Scientific research behind grip socks
In the past decade, grip socks have gained in popularity, claiming to boost athletes performances like no other socks. But besides the hype, one question remains: are these innovative sporting socks truly backed by science or are they just placebo socks with an anti-slip pattern on the sole? Join me in this short blog as we look into the latest scientific studies and articles about grip socks.
Are grip socks really science based?
Do grip socks improve foot stability?
There is scientific evidence that grip socks contribute to improved foot stability and performance during athletic activities.
There is scientific evidence that grip socks contribute to improved foot stability and performance during athletic activities. According to the study titled 'Grip socks improve slalom course performance and reduce in-shoe foot displacement of the forefoot in male and female sports players,' grip socks do indeed improve foot stability. The research claims that grip socks increased the static coefficient of friction compared to regular socks, which means they provide better traction. During performance tests involving a slalom course, participants wearing grip socks showed faster performance compared to those wearing regular socks.
Additionally, grip socks reduced in-shoe foot displacement, especially during braking phases and sharper turn maneuvers. The study also found differences between male and female participants, with males generally experiencing increased in-shoe displacement due to their larger foot mass.
Do grip socks really improve sport performances?
There're 3 studies that show evidence that sporting with grip socks improve performances on the field.
The first study compared grip socks to regular athletic socks, found that the grip socks enhanced traction parameters during the braking phase of change of direction maneuvers in team sports. This study utilized a novel 3D motion capture analysis to assess the efficacy of grip socks in maintaining foot position on the midsole platform inside the shoe (Reference: "Footwear insoles with higher frictional properties reduce in-shoe sliding and enhance change of direction performance"*).
Another study investigated the effects of grip socks on performance during rapid changes of direction relevant to team sports maneuvers. It found that participants wearing grip socks completed a slalom course faster compared to those wearing regular socks. Additionally, participants perceived increased in-shoe grip with the grip socks (Reference: "Footwear insoles with higher frictional properties enhance performance by reducing in-shoe sliding during rapid changes of direction"*).
A third study researched the importance of maintaining foot position on the midsole platform for performance gains in team sports. It utilized a novel 3D motion analysis method to record substantial relative motion between foot-shoe interfaces during dynamic turns. Grip socks with increased mechanical friction were found to enhance actual and perceived change of direction performance compared to regular socks. (Reference: "Effects of athletic socks with high frictional properties on in-shoe foot sliding and performance in football-specific movements"*).
These studies collectively suggest that grip socks with higher frictional properties can contribute to improved sports performance by enhancing traction parameters and reducing in-shoe foot sliding during dynamic movements.
Do Grip Socks Prevent Extra Injuries?
Grip socks enhance foot stability and reduce foot discomfort, possibly preventing injuries like toe stubs, ankle sprains, and blisters by minimizing in-shoe slips and friction. However, concrete scientific evidence directly linking grip socks to injury prevention is lacking, necessitating further research for definitive conclusions.
Concrete scientific evidence from studies directly addressing the effectiveness of grip socks in preventing injuries is still lacking. While specific studies directly addressing injury prevention and grip socks are scarce, there are interesting links that suggest potential benefits.
Consider the notion of foot stability. Grip socks designed with higher frictional properties may offer enhanced stability during dynamic movements, reducing in-shoe slips. These slips can cause toe stubs or ankle twists due to the unwanted and unpredicted movements.
Moreover, grip socks could contribute to minimizing discomfort associated with excessive friction and sweating. By providing a better grip inside the shoe and reducing slippage, these socks may help maintain proper foot alignment and reduce the risk of blisters and abrasions.
However, it's important to note that while these connections seem logical, concrete evidence directly linking grip socks to injury prevention is lacking. Further research specifically focused on investigating the relationship between grip socks and injury prevention is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
In essence, while grip socks hold promise in enhancing foot stability and comfort, their role in preventing injuries requires more thorough examination.
References*
(2022) Grip socks improve slalom course performance and reduce in-shoe foot displacement of the forefoot in male and female sports players, Journal of Sports Sciences, 40:12, 1351-1359, DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2022.2080163
(2020) Footwear insoles with higher frictional properties enhance performance by reducing in-shoe sliding during rapid changes of direction, Journal of Sports Sciences, 38:2, 206-213, DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1690618
(2023) Effects of athletic socks with high frictional properties on in-shoe foot sliding and performance in football-specific movements, Footwear Science, 15:3, 185-191, DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2023.2212628