Cutting football socks for grip socks: how to do it right
Look at the legs of any professional footballer and you will spot it straight away: the team sock stops above the calf, and underneath sits another sock with a grip sole. From the Jupiler Pro League to the Premier League, players cut off their team socks to wear grip socks underneath. In this guide we explain why they do it, how to do it yourself in four steps, and which mistakes to avoid.
Why do footballers cut their socks?
Club socks are made for the look of the team, not for the performance of your feet. The smooth polyester lets your foot slide inside your boot with every sprint, cut and turn. Grip socks solve that with a silicone anti-slip pattern that locks your foot into your boot: more stability, faster changes of direction and fewer blisters.
But match rules and your club still expect you to play in the official socks. The pros' solution: cut off the foot section of the team sock, put on the grip sock, and wear the remaining part of the team sock over it. That way you keep the club look and the grip.
What do you need?
- Your team socks (the official match socks)
- A pair of scissors
- A pair of grip socks
- Optional: GT GRIP Tapes or sock tape to keep the transition tight
Step by step: cutting your team socks
Step 1: mark the cutting line. Put the team sock on and mark a point around the widest part of your calf; a hand's width above the ankle works for most players. Cut too low rather than too high: you can always trim more.
Step 2: cut all the way round. Take the sock off, lay it flat and cut in one smooth line all the way round. A slightly jagged edge is no problem; it disappears under the overlap.
Step 3: put on your grip socks. Choose your normal shoe size; our size guide helps if in doubt. The silicone grip belongs on the underside, directly against your sole.
Step 4: team sock on top, with overlap. Slide the cut part of the team sock over your calf until it overlaps the top edge of your grip sock by a few centimetres. Want nothing to shift during the match? Secure the transition with GT GRIP Tapes: reusable, and you save a roll of tape every week.
The three common mistakes
- Cutting too high. Then there is not enough sock left to cover the shin guard. Measure twice, cut once.
- Letting the edge fray. Most modern team socks barely fray, but if you cut an older knitted sock, make a small fold or secure the edge with tape.
- Grip socks in the wrong size. A grip sock that is too big folds under your foot and cancels out the benefit. Between two sizes? Choose the smaller one for a snug fit.
Prefer not to cut? This is the alternative
Not everyone wants to cut into club socks, and with rented or club-managed kits it is sometimes not allowed. That is what footless sleeve socks are for: a calf sleeve without a foot, in your team's colours. Combine the sleeve with your grip socks and you get exactly the same result, without scissors. The GT Pro Sleeve Socks start from €10 and dry faster than standard team socks.
Want everything in one go? Pick a complete set at a combined price: grip socks, sleeves and tapes together.
Frequently asked questions
Does the referee allow cut socks?
Yes, as long as your lower leg is covered and the colours match your team's kit. That is exactly why pros wear the remaining part of the team sock over their grip socks.
How do I wash grip socks after the match?
At 30 °C, inside out, and not in the dryer; that keeps the silicone grip in top condition for years. All details are in our washing instructions.
Does this work for youth players too?
Absolutely. Grip socks start at size EU 34-37, and the cutting works the same way. For young players the sleeve alternative is often easier.
Ready to feel the difference? Discover the Classic GT GRIP Socks, the grip sock worn by players from youth level to national teams.