The function of socks on basketball sneakers?

Factual Questions
1

I know what it is partly, on account of I’ve got a blister on one of my toes after playing a pickup game yesterday, but I could just put a preventive bandaid, couldn’t I, on that spot the next time I play basketball in those sneakers, right? And no blister.

I left the socks off because I foolishly bought the sneakers in a hurry a few months ago, thought they were acceptably snug, and they turned out to be mildly unacceptably smug, and resistent to loosening with wear, so I experimented with omitting the socks. The sneakers did fit better, and I can put a bandaid on that point the next time, but what else am I going to miss by playing sockless?

2

I’d think the main reason for socks would be something to deal with sweat. That and traction. I’d guess that without a sock, your foot would slide around inside the shoe, especially once your foot gets sweaty.

3

I agree with the sweat. My feet stink if I don’t wear socks, and, if I do it often, the shoes start stinking in a way that I can’t ever get the smell completely out. It’s even worse if they aren’t real leather.

4

your body will move against the shoes when the shoe stops moving, this could be irritating. the socks give some cushioning and friction buffering.

5

John Wooden knew socks were important.