We're back with the ULTIMATE Rating & Ranking of the BEST Grip Socks for 2025. Give this a read before you buy your next soccer grip socks. We're testing:
Apex PRO 3.0
WeFoot In/Out Plus (Similar to the new WeFoot Air)
Vypr SureGrip (New SureGrip Rating Coming Soon)
Trusox Mid 3.0
Nike Grip
TapeDesign
Here's the criteria we were rating each of the socks on and the related features, benefits, and overall performance output for each sock that we were looking for and measuring against:
Comfort: Softness. Fit. Blister Free.
Grip: Foot to Sock. Sock to Boot.
Stability: Locked-Down Feeling. All Weather Fit.
Durability: Yarns. Grip Pads. Length of Wear.
Tech: Materials. Innovation.
Price: Value for Money.
How the rating works?
Each of the 6 criteria (above) is scored out of 10. We then add up this score to find a total out of 60. This total out of 60 is then measured as a %.
Rating Results
Overall Winner: Apex PRO 3.0
Best Tech: WeFoot Dual (+ the new Air)
Compare Scores
The Details
This rating and ranking was completed by a single person. All views are of that single person who has worn all these socks (often for months at a time). At Apex we realise grip socks are 100% a personal choice and all athletes and players will of course have their own opinion. It goes without saying that the Top 5 grip socks in this list are all excellent choices. Most importantly, the more players wearing grip socks the better for the market and the footballing community long term.
Let's get into it:
Apex PRO 3.0
Apex along with WeFoot are truly pushing grip sock innovation in the market. We see this with the PRO 3.0 which is trying to bring new ideas and technical advances to player performance with their ExoFrame system. The PRO 3.0 is gaining huge popularity in the USA as one of the best value for money socks available on the market.
COMFORT: 10
The comfiest grip sock on the test. The PRO 3.0 uses a soft blend called DriWick that meshes polyester and cotton for that athletic feel, but more natural cushioned feel. Combined with the ExoFrame that ensures a perfect fit for your personalised foot shape. It is a elastane wrap around the heel, midsole, and toes that maintain the sock structure and shape even when wet, sweaty, and under dynamic pressure. The socks also have a seamless toe, vented mesh on the top of the foot, and a light compression that aids blood flow across the foot and into the ankle and calf.
GRIP: 9
The PRO 3.0 uses a DuraGrip synthetic suede pad that provided the most consistent grip on the test - giving you great sock to boot grip in all weather conditions and for the foot shapes of all sizes. The grip pads are not made from silicon so don't have that immediate 'sticky' feel - but you trade that for a textured, soft grip pad that better grips to the inner soles of your football boots. The DuraGrip tech also improves as it wears in over time - activated by moisture and heat to ramp up performance as you play. Also, because the grip pads run up the achilles they provide rock-solid heel support and reduce the chance of blisters.
STABILITY: 10
Due to the unique ExoFrame design used by the PRO 3.0 that ensures you get the perfect fit for your own foot shoe and size it was the most stable sock in the test (alongside the WeFoot). The anatomical shape (for my left and right foot) gave that locked-down feeling that gave me confidence in its ability to support my feet - even when sprinting or changing direction at high pace. Another plus of the ExoFrame is that this sock does not need internal grip pads (great news for athletes that want that more natural, lightweight, and less obstructive feel) - my foot doesn't slide around in the sock at all, and I'd even say the foot to sock grip/stability is easily on par with the WeFoot.
DURABILITY: 9
Of all the socks tested the Apex PRO range is known to last the longest (alongside the TRUsox 3.0 series). They have athletes still wearing their PRO 1.0 and 2.0 iteration 2/3 years after purchase - proving that the grip performance improves overtime, whilst material stands up to the weekly punishment. But as with any grip sock the PRO 3.0 can see the occasional loose yarn or slightly dry toe if not washed and dried correctly. Apex is very transparent about the life expectancy of their gear - to the point where they have 3, 6, 12, and 24 month wear breakdowns that they send to their Apex+ player base.
TECH: 9
It's well-known that the product development cycle of Apex socks is very long. The PRO 3.0 took 3 years to prototype and engineer - as such you get a depth of tech unmatched in this test. From the hydrophobic grip pads that don't hold water, to the 5 micro yarns used in the cushioned sole to improve speed-wicking moisture, the PRO 3.0 is engineered for elite performance. In the test I found that even though full of tech, the socks still felt natural on my feet - almost elegantly light, easy to wear, and performed consistently whatever was thrown at it.
PRICE: 9
Market leading value for money. Especially if you include their 'Multi-Pair' discounts that give an extra 10% and 15% when players buy 2 or 3 pairs. Apex is the only brand that consistently provides this value for it's elite grip sock choice.
WeFoot IN&OUT PLUS
WeFoot have entered the market and gained huge popularity very quickly. Their innovative grip system, unique patterned upper, and light stretchy feel makes them a leader in the market. It's great to see new grip socks competing at the highest level and the WeFoot team have delivered an exceptional pair here.
COMFORT: 9
The WeFoot sock is definitely a comfortable sock. We tested the Cushion Plus for that supportive and soft sole to get that extra bit of comfort. The sock has good compression across the midsole and fits up the ankle nicely. I'd go far to say that the compression below the calf was the best on the test - they have that added elastic athletic fit so It fruit hugs your ankle and lower calf. The IN&OUT grip system did not cause any discomfort during the test, I could not notice the grip pads inside the sock - which was great news. I will say that the sock might feel a bit loose around the under heel or toes if your foot shape is not exactly as the sock intended - otherwise a really great fitting sock.
GRIP: 9
Great grip - easily on par with the PRO 3.0 - due to the unique PU material. IN&OUT does the job great - but I felt no different to using the ExoFrame on the PRO 3.0. As much as I do enjoy the octopus analogy they use and the wet floor test - it is all a bit irrelevant for the actual process of wearing grip socks with boots in high pressure situations. Regardless, the WeFoot sock performed great in the grip test.
STABILITY: 10
The sock provides a consistent and snug fit across the majority of the foot. With IN&OUT the stability is solid when spiriting and changing direction - also the sock is made to perform in wet weather (due to the PU grip pads) so it did well when sweaty too. The sock can slightly deform when soaking wet and does not retain structure at all times - but it still felt great to play with on my feet.
DURABILITY: 8
A large number of their reviews state issues with the sock on arrival, and grip pads falling off the heel. Now I will say I did NOT have these issues - the sock is well made from quality material and clever tech (as we'll read in the next section) - but I can see how some of the external grip pads might flake off around the heel. Based in Korea there are some of the best factories in the world and the WeFoot should benefit from this, but remains let down by the issues some customers have. (Please note: it seems WeFoot have solved these issues with the WeFoot Air).
TECH: 10
I really enjoy the effort WeFoot puts into the advancement in tech they are looking to make at every turn. Their own PU material will be iterated on and improved, their own material used around the ankle and calf is a really nice touch, and the determination to test their products is always welcome. Too long have grip socks been 'crew sock + silicon pads', so it's great to see socks like the Apex PRO 3.0 and WeFoot pushing the boundaries of innovation.
PRICE: 9
Great for the grip tech. Simple. Innovating product, well made, and priced as a great value option compares to TRUsox and Vypr in the market. WeFoot does not run multi-pair discounts (other than potential Black Friday options) - otherwise super value for money.
VYPR SUREGRIP
VYPR have entered the market and pushed their innovative, tech focused, premium socks. Managing to secure a collaborative with Stat Sports and some key headline players - I'm a fan of the design, attention to detail when it comes to the yarn choice, and their unique take on the grip pad material and shape. They are somewhat scatter gun in their application of the socks (across ALL sports) and not solely focused on peak performance in one (most likely a business choice). Regardless a really good sock and solid brand.
COMFORT: 9
Cushioned. Thick (maybe too thick hence the 9). Nice compression and soft material around the ankle. DriRelease yarns. The is anotoicaly designed for left and right foot, and you can feel that around the soft seamless toes which are great.
GRIP: 8
Vypr alongside TRUsox and Apex make grip socks without the silicon pads. Thick-ish PU grip pad/ Flexible. External only. Provides very consistent grip
STABILITY: 8
Sock is quite thick so does slide about a little bit on the foot when wet - this is not to do with the grip pads, but more to do with the fact that the sock is a normal crew neck with a small amount of midsole compression and no internal grip system.
DURABILITY: 8
The socks are high quality and really well made. Because of the Terry cushioned sole and the thicker material they re unlikely to ever get holes. With the DriRelease material they wick sweat incredibly quickly and will remain soft after many washes. I had no issues at all with durability- the grip pads seemed to remain attached after a number of sessions, long 10km runs, and a heap of washes.
TECH: 8
Again I like how Vypr are always trying to innovate on their product - again similar to Apex, TRUsox, and WeFoot in trying to move away form the cheap 'Alibaba-esque' grip sock to a more premium tech driven sock. Their grip pad material is unique to Vypr, and combined with the market favourite DriRelease yarns (sourced from an external provider) produce a tech field sock. However, the socks don't have internal grips, or an external ExoFrame like the Apex PRO 3.0 - hence the 8/10 score.
PRICE: 6
The VYPR SureGrip is an expensive sock at XYZ price. It's expensive however, because of the premium materials and the design choices Vypr made. So kudos for actually pushing their boundaries. However, it doesn't make it great value for money compared to the Apex PRO 3.0.
TRUsox 3.0
There was once a day when TRUsox was the outright leader in the grip sock market - if I'm honest those days have gone. Worn by elite players since pre-2013 they introduced us to grip pads that weren't silicon and that distinctive cubed heel pattern. But with a lack of innovation, some sizing issues, and no desire to really up the ante design wise - especially at that very premium price point, means they remain a great sock, but being left behind by the rest of the pack.
COMFORT: 7
TRUsox mix a primary cotton sole for a soft, natural, and cushioned fit. They don't cause blisters and do ensure the heel and toes are protected and comfortable. However, with the base being primarily cotton it will hold water, deform under pressure, and go dry and hard over time making it less comfortable to wear.
GRIP: 9
By pioneering their IN/EX tech TRUsoc kept forward ahead of the competition and their grip has always been second top quality. The textured suede material is thin and nicely embedded into the base of the sock. Their internal grip pads felt great against my feet and are definitely an improvement on the TRUsox 1.0 and 2.0 form backing the day. Grip wise they will always be a great choice.
STABILITY: 7
However, a combination of the cotton base AND a slight issue with sizing in the centre of the forefoot is a problem. The TRUsox 3.0 can fit a bit baggy under the foot and move or shift when under pressure at high pace or during changes of direction. This lack real wrap around the underfoot can cause a slight loss of confidence and does make my feet feel like I'm missing that key locked down feeling.
DURABILITY: 8
Using quality material and great machinists means the TRUsox is a durable and long lasting sock. It's yarns are well made, knitted tightly and you won't have any issues with grip pads falling off, or any random tears in the toes or sock (like you get from knock-off brands on Amazon). In the past using the TRUsox 1.0 and 2.0 I had issues with grip pads internally flaking off or running my feet, but I didn't get this through the initial testing phase - let's hope it stays that way.
TECH: 7
As said before, TRUsox used to be cutting edge. That isn't the same anymore. Outclassed on the base material front, slower on the uptake to improve fit and comfort (unlike the uniquely designed ExoFrame on the Apex PRO 3.0) and unfortunately only just about passing for 'tech to price'.
PRICE: 5
Most expensive on the test. Easily. And this is a problem. At XYZ you'd expect the world's most advanced and perfect sock - but you don't get that. I love TRUsox snd everything they've done for football gear. Bu this price point, lack of innovation, and really resting on their laurels makes this a hard pass.
Nike Grip
Neither Nike or Adidas doing truly traditional 'Grip socks' with grip pads. However, Nike do have their own NikeGrip version without grip pads that is commonplace amongst teams that wear the Nike kit worldwide. Using Nike endless material resources they've created a rock-solid, great fitting, clever sock that will do wonders for certain players looking for a natural fit an feel, without external grip pads.
COMFORT: 9
Being a Nike product of course these socks are comfortable, fit your feet well, anatomically designed, and use soft, athletic, speed-drying materials. They are thinner than the other socks on this list so far and so will have more issues with stretching under pressure - but I didn't ever feel uncomfortable. In fact, the slightly thinner feel closely matched the Nike Multiplier socks I used to wear and were a different kind of comfort to the cushioned feel of other grip socks. Made from Polyester, Nylon, and Spandex for that stretchy feel and fit means they feel good on the feet - and frankly perform exactly as a Nike sock should.
GRIP: 8
This might be a bit contentious, but during testing I felt like the grip was really really solid, for a grip sock without actual grips. The knitted NikeGrip yarns are definitely anti-slip and provide close connection to the boots insole (especially of any Nike boots). However, these anti-slip yarns are never as grippy as true grip pads and can sometimes provide friction and heat as the Nylon material wears over time. I might just be my feet, but also after washing a few times the anti-slip material feels a bit 'harder' than I'd like - which therefore feels less grippy.
STABILITY: 7
I have quite wide feet - and I know Nike boots and socks can run quite narrow, so I was worried that the sock structure by not hold up to give me that locked-down feel I wanted. But I was pleasantly surprised. It feels confidence inducing without feeling over-bearing, obviously without grip pads the stability is quite natural, but you will need great fitting boots to ensure that perfect locked down performance.
DURABILITY: 7
The NikeGrip gave me no problems at all durability wise during the test. Being a Nike product they are incredibly well made, the polyester base material is very high quality utilising their Dri-Fit tech, and I'd have no problem wearing these day after day. However, some of the reviews have not been friendly. Many reviews discuss small holes appearing between the normal material and the NikeGrip yarns, which overtime grow into bigger holes. Something to take note of.
TECH: 7
Let's be honest it's Nike. They have endless resources and the tech is always going to be solid - but it's not groundbreaking at all. I do really like the socks personally and they rotate nicely into my gear pack, but I don't automatically think that these socks re the very best thing for my performance. There is good reason many pro players chose to wear separate socks and sock sleeves and do away with the integrated NikeGrip sock that comes with the Nike kits.
PRICE: 7
Solid Value, but could be better due to the lack of traditional grip related features. Plus there seems to be some durability issues with some pairs - this might be a quality assurance problem, but worth checking before purchase.
TapeDesign
Much like TRUsox TapeDeign have been around for years - and also like TRUsox are fully resting on their laurels. Even though a big sock in Europe, they're being copycatted endlessly (because frankly TapeDesign socks are very cheap to make) and alongside a lack of innovation quickly being left behind. This is not a hit job at all because I 'enjoy' the TapeDesign sock - just the combination of price, tech, and effort strongly marks TapeDesign down.
COMFORT: 9
The most redeeming part of the sock is that the you initially put them on they are quite comfortable. The use a thick polyester sock, that has a nice athletic fit and feel around the ankle and lower calf - it's soft, comfortable, and cushions the feet in all the right places. In saying that, the grip pads are quite large under you foot and some players might not like the feel on the underside of their feet.
GRIP: 6
When I first picked up a pair of TapeDesign sock many years ago I was very surprised at the lack of grip. The pads look sticky and shiny, but in the hand they are not really at all. They are quite smooth and don't have that immediate grip you'd want from a silicon grip pad. Combine this with the fact that the grip pads sit about 2mm-3mm off the base material, and throw in some wet weather and sweat, then you're going to have a problem getting consistent grip.
STABILITY: 6
Again a few problems here. Due to the sock being a plain crew sock (a soft and comfortable crew sock nonetheless) there is no structure to the sock. Combined with a lack of internal grip system at all - no grip pads or frame, then you get quite a loose fit to the sock underfoot. It feels like it slides laterally across the boot, and this gets even worse as you get sweaty and wet. You'd need very tight fitting boots to make these socks work, but even then excess material and the thickness of the sock don't make them feel stable.
DURABILITY: 7
The sock is in essence a nice crew sock with silicon grip pads attached. The problem with this is that it's very easy to source the grip sock from the original manufacturer and you can not only see the price, but the scale that these are manufactured (this means less quality assurance and much easier to keep throwing out replacement pairs than actually make a durable product). I've had no problems yet, but I know people have issues with holes in the toes, some ripping, and the grip pads being placed on the sock in a non-linear fashion.
TECH: 5
There isn't much tech to speak of. If I'm being fair then the base sock is a nice polyester blend that is soft and stretchy. But there is no internal grip system, the external grip pads are very average, and if I'm allowed to say the presentation and packaging of the socks is not premium at all. And all this before we get onto the price.
PRICE: 5
For what they are they are very expensive. The used to be a great grip sock when there was less competition and choice - but at the price point there is a whole lot of profit been taken and not a lot of product being given. Way better silicon options.
That's the full 2025 Rating and Ranking of the best grip socks on the market moving from 2024 into 2025.
