These are the best pickleball socks for men and women! Moisture wicking compression OS1st sock review to prevent blisters and play longer. Love this sport but looking for honest pickleball reviews on the best equipment? We’re here to help. (affiliate links present)
What are the best pickleball socks?
This was the #1 question I had to answer when I started playing about 1 year ago. In the first month of starting to play a few times a week I just couldn’t get enough BUT my feet were suffering with blisters and I knew I couldn’t wear just any pair of socks if I wanted to continue. I researched online, tried a few, returned several and finally came upon the BEST pickleball socks of all time and bought 10 pair!
OS1st Socks Review
There are several components of these OS1st socks that make them so good. The main two elements I was missing in my other pairs; they are moisture wicking and have compression elements to them in the right spots. In addition there is a designated left and right so your toes fit properly since each foot is a bit different than the other as far as toe placement.
Best Socks you like to play Pickleball in that won’t break the bank
First off you get what you pay for. If you live in snowy areas you will agree with me that wearing a pair of Darn Tough or Smartwool vs. a generic brand will keep you 100% warmer, more comfortable and molds to your foot. This is true in sports as well. With my pair of Under Armour I started with my foot would slide around in my shoe halfway thru the game because of the sweat, and there wasn’t any compression at all. OS1st socks solved that problem and at about fifteen bucks a pair they aren’t a bad price to solve all of your problems!!
I often check this link as there have been sales (i.e. during black Friday) when I load up on 4-6 pairs and some colors are cheaper than others too. I buy the low style you see above but if you would rather have a bit more length on the top they sometimes have those in stock as well.
Women the best pickleball socks
You can find OS1st in 3 different sizes depending on your shoe size. I buy Medium because I am am women’s size 10 but larger would be suitable for men and if you have small feet go for small. They fit snug which I love, have a L and R on the toe so each one fits properly to each foot. They offer 8 different colors including a bright pink I love, as well as plain white and black.
Pickleball sock recommendations?
To reiterate, in this OS1st sock review that is by far my favorite sock to play in and has prevented blisters and irritation for me over this year. My second choice is Balega blister resistant socks which are nice as they offer more cushion, but for me slide a bit too much for my comfort in the shoes that I prefer (ALTRA).
When you first learn how to play pickleball you are fine using just what you have. BUT once you fall in love with this fast paced game it is important to invest a bit in keeping your body parts healthy so you can continue on more often. Of course beyond these you should make sure that you have shoes that fit snugly so your foot doesn’t move around too much either, and have a bit more room for toe movement as well. (we will go over that in detail later but first things first…..)
Yes you can technically but one that has a bit of compression in the arch and is moisture wicking are best for this sport. It took me 6 months of trying different brands, read about my OS1st review and Balega socks for why these are best and the difference between them.
Wear the right socks and shoes!! You want socks that will keep the sweat away from your foot so it doesn’t build up, has a bit of compression, and shoes that fit snug with a bit more room for your toes to move around. These two aspects are key to preventing blisters in pickleball.
Yes, wearing compression socks while playing pickleball can be beneficial for several reasons. They help enhance blood flow, reducing leg fatigue and swelling, especially during long matches or back-to-back games. Also they assist in post-game recovery by reducing lactic acid buildup and helping muscles recover faster.
When Should You Wear Compression Socks?
- Pickleball players should wear during play for added support and endurance.
- Post-game for recovery, especially if you play multiple matches.
- If you have circulation issues or experience leg fatigue/swelling.
Choosing the Right Compression Socks
- Breathable & Moisture-Wicking Fabric to keep feet dry and comfortable.
- Graduated Compression (tighter at the ankle, looser up the leg if they are higher than ankle socks) is best.
- Compression Level: 15-20 mmHg is good for mild support; 20-30 mmHg offers stronger compression for better performance and recovery.
