People usually do not wear socks with an ankle brace on normal circumstances as most of the times, it is not necessary, but it does not mean that you cannot wear socks with an ankle brace. However, there are some cases where you should know not to wear a pair.
We have also complete review on top Ankle Brace for Basketball.
There are some ankle braces out there with linings that specially made to support wearing socks. You would see that most people that wear socks with ankle braces usually do so to keep the braces from starting to smell. It is easier to wash socks than it is to clean ankle braces.
However, it is not advisable to wear socks under a tight fit ankle brace because it would suffocate your feet. Compressible ankle braces made to reduce swellings; these already made to fit your feet perfectly, wearing socks with these types of ankle braces would reduce blood circulation. Moreover, wearing socks under tight-fit ankle braces would also hurt very much, and it will likely leave marks on your skin because of the pressure the support creates.
Sometimes it depends on what you actually feel comfortable with that would best decide if wearing socks with ankle braces is worth or not. Some people prefer to wear socks with ankle braces, just like there are people who dislike it. However, of all the people who tell their story of how they wear socks with ankle braces, almost 90% says that they wear socks over the braces. This way, wearing socks does not hurt at all like it does when wearing them underneath your braces.
Just like there are times when you must not wear socks with ankle braces, there are times when you must wear them. There are some low-quality ankle braces out there that can cause blisters if you do not wear socks underneath them, and the friction, later on, would hurt pretty bad. However, if you wear socks with tight fit braces, then the socks would themselves be the reason you suffer from blisters. So, be careful when choosing whether to wear a pair or not.
When you get sweaty, the surface’s continuous sliding will cause the skin to itch like crazy. In these cases, wearing crew socks or knee socks is recommended.
It entirely depends on whether you want to wear socks or not as it does not matter that much since most ankle braces made to worn without socks. Most people feel comfortable wearing socks, but then again, you may not be among them. It is just a personal preference and would not alter your medical situation in any way.
Are High Tops Better for your Ankles?
It is common knowledge that high top shoes are better for your ankles and that they can prevent your ankles from being injured. People assume as such because high top shoes are similar in build to ankle braces. But this is untrue to some extent.
The University of Oklahoma researched high top shoes in 1993, proving that high top shoes are not similar to ankle braces when supporting against sprains. The researchers worked with 622 students who play basketball; all of these students were volunteers. The students were divided into three different groups and asked to wear sneakers that fell into three categories – high top shoes, high top shoes with air compression and finally, low top sneakers.
After many games, trainers finally submitted each play’s results and the number of injuries among each of the groups. People then were amazed at the results – high top shoes had almost no connection to ankle support.
The number of injuries that each group suffered was nearly the same. A total of 15 students sustained injuries, 7 wore high top shoes, and four from each of the other groups suffered from injuries.
Doctors, however, have pointed out the negatives sides of wearing a high top. You would guess that because high tops and ankle braces are similar, high tops would not harm your ankles in any way. But this is a wrong theory since high tops secure your Ankle in a tight snug, ankle movements restricted to some extent and long the long run this is a bad thing.
The more you work your ankles, the stronger they will be. Therefore, when you wear high tops, you gradually weaken your Ankle, increasing the chances of injury. If you wear low top shoes, your ankles will gain strength since flat top shoes do not restrict movements. That’s why health professionals have determined that a joint’s excess external support can cause your surrounding muscles to weaken.
If you bring high top shoes in question, then it is your ankle strength to prioritize ankle injury. The stronger your Ankle is, the less likely you would suffer from an ankle sprain. Dr Miniaci-Coxhead said, “The best prevention for an ankle injury has strong muscles on the outside of the foot (investors), and wearing high top shoes can cause these muscles to activate later and be less effective.”
So, in the end, high top shoes would only help your Ankle to some extent; it is your ankle strength that is important. However, some high top shoes have built-in technology that is similar to an ankle brace. These shoes can help you prevent ankle sprains since the sharp tops reduce ankle inversion. If you compare ankle braces with high top boots, you recommend that you go for ankle braces since that offers much better ankle support than high top shoes.