A white ankle sock on a black sock has no place in a match: the international rule requires men's handball socks to be of a single colour for the entire team, including accessories.
In training, anything goes. Low, high or compression socks, in packs or individually: choose according to your shoe size, your position and your number of sessions.
Socks are sold in ranges, for example 39-42 or 43-46. If you have big feet, make sure the model comes in a larger range; otherwise, the sock will pull on your toes and wear out quickly at the end. A sock should fit snugly at the heel: if the knitted heel rides up on the ankle, the size is too small.
The goalkeeper often opts for high socks that protect the shin and ankle during floor saves. Wingers and backs, who switch between foot plants and jumps, look for a thin, well-fitting sock that doesn't slip in the shoe. The pivot, in close contact, prefers a higher and slightly thicker model.
Compression socks are tighter around the ankle than the calf. They are worn for long sessions, tournaments, and travel, hoping for better recovery, and the sensations vary from player to player. In matches, they must also match the team's colour.
A sports sock often mixes cotton, polyamide or polyester, and elastane. Cotton provides softness, synthetic fibres offer durability and drying, and elastane gives a snug fit on the foot. A looped footbed absorbs impact during landings; a mesh on the instep releases heat.
A player who trains three or four times a week wears out their socks quickly. Packs, like the Basic from Hummel in black or white, or the long training socks from Mizuno, reduce laundry hassle. For the match, keep a separate pair clean and in the club's colours.
A good proportion of the models come from football. They are longer and tighter at the calf to hold a shin guard and are often available in all club colours. For handball, they work well in matches if the colour matches the jersey; for training, a thinner sock will be more comfortable in indoor shoes.
Packs and discounted socks are grouped in men's clearance and men's sales. The Black Friday for men is the time to grab packs for the whole team.
They protect the lower leg from friction and burns when sliding on the floor. They also keep an ankle brace or sleeve in place. And in matches, they provide a uniform appearance as required by the rules.
Some players do this to limit blisters, but it thickens the foot inside the shoe and can cause the heel to slip. Usually, a single technical pair in the correct size is enough. If you double them, choose a thin sock underneath.
Let the resin harden, scrape off the excess, then rub with a bit of dish soap or a grease stain remover before washing. Wash inside out. There is also a special resin remover for stubborn stains.
It depends on the number of sessions and the quality of the reinforcements. When the heel or toe becomes thin, the sock offers less protection and causes blisters. Alternating several pairs prolongs their lifespan.
Yes, if they are the same colour as your teammates'. A calf sleeve must also match the colour of the socks. If in doubt, discuss it with your coach before the match.