The Elite ($15) sock is a match level sock designed to provide support over comfort.  The fiber used is entirely synthetic and has a mesh patch at the back for breathability.  This over the calf/fold-over sock has a professional look and feel.

The adidas Elite is a top flight sock targeted at the elite player.  The fiber is a polyester/nylon/lycra knit blend that does not breath well.  To compensate, the knit is very thin with a mesh section at the back of the calf.  The arch uses a compression knit to provide additional support.  This has the added benefit of holding the sock tightly in place inside the boot.  The ankle uses a similar compression knit to support the shin guards.  In this, it does not work nearly as well.  Also, the tighter arch and ankle can make donning the socks more difficult.  Players trying to pull from the top to get over shin guards may stretch out the cuff.  Players that roll the sock up, will reduce this problem.

Not all socks are created equal, and neither are all feet. The Elite's thin knit, compression and mess panel make this a targeted product.  Personally, I love it.  On the other hand, most of our younger testers felt it was uncomfortable.  Players needing thicker socks or looking for more padding should look elsewhere.

The socks have proven to be very durable.  We have been testing these for months with little discernable wear.  The socks clean up easily and have shown no signs of stains (we are using a dark blue sock that may hide some stains).  There is some stretching at the calf and cuff.  Also the compression at the ankle is noticeably looser than it was when we started.  Given that, we do feel that the Elite holds up better than most socks we have tested.  Since the Elite will generally be used as a uniform sock, we think it should for last years of game day only wear.