The best bamboo trainer socks and when they are the right choice
Short answer: Tennis socks are short socks that just cover the ankle. They are the right choice for sneakers and low shoes, where a regular sock would show, and the wrong choice for boots, where the edge slips down into the shoe.
What a tennis sock is
The name covers a short sock that ends just above the shoe and leaves most of the ankle bare. It is also called an ankle sock. It is made for low shoes where a longer sock would stick out. See the models in bamboo tennis socks for men and bamboo tennis socks for women.
When it is the right choice
The tennis sock suits sneakers, running shoes and other low shoes in summer and the seasons either side. It gives the shoe a clean look and keeps the foot dry. With shorts it is often the most natural choice, because it does not break up the leg with a high edge.
When it is the wrong choice
For boots and high shoes, a tennis sock is too short. The shaft of the boot rubs the skin, and the sock slips down under the heel. A regular sock or a longer model is a better choice here. The same goes in winter, when the ankle needs more warmth than a short sock gives.
When it slips down
If the sock slips down in the shoe, it is either too short for the foot or the elastic is too slack. A model with a slightly higher cuff and a grip at the heel stays up. Choose the size by your foot, not your shoe, and check that the heel of the sock sits where your heel really is.
Even shorter
If you do not want to see the sock above the shoe at all, a footie is the right choice. It ends below the ankle bone and is hidden in most low shoes. It suits loafers, boat shoes and low sneakers, where even a tennis sock can show. See bamboo footies for men.
Bamboo against sweat in sneakers
Sneakers breathe poorly, which is exactly where you notice the material most. Bamboo viscose takes up moisture from the foot and releases it again, so the foot feels drier. It helps keep odour down, especially if you change socks every day and let your shoes air out between wears.
For women
For women, the tennis sock is often worn with low sneakers and other shoes with a low edge. Choose a model that ends low at the ankle so it does not show above the shoe, and a size where the heel sits right so the sock does not slide. Many keep both tennis socks and very short socks in the drawer.
For men
For men, the tennis sock is often worn in running shoes and sturdy sneakers, where the foot moves a lot. A firm elastic at the edge matters here, so the sock stays in place all day. If you are between two sizes, the larger is often better, so the sock does not squeeze the toes.
In short
Choose tennis socks for sneakers and low shoes, footies when the sock must not show at all, and a regular sock for boots. Pick the size by your foot and look for a grip at the heel so the sock stays up. Bamboo helps most in shoes that breathe poorly, where moisture would otherwise linger.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tennis socks and footies?
Tennis socks cover the ankle and end just above the shoe. Footies end below the ankle bone and are invisible in most low shoes, including low sneakers and loafers.
Why do my tennis socks slip down?
Usually because the sock is too small for the foot or the elastic is too slack. Choose the size by your foot and a model with a grip at the heel.
Can I wear tennis socks with boots?
It is not recommended. The shaft of the boot rubs the skin, and the sock slips down under the heel. Wear a longer sock that reaches above the edge of the boot.
See our range of bamboo tennis socks for men.
