Achilles support: what the reinforced bands in our socks do

Every push-off, every split-step and every sudden stop loads the back of your heel. And it is also exactly where the shoe collar rubs.

That is why our crew and compression socks have reinforced bands around the Achilles area. Here is what they do.

How can a sock support the Achilles area?

A sock can support the Achilles area in three ways: reinforced bands keep the heel of the sock locked in place, an extra layer sits between your skin and the shoe collar, and crew height with an extended cuff covers the area completely. A sock protects and supports, but it does not treat an Achilles injury.

Why the Achilles area takes a beating

• Explosive push-offs. Every first step towards the ball starts at the back of the heel.
• Sudden stops. Braking drives the heel back into the shoe.
• The shoe collar. It rubs the same spot thousands of times per match.
• Socks that slip. A low or loose sock slides down under the heel, leaving skin exposed to the collar.

What our reinforced bands do

Keep the sock in place

The bands hold the heel pocket where it belongs, so the sock cannot creep down into the shoe during play.

Protect against the collar

A reinforced layer sits between your skin and the back of the shoe, reducing friction and irritation where the collar rubs.

Add stability at the heel

A heel pocket that stays put means your foot sits more securely in the shoe, which matters on every change of direction.

Where you will find them

• Padel Crew: reinforced bands to secure the Achilles during smashes, pivots and lunges.
• Tennis Crew: Achilles support with crew-height coverage.
• Compression: two supportive bands and an extended cuff to protect the ankle and Achilles from friction.

Low cut socks are lighter but give less coverage at the back of the heel. If the collar of your shoe tends to rub, choose crew height. More in crew vs ankle vs low cut.

A note on pain

Our socks are sports socks, not medical devices. If you feel pain in your Achilles tendon that does not go away with rest, see a physiotherapist or doctor before you keep playing.

Protect the back of your heel

Every Active Rock feature, explained in one place: the technology inside every Active Rock sock. Or go straight to the Padel Crew and Tennis Crew.