Cycling Socks Guide
Cycling socks might not seem essential but can be the ultimate comfort provider on a ride. You wouldn't skimp on a pair of quality gloves, so why shouldn't your feet have the same comfort. No serious road cyclist would be seen without a good pair of cycling socks to match the rest of their kit and are appropriate to the season. Mountain bikers will adore the properties of seasonal socks.
With perfect fabrics for each situation, moisture-wicking with breathability to keep you dry. Anti-bacterial and odour-resistant fabrics for multi-day use on long trips and to keep your shoes fresh. Summer socks are fresh and let the air flow through, winter socks keep the cold at bay and keep you riding through the worst of the weather.
Summer
Breathability is key
When cycling in the heat of the summer your feet can quickly overheat, as well as being generally uncomfortable, on long rides it can lead to blisters and stinky feet. A good pair of summer socks have reinforced areas to reduce any rub, and are made from breathable anti-bacterial fabrics that greatly improve comfort on the bike. They are quick-drying and generally low cut.
Winter
Cosy toes
Cycling through winter has many advantages, though one area often overlooked when gathering cycling clothing in the socks. Toes are not used much when cycling and are at the front of the cold wind and spray from the front wheel. It is not enough to simply have a thick warm sock, if they are too thick then the shoe will be tight and restrict circulation if the material cannot breathe then any sweat can then lead to wet and cold toes. Winter cycling socks are made from the most breathable materials with the greatest warmth to weight ratio.
Waterproof
Warm and dry
Waterproof socks can mean the difference between a cold, miserable ride and a fun and comfortable one. Many rides do not have dedicated winter shoes so a waterproof sock is essential. Road riders constantly have spray from the front wheel soaking their feet while mountain bikers spend the winter months constantly on wet trails. A waterproof sock will often be made up of a liner to wick away sweat, a waterproof membrane sandwiched between the outer layer. They are available in different lengths, for the ultimate in winter riding then long socks are best, when worn with waterproof trousers they help give the ultimate in protection to keep you riding and improving skills and fitness through the worst of it.
Merino
Natural
Merino wool is a wonder material for cyclists. It is wool originating from Merino sheep that typically live in harsh, wet and cold environments. Their dense insulating wool is the perfect material for all sorts of cycling clothing, especially socks. It keeps you warm when it's cold, and cool when it's warm outside. It is highly breathable, wicking moisture away from the skin, antibacterial helping you feel fresh along with being lightweight and soft. Merino has some amazing properties but it's the ability to keep you insulated even when wet through is invaluable to cyclists.
Compression Socks
Improve performance
Compression socks are mainly used by road riders especially those who compete in time trials and triathlons, though some mountain bikers also see the benefits. Compression socks help to stop the build up of fluid in the muscle during and after a ride through compression, this helps the sore pain that can be felt and aids recovery time. They reduce performance fatigue, circulation is improved that can have a dramatic effect in performance.
