Knit fabric or lightweight performance mesh
Selecting ice hockey socks starts with understanding the fabric. Traditional knit socks use a ribbed weave that stretches easily over bulky shin pads and provides extra warmth on colder rinks. Modern performance mesh socks use lightweight synthetic fabric with ventilated panels. A thinner synthetic weave holds less sweat than a heavy knit, which is why a mesh sock stays lighter through a game.
Matching length to your shin guards
Unlike standard sports socks with feet, ice hockey socks are open sleeves designed to fit over your protective gear. Sizing depends on your leg length and the size of your shin guards rather than your shoe size. The youth, junior, intermediate, and senior labels follow the size class of the shin guard the sock has to cover.
Measure from the top of your skate to your lower thigh and compare that with the size chart of the model, because the same size label covers different lengths from one maker to the next.
Securing your socks on the ice
Keeping your socks securely in place during quick turns and hard strides requires proper fastening. Hook-and-loop tabs join the top of the sock to compression jock shorts, so the sock and the shorts have to carry the matching halves of the fastener. Traditional knit socks without tabs can fasten to a garter belt worn around the waist. Many players also wrap clear elastic shin guard tape around the sock to keep it and the guard underneath from sliding. Follow the manufacturer instructions for fitting and washing the sock.