We're all looking for that extra 1% performance boost from training, nutrition, and mindset - but DON'T forget your equipment. Wearing the right gear can make leaps in confidence, comfort, and consistency - especially when under pressure.
At APEX, we bloody love creating gear that takes you to the next level, and for many footballers the Grip Sock x Sock Sleeve combo is sacred ritual. But not everyone knows how best to maximise the combination.
So here's our Top 10 Tips taken directly from PRO players on how to combine your grip socks and sock sleeves:
#10
THICK vs THIN SOCKS
Make sure you know what level of padding, cushion, and comfort you need. Some players like Coufal (West Ham) need thin grip socks. Other players like Hojlund (Man United) prefer a slightly thicker grip sock. It's a matter of preference but is the first step to finding the right sock sleeve.
PROs & CONs:
- Thickness suits your cushioning needs - especially playing on astro
- Thinness can give a better 'feel' depending on the boots you wear
- It won't make or break your game if the grip sock thickness isn't perfect
#9
LINE UP THE SOCK SLEEVE CORRECTLY WITH THE ANKLE
Don't underestimate this one. Ensure the sock sleeve sits above the ankle bone and is tight enough to stay there. Any lower and it will weigh down the top of the grip sock and cause 'bunching'. The APEX series has a designated zone on the grip sock where the sock sleeve should overlap for ultimate comfort.
PROs & CONs:
- Stops the sock sleeve and grip sock bunching
- Looks more professional
- Will give the feeling that your ankles are 'lighter' - trust us
- Needs proper fitting sock sleeves
#8
SHIN PADS DO NOT SLIP INTO GRIP SOCKS
Right, this one is super simple. Stop pushing your shin pads down into the top of your grip socks. It causes bunching, is not a secure fit, and means the shin pad sits too low on the leg. Get some shin pad sleeves. End of story.
PROs & CONs:
- Stops bunching of material between the grip sock and sock sleeve
- Stops weight and bulk sliding too low to your performance points (ankle and lower calf)
- You need to also buy shin pad sleeves
#7
WEAR A SHIN PAD SLEEVE
Following on from the above Tip #6. Shin pad sleeves keep your shin pad in place beneath your sock sleeve. It reduces the need for tape and is a cleaner way to keep your shin pads in place.
PROs & CONs:
- Feels great and doesn't cause bunching
- Can help with compression if they aren't too tight
- Buy the right size or they'll cause cramps and fatigue
#6
GET GRIP SOCKS THAT HAVE INTERNAL GRIP
A huge part of the combo is ensuring the grip socks have both external grip and internal grip systems. These ensure the grip sock doesn't slide around on your foot (NOT in your boot) which keeps the top of the grip sock and sock sleeve in place. The Apex PRO series and TRUsox have an internal grip system.
PROs & CONs:
- Very best fit and comfort you can get
- Ensures the grip sock and sleeve are more secure as there is less bunching
#5
FIND SOCK SLEEVES THAT REDUCE CALF PRESSURE
Pro players are beginning to cut the back of their socks to reduce pressure o the calf - this reduces the chance of cramp and improves stamina. There is only one sock sleeve on the market engineered to do this without cutting holes in the socks - Apex AERO 1.0. They'll change your game.
PROs & CONs:
- Get sock sleeves made from polyester and elastane/spandex for the most stretch
- Less chance of cramp, reduce fatigue, better fitting for the full 90 mins
- A bit more costly, but will last you (and your body a lot longer)
#4
YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED SOCK TAPE
Sock tape should be on the way out - but it's not....yet. Some sock sleeves have an integrated elastic zone to keep your shin pads and sock sleeves in place. They also help to keep your grip socks in place.
PROs & CONs:
- Don't need to spend money on sock tape
- Save the planet from more useless plastic
- You'll feel lighter on your feet and you won't restrict blood flow to your lower calves and feet (Very Important)
- You have to source the right sock sleeves with he integrated elastic
#3
STOP CUTTING YOUR TEAM SOCKS
This one is very simple. Cutting team socks is very 2020 - now's the time to invest in some proper long lasting sock sleeves and leave the sock cutting to the opposition.
PROs & CONs:
- Your kitman will love you
- Your sock sleeves won't unravel and fall apart when you use tape or put them in the wash
- You'll look and feel way more professional
#2
YOU DON'T NEED TO MATCH THE COLOUR
There was a time when football regulations and laws require matching colours for socks and kit - that time has gone (quietly). You can wear white grip socks with ANY colour of grip in almost every league in the world. Matching does look nice, but very rarely do pro players ever match grip socks and sock sleeves.
PRO's:
- Don't need to buy multiple colours
- Pro footballer don't colour match (so why should you)
- Colour matching does look nice - so fire away if it's your thing
#1
BE AWARE OF BRANDING WITH KIT CONTRACTS
As your move through the football ranks, to academy, and pro level - some teams have strict kit contracts with players. Choose the sock sleeve and grip socks combo that often has minimal branding to ensure you can continue to wear the gear you love as long as possible
PRO's:
- You won't be forced into standard socks
- you'll retain your own own combo that suits your pre-game ritual
Summary
There's a reason 72%+ of pro football players wear a grip socks and sock sleeves combo. It's time to level up your game the right way.
We know that your grip sock and sock sleeve combo is sacred to you - our tips our preference with some science thrown in. Whatever you wear, train hard, think positive, and visualise your game.
