Some may be surprised to hear that socks play an important role in the cycling kit. Wearing the wrong or ill-fitting cycling socks can lead them to slip, cause pressure points and blisters, make your feet sweat and quickly lose their fit. The socks are therefore one of the decisive factors that ensure a comfortable ride.
Cycling socks are not only made for professional cyclists, but also everyday cyclists, tourers, mountain bikers and racing cyclists. These individuals also need to equip themselves with cycling socks that fit correctly to enhance their performance when cycling. The ideal cycling socks are the ones you don’t even notice when cycling. In other words, they don’t slip, pinch and they ensure a comfortable microclimate.
Depending on the area of use, type of bike and cycling shoes, cyclists prefer different types of socks. From well-padded and long downhill socks for mountain bikers to thin and very well-ventilated socks for road cyclists, sock manufacturers such as Maloja, Falke or Pearl Izumi have a wide selection with many functional details to ensure a balance of breathability, fit and padding.
Great material blends for a top performance
Good cycling socks need to have a comfortable, secure fit and be able to wick moisture away from the feet. Ordinary socks, which are mostly made of cotton, do not fit properly, nor do they provide a secure hold or breathability. Although these socks are often marketed as sports socks, they are anything but ideal for doing activities. For instance, after a strenuous bike ride, they are usually soaked with sweat and after several bike rides they are so worn out that they no longer fit properly.
Adapted materials
High-quality cycling socks are made from different materials. The individual fabrics are used in different areas and influence the padding on the toes, the secure fit of the heel and the removal of moisture through an air-permeable mesh fabric. Plus, they are adapted to the different types of cycling, so that mountain bikers and road cyclists have the best socks for their needs. As a result, they offer recreational athletes and professional cyclists optimal efficiency and very good durability.
You can usually find the following materials in various combinations:
- Polyamide: the synthetic fibre ensures good durability.
- Polyester: can be used with other fibres and offers good breathability and stability.
- Elastane: the elastic synthetic fibre ensures a perfect fit. This allows the socks to fit like a second skin and guarantees maximum mobility.
- Meryl Skinlife: with its silver content, this synthetic fibre has an antibacterial and odour-inhibiting effect.
- Merino wool: the natural fibre from merino sheep not only has an odour-inhibiting effect, but also ensures comfort in both cold and warm conditions. The wool continues to provide warmth even if it gets damp.
- Silk: as a component of Primaloft Silk, it can be used to make thin cycling socks with very good thermal performance.
Athletic design and comfortable fit
The material of cycling socks is divided into comfort zones and functional areas. The individual areas often differ from each other in colour and can be identified by their different structures.
They are often equipped with comfortable reinforcements at the toes and heels. The mesh fabric with its numerous small openings on the top of the socks and on the leg ensures good air flow. Depending on the sock, the construction is supplemented by stabilising middle bands, compression cuffs and metatarsal compression. In addition, flat seams make the socks feel seamless.
Thin and snug-fitting cycling socks for road cyclists and mountain bikers ensure a very comfortable fit in your cycling shoes. Plus, to achieve the most direct power transfer possible to the cycling shoes and clipless pedals, socks for races and ambitious road cyclists are thinner.
In contrast, socks for mountain bikers are usually longer, have more padding and are softer. Mountain bikers typically don’t mind the reduced power transfer ability on long off-road tours, as the MTB socks offer significantly more comfort. Whether you’re a mountain biker or a road cyclist, you don’t have to compromise on padding and ventilation, as the cycling socks ensure a great fit and a good athletic performance.
Warm cycling socks for winter
While cyclists always look for socks with an ideal ratio of breathability and comfort in summer, warm cycling socks are required for the colder seasons. Manufacturers like to use merino wool to protect cyclists’ feet from the cold. Despite the additional insulation, the socks still offer a perfect fit and won’t slip.
Warm cycling socks can protect you against the cold and wind. Plus, even when it’s damp outside, winter socks provide better protection than thin socks in spring and summer.
Weatherproof: overshoes and waterproof socks
To keep your feet dry in rainy and very wet conditions, some manufacturers offer waterproof cycling socks. They are just as stretchy and snug-fitting as other cycling socks.
For example, waterproof cycling socks from Gore Bike Wear are equipped with a waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX membrane. This also offers breathability properties and ensures a comfortable microclimate. However, the wind and moisture won’t be able to penetrate through.
An alternative to waterproof cycling socks that road cyclists and mountain bikers like to use are waterproof overshoes. As the name suggests, they are worn over your cycling shoes. They have an opening in the sole that allows you to walk with them on and clip yourself into your clipless pedals. Another practical feature of overshoes is that you can quickly put them on and take them off in changing weather conditions.
Plus, in addition to keeping your socks dry, they will also protect your cycling shoes. As a result, you won’t need to dry your shoes after riding through puddles or mud. The overshoes, on the other hand, dry quickly. Many cyclists like to take them along on multi-day bike tours.
Conclusion
As you can see, the right cycling socks can make every cyclist’s experience a lot better and easier. Constantly pulling up your socks, suffering from pressure marks and blisters or sweating can all be avoided. So here’s to your next great bike ride!
