NBA players have "long moonlighted as style-conscious trendsetters," and in recent years they are "constantly finding ways to tailor their approaches" to how they wear socks in games, according to Scott Cacciola of the N.Y. TIMES. The NBA has "seldom allowed players much wiggle room" when it comes to their socks. Players are "required to wear those manufactured by Nike, which has been the league’s sock partner for six seasons." Some "pull their socks high, while others scrunch them low." Some "want a brand-new pair every game, while others are fine cycling through the same laundered pairs for weeks." There are "even a few players who purposely take their Nike socks, which are labeled left and right, and wear them on the wrong feet." Nike offers "some selection within the margins of its game-sock cosmos." Its socks "come in four lengths: no-show, quarter, crew and tall." Players can "opt for a type of sock called 'Quick,' which is thinner, or 'Power,' which has more padding." Teams typically "order their socks from Nike about a year in advance." Last month, the Warriors "ordered about 2,500 pairs ... for next season." Each team "gets an annual stipend for Nike gear" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/20).
Pelicans F Zion Williamson flips down his Nike socks to reveal the orange stripeGetty Images
