Cycling socks - are they worth it?

[RobertL]

I've only started doing a lot of cycling in the last 18 months - both commuting and group rides. I've done almost 5000km this year - to give an indication of how much I ride.

I have not yet bought any "specialist" cycling socks. In my past, I have played other sports which have been a lot harder on my feet, and have learned the importance of correctly fitting shoes and socks. However, cycling seems really gentle on the feet, and I have just gotten by so far with some run of the mill sports socks.

Is it worth buying proper bike socks to replace them? What is the advantage?

[RonK]

There is nothing special about cycling socks. As a non-weight bearing activity cycling socks play no role in impact absorbtion or muscular support so it is really just a matter of style, or for some cyclists part of the uniform.

Some cyclists have even been known to cycle san socks.

Cycling shoes are generally quite a snug fit in order to maximise the transfer of power to the pedals, so socks tend to be thin, and unless you have the style sense of Lance Armstrong they are usually quite short.

Really all you need is something to prevent chafing and keep your feet cool and dry in summer and warm and dry in winter.

[nickdos]

TLDR - no you don't need cycling specific socks.

I do use cycling specific socks but it's more of an aesthetic issue although I do have a few pairs with bright orange stripes that I prefer for commuting in traffic as they make me feel 1% safer. I also tend to use thicker Merino cycling socks in winter as they keep my toes warmer (needed even with booties in Canberra) but I've also use merino hiking socks from Kathmandu as well.

[Top_Bhoy]

You don't need them but probably due to the elastic element they contain, I find they hold up better and provide a better feel than my general sports socks. They're not too expensive, why not buy a pair or two and try them?

[Patt0]

Subtle and tasteful if your socks are branded same as bike. Unless you are pro and your whole kite is bike manufacturer branded.

That said, for commuting, I just got some plain aldi socks for 14% of the price I paid for my cycling socks. See if the savings pan out.

[AUbicycles]

I see a number of differences, but only you can judge for yourself if it is worth it.


Lifespan
Generally (but not always) a quality pair of socks will last longer and be better fitting. Where as a cheap pair may be cut and stitched closed at the end (tows) and have a seam which can be irritating, quality socks may not - or have better seams.


Fit / Comfort
Some of the premium socks have compression / elastic and in my case, I am not a fan of the compression effect and can't say that compression in cycling socks would even be a performance benefit - but a well fitting sock is more comfortable - particularly on long roads.


Breathability
Breathability is one area where quality socks set themself apart, with the material selection and weave it can mean for many riders the difference between sweaty feet and damp or wet socks and drier feet and dry socks.


Anti-bacterial
Another feature of many premium quality socks is the resistance to bacteria - some use nasty chemicals (which can also wash out over time) and some use material selection and yarns that are resistant. Because a wash in the washing machine may not kill all bacteria - socks that limit or kill off bacteria are a hygienic option.


Cycling Specific Socks
Good sports socks which are not cycling specific can be fine - as you go up the price ranges you will notice that there are sock constructions differences. While pedalling, your feet inside cycling shoes will move differently than if you play tennis and premium socks will introduce different sections with different elasticity, weaves and thicknesses.

Because each rider is different - has a different pedal strokes, different shoes, different requirement for comfort and performance and a different budget - if the right cycling sock for you is not cycling specific - go for it.


Cost
Premium quality cycling socks cost money and when you can get a pair of $2 kmart socks ($6 pack of three) verses $25 or $30 socks, this is a massive price difference, but so is the difference in quality.

However everyone has to decide for themselves and it is not a bad idea to test - if you celebrate Christmas, put a pair of premium socks on the list - but also try some midrange priced socks which are very easy to find at online shops.

I like premium socks and it is really the comfort I like over the cheap and nasty alternatives, plus I appreciate the longevity as cheap and nasties fall apart much faster - from a worn or even holey heel to decaying elastic. There are differences between the premium socks as well - as in the mid-range and budget segment.

And very important, I just wear the pricey cycling socks for cycling and not as general sports socks which will wear them out much faster.



Christopher

[Derny Driver]

......unless you have the style sense of Lance Armstrong they are usually quite short.

They are?

[Derny Driver]

Lance modelling a pair of RonK's cycling socks

[RonK]

Unsurprisingly, Armstrong doesn't wear cycling socks when he is playing tennis.

Anymore than he wears tennis socks while cycling

[RobertL]

...if you celebrate Christmas, put a pair of premium socks on the list - but also try some midrange priced socks which are very easy to find at online shops...

Christopher

The "put them on the Christmas list" is pretty much exactly my plan at this stage.

Thanks for the input, one and all.

[silentC]

My son has the same size feet as me, so having special cycling socks would be a futile exercise as they always seem to end up in his drawer. I did have a pair once and found them nothing special. They went baggy and turned yellow after a few months of use. I just buy ankle-length white socks from the sport sock aisle in Big W. Usually Bonds or similar. Avoid styles that have bulky seams across the toes. I've yet to come back from a ride regretting my sock choice

[Derny Driver]

Unsurprisingly, Armstrong doesn't wear cycling socks when he is playing tennis.
Anymore than he wears tennis socks while cycling

Touche
Im just messing with you mate
Actually sock length decreases as people get older. My son and his mates look like they are wearing Bermuda walk socks when they kit up. In their 30's many cyclists opt for the Cav, Kittel and Boonen style. In the 40s they shrink down to the size of the ones Lance is wearing in your photo. And in the 50's and 60's, tennis sock style. Its a phenomenon known as' old age shrinkage'.

[silentC]

Yep I can vouch for that. We had a young guy from Melbourne here for a few months last year and his socks almost came up to his knees. Same with the other young guns around here. Whereas I, at 51, prefer the quarter-length sports hose. Not quite to the netball sock stage yet but it's coming...

And look, you can get them with a Christmas logo:

https://www.bonds.com.au/mens-christmas ... n-01k.html

[CXCommuter]

You don't need them but probably due to the elastic element they contain, I find they hold up better and provide a better feel than my general sports socks. They're not too expensive, why not buy a pair or two and try them?

I find that cycling socks stay up better so have adopted longer cheap ones (i.e. when on sale) for use with my steel capped work boots after a long period of using thicker walking socks (explorer etc) which I found would not hold up and be annoying.

I have all lengths for days when I feel younger (longer) through to really short ones for when I feel old, naturally I have a lot of short socks for cycling.

[Comedian]

Throughout the 10-minute conversation, Coseglia, who took up biking several months ago and rides an average of 6.5 miles two times per week, repeatedly drew comparisons between his special socks and regular socks, telling a politely nodding Washburn that the differences between the two are "night and day."

http://www.theonion.com/article/cyclist ... ocks-18259

[minhyy]

Aside from their practical purpose, socks are as much a fashion statement as your kit choice. Functionally, some are better than others at wicking moisture or have fewer seams for discomfort etc. As long as the socks help prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable, then everything else is at your discretion.

[Sparx]

If you want cycling socks without paying $30 a pair the dhb range from Wiggle are pretty good.

[P!N20]

I find cycling socks 'breathe' better. Merino cycling socks are da bomb.

[Duck!]

I find cycling socks 'breathe' better. Merino cycling socks are da bomb.

That doesn't distinguish "cycling" socks from any other decent quality sports socks.....

[rodneycc]

I use to be a "Socks are just Socks" person with most of my other sports and was the same when starting out cycling but since I bought some Ground Effect foot soldiers I'm a big convert to good cycling socks. The Foot soldiers are really well contoured to the foot with good compression and just a touch more thickness under the ball of the foot. The NZ merino wool is the best going around for comfort and wicking. I love them and rate as the best going around like your best quality favourite jersey. At $29 a pair plus postage not cheap but just love them.

[lone rider]

I use to be a "Socks are just Socks" person with most of my other sports and was the same when starting out cycling but since I bought some Ground Effect foot soldiers I'm a big convert to good cycling socks. The Foot soldiers are really well contoured to the foot with good compression and just a touch more thickness under the ball of the foot. The NZ merino wool is the best going around for comfort and wicking. I love them and rate as the best going around like your best quality favourite jersey. At $29 a pair plus postage not cheap but just love them.

I was the same, used to just get bonds 3 for $10 or something thinking whats the difference. Then I bought a new full kit and matching socks and couldnt believe the difference. Now have draw full of cycling specific socks, they're always a good basket filler when you need $15 or something to get to free postage.

[P!N20]

I find cycling socks 'breathe' better. Merino cycling socks are da bomb.

That doesn't distinguish "cycling" socks from any other decent quality sports socks.....

Fair point, maybe I should wear my running socks cycling for comparison.

[hamishm]

That doesn't distinguish "cycling" socks from any other decent quality sports socks.....

Some sports socks are cotton. Can't imagine anything less comfortable once you sweat a bit.

[CycloTron]

I reckon cycling specific socks are probably about the same as any good quality performance socks. I tend to go for the ones made from "Coolmax" type fabric for warmer weather and merino ones for cooler weather.

Agree though that a lot of "sports" socks are actually made from cotton (e.g. ones recommended for kids' PE class, Bonds etc.) and would really suck for cycling.

[Duck!]

That doesn't distinguish "cycling" socks from any other decent quality sports socks.....

Some sports socks are cotton. Can't imagine anything less comfortable once you sweat a bit.

Which makes no difference whether you're on foot or bike. Squelchy socks are squelchy socks.