than most alternatives

#3 TRUSOX

The TruSox 3.0 has been the market leader for a decade, trusted by elite players across both football and rugby. The grip pad technology is solid, but they’re not without issues. The fit can feel baggy through the midfoot if you don’t get the fit right, which may make foot stability worse. And at their price point, they become a tough sell when newer grip socks are offering tighter fits, more refined construction, and better value for money.

Pros:

• Industry-leading grip pad material

• Reliable performance in all conditions

• Internal + external grip 

Cons:

• Very expensive

• Midfoot fit can feel loose depending on sizing

• Apex Pro 3.0 delivers similar performance at better value

#2 CANTERBURY 

Canterbury’s Mid Calf grip sock features internal and external grip pads that are designed to lock your foot down through scrums, rucks, and rapid changes of direction. It’s thicker than most football-focused socks, which means more cushioning and long-term roughness, but less of that ultra-light “second-skin” feel. 

Pros:

• Durable construction built for rugby demands

• Comfortable cushioning, with ankle protection

• Internal and external grips

Cons:

• Thicker fit may not suit tighter boots

• Expensive for what you get 

#1 APEX

The Apex PRO 3.0 grip sock is the most technologically advanced grip sock on the market. Used by a number of professional rugby players (Apex Athlete Tate McDermott and Huw Jones wore them in the 2025 Lions Series). Comfortable and light base materials. Grip Pads are textured and work in all-weather. And they’re quickly becoming a favourite for rugby players who demand reliability, stability and performance at every level.

Pros:

• Best price-to-tech ratio on the market

• Textured grip pads provide excellent grip and stability 

• ExoFrame Internal grip system 

• Designed to withstand rugby’s unique demands: scrums, rucks, and wet pitches

• Offer: Save 10% on 2 pairs + Free Shipping

Cons:

• Limited colour range 

Final Verdict

If you’re playing casually, there’s nothing wrong with starting cheap. But, if you want to take your game seriously and not waste your time, we recommend going straight to Canterbury or Apex. And if you’re looking for the best grip socks on the market for rugby players, then the Apex PRO 3.0 is the rugby grip sock to beat. 

That's the Top 10 Best Grip Socks for rugby players. This list is changing every year and we'll revisit it again in 2026.