Used to be that the golf sock market was occupied by FootJoy, a few athletic companies like Nike, Puma and adidas, and some smaller companies such as Stance and Kentwool. But several newcomers have been pushing their goods in the category this year.

What makes a sock appropriate for golf, you ask? Other than colors and styling, some socks are built thicker where you need them to be – for places your feet tend to roll on during a swing. Others are individually anatomically correct for left and right feet within a pair, for added comfort and better fit. And they’re generally breathable, so that your feet don’t stink after you walk off the 18th green.

I’ve been trying pairs from several new brands this year. The first is TCK, which prides itself on making customized premium socks. “Golf offers a client that is obsessed with quality premium product,” says Eric Zack, director of sales at TCK. “Golfers do, or at least should, demand a performance product for their feet while playing 18 holes.” The brand offers 44 base colors, in various lengths, sizes and patterns. The golf socks feature arch support, double welt tops, performance yarn and breathable mesh. I’ve been wearing the brand’s crew socks the past few days and find them to be super comfortable, comfortable-fitting, and well-made. Feels like they’ll last a long time – something I can’t usually say about any brand because I tend to wear out socks quickly.

Then there are some from Tall Order, a brand brought to you by baseball player Aaron Judge. While not technically for golf only, they are being marketed to golfers. Available in low-cut, quarter-crew, and mid-calf crew styles, the socks feature grippers for stabilization and support, moisture wicking, mesh ventilation, comfort stretch, seam-free toes, arch support, energy yarn for compression, cushioned heel tab to prevent blisters, and a cushioned foot bed — all great for the golf course. They’re sized for everyone, including men who wear up to size 20 shoes. The socks I tried are nice.

The other one I’ve tried recently is a pair from Feetures. Although the company offers socks for other sports, as well, it seems headed big-time into golf. I happened to be playing golf in Palm Springs a few weeks ago and Feetures was doing a large golf photo shoot on property. Regardless, the “no blisters” tagline caught my eye on the packaging. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve worn low-cut socks out on the course, only to get the backs of my ankles chaffed because the sock sunk down below the cuff line during my swing. These have an anatomical design that enhances the fit and reduces the risk for blisters. If that wasn’t enough to sell me, they also have targeted compression in specific zones for where you need the best-possible fit and support. There’s also no toe seams. Plus, they’re made with iWick fibers that keep feet cool and dry in the heat. And in the spirit of sustainability, they're manufactured with yarn made from recycled plastic.

There are other good brands out there. But if you try some of these, you may well discover that it can add comfort to every step and swing you take on the course.