Best Badminton Socks: I Got Blisters So Bad I Couldn't Walk
Played a 3-hour session in regular Nike crew socks. Felt fine during play. Took my shoes off afterward and saw blood soaking through the sock under both big toes.
Next two days I couldn't walk properly. Every step felt like someone was grinding sandpaper on raw skin. Had to skip the entire next week of practice because I couldn't lunge without pain.
Switched to actual badminton socks. Problem completely disappeared. Haven't had a blister in 18 months. Here's what actually matters.
Why Your Regular Socks Are Destroying Your Feet
Badminton isn't running. You're not moving in straight lines. Every rally involves pivoting, sliding sideways, pushing off at weird angles. Your foot moves inside the shoe in ways cotton socks weren't designed to handle.
Regular athletic socks trap sweat (cotton stays wet). They bunch up during lateral movements. The toe seams rub against your toenails for 2 hours straight. That's how you get blisters that sideline you for a week.
I tested 6 different sock brands over 8 months. Here's what actually worked.
What I Actually Use: Yonex Sports Socks
$12-18 per pair
I've been using these for over a year. They have thick cushioning exactly where you land during lunges—heel and forefoot. The arch compression keeps the sock stable so it doesn't bunch up inside your shoe.
The fabric mix (polyester/nylon blend) pulls sweat away from your skin. After 2-hour sessions in hot gyms, my feet stay dry. No more peeling off soaking wet socks.
Toe seams are flat-stitched, which sounds minor until you realize how much that eliminates friction. Regular socks have raised seams that rub your toenail constantly—that's what causes under-toe blisters.
Downsides: They're expensive for socks. $15-18 per pair adds up when you need 3-4 pairs. But they last 6+ months with weekly washing, so the cost-per-wear is actually decent.
Check price on Amazon →For Maximum Cushioning: Victor Advanced Cushion Socks
$10-15 per pair
If you land hard after smashes or have heel pain issues, these have the thickest heel padding I've found. They're noticeably softer than the Yonex socks.
The midfoot elastic band prevents sock slippage. Sounds minor but constantly pulling your socks up between rallies is incredibly annoying. These stay put.
Trade-off: The extra cushioning makes them warmer. Fine for air-conditioned indoor courts. Too hot for summer outdoor play.
View on Amazon →Hot Weather Option: Li-Ning Mesh Socks
$8-12 per pair
I use these during summer sessions. The mesh construction on top of the foot allows way more airflow than solid fabric socks. Your feet still sweat, but they don't overheat.
Cushioning is moderate—not as plush as Victor but still way better than regular socks. The heel tab is reinforced to stop the sock from sliding down into your shoe during quick direction changes.
Durability note: They last about 4-6 months with regular use, shorter than the Yonex socks. But at $8-12, they're cheaper to replace.
Check price on Amazon →Budget Pick (If You're Just Starting): PUMA Crew Socks
$15-20 for 3 pairs
Not badminton-specific socks, but they have the key features you need: crew height (covers ankle), cushioned soles, moisture-wicking fabric.
I used these for my first 3 months playing. They're fine for recreational play (1-2 times per week). If you play 3+ times weekly, upgrade to actual badminton socks. The difference in arch support and durability is noticeable.
View on Amazon →What Actually Matters In Badminton Socks
Crew height (above ankle): Ankle socks expose the Achilles area. During deep lunges, your shoe collar rubs directly on skin. That's how you get blisters on your heel and ankle. Crew socks cover this entirely.
NO cotton: Cotton absorbs sweat and stays wet. Wet fabric creates friction. Friction creates blisters. Use polyester, nylon, or merino wool blends that wick moisture away from skin.
Arch compression: Elastic band around midfoot keeps the sock from bunching inside your shoe. Also provides mild arch support which reduces foot fatigue during long sessions.
Cushioned heel and forefoot: These are your impact zones. Extra padding absorbs shock when you land after jump smashes and prevents hot spots during rapid footwork.
Flat-stitched toe seams: Regular socks have thick raised seams at the toe. After 2 hours, this rubs against your toenail and causes under-toe blisters. Flat stitching eliminates this completely.
⚠️ Sizing Matters: Badminton socks should fit snug but not tight. Too loose and they bunch up. Too tight and they cut circulation. Most brands use shoe size ranges (Men's 8-11). Check the size chart—don't guess.
How Many Pairs You Actually Need
Buy at least 3 pairs if you play twice a week. One for each session plus a backup while the others are washing.
Wash badminton socks after every use. The sweat and bacteria will destroy the elastic fibers if you reuse them without washing. I learned this the hard way—my first pair lost all arch compression after 2 months because I was rewearing them between washes.
Common Mistake: Wearing Running Socks
Running socks are designed for forward motion. No lateral support. Minimal arch compression. They're optimized for heel-to-toe rolling, not side-to-side pivoting.
I see beginners show up in thin running socks all the time. They're fine for casual play, but if you're playing 2-3 times weekly you'll develop blisters within a month. Just skip straight to proper badminton socks.
đź’ˇ What I Wish I Knew Earlier
Socks seem like a minor detail compared to rackets and shoes. But blisters will force you to modify your footwork. You'll start avoiding deep lunges because they hurt. That creates bad habits that are hard to fix later.
Spending $30-50 on 3 pairs of good socks eliminates this problem permanently. Do it now, not after you get sidelined for a week like I did.
Next Step: Get Proper Shoes Too
Good socks won't help if you're wearing the wrong shoes. Check out our badminton shoes guide to learn about ankle support and court grip. Or read why running shoes are terrible for badminton.