A Guide to Rugby Socks: FAQs and More

A quality pair of socks is an essential part of every rugby player’s kit. When you’re out on the field giving it your all, the last thing you want to think about is how uncomfortable your feet are and how many blisters you’ll have the next day. You want to have your head in the game for all 80 minutes of a match, so having gear that you can trust is essential for rugby players of all ages. 

As you look for a pair of high-quality rugby socks, you can narrow your search by knowing what to look for in rugby socks and some answers to frequently asked questions about them.

Rugby Sock Regulations 

According to the rules regarding permitted clothing established by World Rugby, a rugby player’s kit must consist of a jersey, shorts, socks, and boots. These regulations give rugby players plenty of options regarding the type of socks they can wear. One thing to remember is that according to World Rugby, no item of clothing can exceed 5 mm in thickness, meaning thicker socks are out of the question. 

Modifications are also not allowed with rugby socks, so for the safety of your fellow players, no clips, other metal objects, or pins may be added to them.  Since uniform consistency is also required in most sports leagues, make sure to purchase socks that match your teammate’s gear! 

What to Look for In Rugby Socks

Like any pair of sporting socks, a good pair of rugby socks will provide the wearer with protection, support, and, most importantly, comfort. If you want to protect yourself from blisters and have a comfortable experience while out on the pitch, review the following features to look for in rugby socks:

• Quality Material: A good rugby sock will be made of material that is breathable and moisture-wicking. For fast-paced sports like rugby, this need for breathability means you’ll want to wear a pair of socks made from a blend of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. These materials will give your socks some stretch but still allow them to be tight enough to provide support. 

• Length: Rugby socks should be calf-length to protect your legs during a match. Some players also wear shin guards over their socks for an extra layer of defense. Longer socks are extra necessary if you decide to wear shin guards, as you don’t want the plastic to rub against your skin. 
• Cushioning & Support: Rugby players need extra cushioning in areas like the heel and toe. The added support is essential for foot health in such a high-impact sport. It will also help protect against blisters, which can be a nightmare to deal with if they don’t heal before your next match! A pair of double-layer sports socks can be a great choice for rugby players who want to stop blisters from forming and stay comfortable out on the pitch.
• Grip: Recently, rugby grip socks have become popular with players as they help reduce slippage in your shoes, increasing performance. With all of the cutting and athletic movements that rugby players perform throughout a match, the last thing you want is to feel unstable on your feet. If you feel your feet slipping in your shoes while out on the pitch, you might want to try double-layer socks for a little added thickness, which can help keep your feet in place.

Rugby Sock FAQ

Here’s a helpful list of common questions about rugby socks that players may have when shopping for their next pair:

• Why Are Rugby Socks So Long? Rugby socks are long to protect and support your legs throughout the duration of the game. Longer socks will also support shin guards if you choose to wear them and prevent dirt and grass from getting into your socks. 

• How Should Rugby Socks Fit? Rugby socks should be snug without being uncomfortable. They should be tight enough to stay up on your calf without slipping but loose enough to remain comfortable.
• What Material Is Best for Rugby Socks? The best materials for rugby socks tend to be synthetic materials that will stretch and keep moisture off your feet. Polyester, elastane, and nylon are all ideal materials for a quality rugby sock.
• How Should I Take Care of My Rugby Socks? You should wash your rugby socks according to the care instructions on their label. Typically, they’ll need to be washed with similar colors and a washing machine set to its gentle wash. To dry your rugby socks, you’ll want to use a tumble-low setting to maintain elasticity. In regards to storage, make sure to keep your socks in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and odor buildup. 
• How Often Should I Replace My Rugby Socks? You should replace your rugby socks once they start to show signs of wear. Thinning fabric, loss of elasticity, and holes are all signs that you need a new pair of socks!

Choose Wrightsock for Anti-Blister Rugby Socks

If you’re shopping for a quality pair of anti-blister rugby socks, choose Wrightsock. We offer a wide range of supportive socks manufactured to the highest standard, and our anti-blister socks are designed for all types of weather. Our double-layer Coolmesh II Over the Calf Socks are perfect as they offer comfort, breathability, a knee-high length, and protection from blisters. You can also find plenty of shorter socks in our CoolMesh II collection, which you can wear underneath your shin guards on the pitch.

Review our collection of over-the-calf socks today. If you have any questions or want help choosing a pair, please contact us. Our double-layer socks also have a No Blister Guarantee, meaning we’ll give you your money back if you get a blister while wearing them.