If you've played even one game of rugby, you’ve probably had your foot slide inside your boot at the worst possible time, maybe during a step, a scrum, or right as you went in for a hit.
We’ve all been there.
That’s where grip socks come in. These socks aren’t just a trend — they’re built to solve real problems. And here at Rugby Bricks, we don’t just talk the talk. We took both grip socks and your standard, old-school rugby socks and put them through a full training session to see which actually performs better.
Here’s what we found.
The Setup
We grabbed a few of the lads — different positions, different boot styles, and different preferences. Half wore grip socks, and half wore traditional rugby socks.
We ran through a full training that included:
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Sprint and agility drills
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Goal-kicking (of course)
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Full-contact drills
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Live scrums and mauls
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Game simulation at the end
Every player swapped socks halfway through so we could get feedback on both.
First Impressions: Fit & Feel
Grip Socks:
Straight away, the boys noticed how snug and locked-in grip socks felt. The rubber grip patches underneath meant there was zero slip inside the boot. It felt like the boot was part of the foot, almost like wearing moulded boots again for the first time.
Traditional Socks:
Soft and familiar, but slippery. You don’t really realise how much movement happens inside your boot until you put on grip socks and feel the difference. A few players even said the regular socks now felt “loose” in comparison.
Winner: Grip Socks
The control and fit were better from the get-go.
Agility & Footwork Drills
We set up ladders, cones, and change-of-direction drills. Think sidesteps, shuttle sprints, and hard cuts off both feet.
Grip Socks:
The added traction made a noticeable difference. Less slipping meant faster acceleration and sharper changes of direction. Some of the backs said they felt more confident pushing off their outside foot at full pace.
Traditional Socks:
Slippage showed up most during sudden direction changes. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but there was clearly more movement in the boot, especially as boots got sweatier.
Winner: Grip Socks
Better grip = better footwork. Simple as that.
Kicking Session
This is where Rugby Bricks tees come out — and grip socks were put to the test with repeat goal-kicking drills and long-range punts.
Grip Socks:
Kickers said they felt more planted during their approach and strike. The locked-in feel helped keep their body alignment more consistent, especially on the plant foot.
Traditional Socks:
Still fine for kicking, but small slips in the approach or follow-through added up. Not a massive difference, but noticeable over time, especially under pressure.
Winner: Grip Socks
The added stability gives you that 1% edge. In kicking, that matters.
Contact Drills & Scrums
We went live here. Front rows were fired up, and loose forwards were flying into breakdowns.
Grip Socks:
Props said the grip made them feel way more stable in scrums — they could push harder without sliding inside their boots. Same for backs in defensive line drills — players felt grounded and balanced during tackles.
Traditional Socks:
Same issues we’ve all dealt with: slipping forward during scrums, or your foot shifting mid-contact. One lock said his heel came half out of his boot in a cleanout. Not ideal.
Winner: Grip Socks
They kept players secure during high-impact, high-pressure moments.
Comfort & Durability
Grip Socks:
Surprisingly comfy. No blisters, no hotspots. Players liked that they could wear their club socks over the top to stay in uniform, but still get all the benefits. After the session, they held up well with no tearing or slipping.
Traditional Socks:
Classic and comfortable — but a few players had to pull them up mid-training, especially during full-speed drills. Also, they soak up a lot more sweat.
Winner: Grip Socks (just)
Better performance without giving up comfort.
Final Verdict
After a full training session, the feedback was clear:
Grip socks outperformed traditional rugby socks across almost every area.
They helped with:
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Explosive footwork and acceleration
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More stable goal-kicking
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Improved traction in scrums and tackles
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Fewer slips and injuries
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Greater overall comfort and confidence
The Rugby Bricks Take
At Rugby Bricks, we’re all about performance — giving players at every level the tools to level up their game.
Grip socks might seem like a small detail, but rugby is a game of inches. A more stable foot plant, a cleaner step, a firmer scrum — these things can be the difference between winning and losing.
So whether you’re a kicker, a prop, or a winger looking to fly, grip socks are more than just a trend. They’re a weapon.
Train smart. Stay locked in. Go harder.
If you're ready to try them for yourself,