Short answer: SZOKZ makes two kinds of sock. The High Intensity Sport Socks have knitted grip zones under the ball and heel plus an arch compression band. Everything else — the patterned All Sport socks, the ankle-cut socks and the Summit walking sock — is a compression sock: same arch band, same fabric, same reinforced heel and toe, but no grip. So the first question is whether you need grip. The second is height and colour. This page lays that out so you can pick without reading four product pages.

The range at a glance

Range Grip zones Arch compression Height Colours Shop
High Intensity Sport Socks Yes — ball and heel Yes Crew (mid-calf) Plain: white, navy, blue, red, yellow, neon yellow High Intensity
All Sport Compression Socks No Yes Crew (mid-calf) Patterned and two-tone: polka dots, purple & yellow, blue & green, white/grey/black All Sport
Ankle-Cut Compression Socks No Yes Ankle / low-cut White, orange Ankle
Summit Walking Socks No Yes Crew (mid-calf) Summit colourway Summit

All four: S (UK 3–5), M (UK 6–8), L (UK 9–11), XL (UK 12–14). £7.99 a pair, £24.00 for four (£6.00 per pair), £30.00 for six (£5.00 per pair). Free UK delivery on orders over £30.

What's the same across the range

  • Arch band. An elasticated wrap around the mid-foot rated at 20–30 mmHg. It keeps the sock in place over a long session. It's a localised arch wrap, not a graduated leg compression sock.
  • Reinforced heel and toe. The two places a sports sock wears through first.
  • Moisture-wicking, odour-resistant blend. 65% nylon with polyester and spandex; no cotton.
  • Care. Machine wash at 30°C inside out; don't tumble dry or iron; air dry flat.

Decision 1: do you need grip?

Grip zones are knitted traction under the ball of the foot and the heel. They work between the sock and the lining of your shoe, so the sock doesn't slide when you push, turn, stop or drive. They're on the inside of the shoe — these aren't studio or Pilates floor socks.

You want grip if your foot or sock moves inside the shoe and that bothers you: rowing (foot fixed to a plate), football and rugby (tight boot, wet conditions, cutting), cricket (long day in a stiff boot, sprinting from standstill), gym conditioning and change-of-direction work, or any shared or slightly-loose shoe. If you've ever pulled a sock back up mid-session, that's the sign.

You don't need grip if the shoe already holds your foot and what you want is a sock that stays up, keeps feet dry and lasts: steady-state running, cycling, walking in a boot that fits, gym machine work, everyday training. The compression socks do that job and cost the same.

If you're unsure, the High Intensity socks do everything the compression socks do plus the grip. The only reasons to choose a compression sock over them are colour, ankle height, or that you don't want grip texture underfoot.

Decision 2: crew or ankle

The grip socks, All Sport socks and Summit are all crew length (mid-calf). Only the ankle-cut range is low.

Crew is right for anything that comes over the ankle bone or where the sock sits under a strap, pad or another sock: rowing shoes, cricket boots, football boots under the team sock, walking boots, high-top trainers, erg straps. A crew sock can't slide below the collar of the shoe.

Ankle suits low trainers where you want less sock: gym classes, road running, warm-weather training. Note that the ankle range is compression only — there is no ankle grip sock. If you want grip, it's crew.

Decision 3: colour

Decision 4: is the Summit different?

The Summit is the compression sock aimed at walking: crew height for a boot cuff, moisture-wicking so the sock dries rather than soaks, arch band to stop it migrating on descents, reinforced heel and toe for boot wear. It does not have grip zones. It's synthetic — not merino, not waterproof, not an insulated winter sock. For what that means on a walk, see the hiking guide. If you specifically want grip in a boot, the High Intensity socks are the ones with it.

By sport

Sport Recommended Why Guide
Rowing (erg and boat) High Intensity (grip) Foot fixed to the plate; grip stops the sock sliding in the shoe Rowing guide
Gym and conditioning High Intensity (grip) for free weights and conditioning; compression for machines Grip matters where the foot drives and turns Gym guide
Cricket High Intensity (grip) — white for whites Long day in a stiff boot; sprinting from standstill Cricket guide
Football and rugby High Intensity (grip), under the team sock Tight boot, wet pitch, cutting Football boots guide
Walking and hiking Summit (compression); High Intensity if you want grip Moisture and fit are the main problem on a walk Hiking guide
Running, cycling, classes Ankle or All Sport compression Shoe holds the foot; you want dry and stays-up —

Common questions

Which SZOKZ socks have grip?
Only the High Intensity Sport Socks — the six plain-colour crew socks. Everything else is a compression sock.

Is there an ankle grip sock?
No. The ankle range is compression only.

Are the compression socks worse?
No — they're the same sock without the grip zones. If your shoe holds your foot, they do everything you need. Grip is for when it doesn't.

Which is the thickest / most cushioned?
They're the same construction; none is a heavyweight padded sock.

What does "in-shoe grip" mean?
The grip works between the sock and the lining of your shoe. It isn't on the outside of the sole, so these aren't Pilates or studio floor socks. More in grip socks vs ordinary sport socks.

Sizing, care and delivery?
All in the FAQ.

Hazel Gleed writes the SZOKZ Journal.