If you've been competing in Taekwondo recently, you probably know that getting your hands on daedo socks gen 2 is a total game-changer for your scoring accuracy. It wasn't that long ago that we were all complaining about missed points or sensors that just didn't seem to wake up when they were supposed to. But with the second generation of this electronic footwear, things have definitely smoothed out on the mats.
For anyone who has spent hours drilling roundhouse kicks only to have the electronic scoring system (PSS) ignore a perfectly placed shot, you know the frustration. The Gen 2 version was basically designed to fix those "ghost" hits and make sure that when you land, you actually see the numbers go up on the scoreboard. Let's dive into what makes these things different and why they've become the standard for pretty much every major tournament these days.
What Actually Changed from the First Version?
If you look at the original Daedo electronic foot protectors and then look at the daedo socks gen 2, you might not see a massive difference at first glance. They both have that distinctive black fabric and the little sensor "dots" positioned around the foot. But the real magic is in the internal layout.
The Gen 2 socks actually have more sensors—usually eleven distributed across the foot—which covers more surface area. This is huge because, in the heat of a match, you aren't always hitting with a perfect, flat instep. Sometimes it's the side of the foot, sometimes it's the heel, or that weird angle during a clinch. The increased sensor count means the system is way more likely to register a valid strike even if your foot positioning isn't 100% textbook.
Plus, the way these sensors communicate with the trunk protector (the hogu) feels a lot more stable. You don't get as many of those annoying "sensor not found" errors that used to delay matches and drive coaches crazy. It's just a more reliable piece of tech overall.
The Feel and Fit on the Mat
Let's talk about comfort for a second. Old-school electronic gear often felt like you were wearing a bulky medical boot. It was stiff, awkward, and kind of messed with your footwork. One of the best things about the daedo socks gen 2 is how they've managed to keep them relatively slim.
They use a high-quality elastic fabric that's breathable but still holds the sensors tight against your skin. You don't want these things sliding around mid-kick. If the sock shifts, the sensor moves, and suddenly you're hitting the hogu with a blank spot on your foot. The Gen 2 design stays put much better than its predecessor.
One tip though: sizing is everything. If you buy them too big, they'll bunch up and feel like you're wearing a loose slipper. If they're too small, they'll squeeze your toes and make your foot cramp up by the second round. Most people find that they need a snug fit—almost like a second skin—to get the best performance.
Durability: Are They Worth the Price?
We all know this gear isn't exactly cheap. When you're dropping a decent chunk of change on daedo socks gen 2, you want to know they aren't going to fall apart after three sessions.
The good news is that the stitching and the reinforced areas around the toes and heel are a lot sturdier now. Taekwondo involves a lot of friction—sliding across the mats, clashing with an opponent's shins, and constant pivoting. The Gen 2 socks are built to handle that abrasion a bit better.
However, they are still electronic devices. You can't just treat them like a regular pair of gym socks. If you're walking around the venue on concrete or rough surfaces while wearing them, you're going to shred the bottoms. Most experienced fighters keep their socks in their bag until they're actually ready to step onto the mats. It's a simple way to make sure those expensive sensors don't get crushed or worn down prematurely.
Why the Sensitivity Matters
In the world of Taekwondo, the "threshold" is everything. That's the amount of pressure or impact needed to trigger a point. The daedo socks gen 2 are specifically tuned to work with the latest software updates in the Daedo PSS system.
What's interesting is that these socks are sensitive enough to pick up flicking kicks, which have become a big part of the modern game. While some traditionalists might miss the days of "power-only" scoring, the reality is that the Gen 2 gear allows for a more technical, fast-paced style of fighting. If you're a light, fast kicker, these socks are basically your best friend. They pick up those quick touches that older systems might have missed entirely.
Taking Care of Your Gen 2 Socks
If you want your daedo socks gen 2 to last through a whole season (and maybe the next one), you've got to be smart about maintenance. Don't throw them in the washing machine. I've seen people do this and it's a disaster. The heat and the tumbling can ruin the internal sensors and the wiring.
The best way to clean them is to hand wash them in cool water with a tiny bit of mild detergent. Then, and this is the important part, let them air dry. Never put them in the dryer. Also, try to keep them flat when you store them in your gear bag. If you fold them up into a tiny ball, you're putting unnecessary stress on the sensors. A little bit of care goes a long way toward keeping them functional.
Another pro-tip: check your sensors before a big tournament. Sometimes a bit of dust or sweat can build up. A quick wipe-down can ensure you're getting the best possible connection when you're under the lights and every point counts.
Final Thoughts on the Gen 2 Upgrade
At the end of the day, Taekwondo is evolving, and the gear has to keep up. Moving to the daedo socks gen 2 isn't just about following a trend; it's about making sure you're on an even playing field. There's nothing worse than losing a match because your gear failed you, and the Gen 2 design significantly lowers the chances of that happening.
They're more comfortable, they score more accurately, and they're built to survive the grind of a high-level tournament. Whether you're a casual practitioner looking to get into your first local competition or a seasoned black belt aiming for the nationals, these socks are pretty much an essential part of your kit now.
Just remember to get the right size, treat them with a bit of respect, and focus on landing those kicks. The tech will handle the rest! It's honestly a relief to see how far electronic scoring has come, and the Gen 2 gear is a perfect example of that progress. No more "what happened to my point?"—just clean, fast, and accurate scoring. Now, go get on the mats and put them to work!