Rank: | Photo: | Model: | Rating: | More Info: |
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL Compressprint Men and Women Cycling Socks | ||
#2 |  | RUNNER UP BESYL Performance Cycling Socks for Men and Women | ||
#3 |  | DANISH ENDURANCE Cycling Socks for Men & Women | ||
#4 |  | GuaziV Cycling Socks for Men & Women | ||
#5 |  | Swiftwick VISION SIX IMPRESSION Cycling Socks |
Cycling accessories are a vital element that determines your overall biking experience. The right gear prevents injuries and significantly improves riding performance.
When you think about bike gear, cycling socks may not be one of the first things that come to mind.
But they are one of the most underrated yet crucial accessories—the best cycling socks go a long way to prevent sweaty feet, injuries, and more.
Choosing the best pair of cycling socks can be tricky. Your summer socks must be breathable and lightweight, while your winter socks should provide warmth. They should have ample padding in the right areas to provide cushioning, support, and comfort on long rides.
We have rounded up the five best socks for cycling to help you choose a pair that meets all your riding needs.
Best Cycling Socks – Recommendations for 2020/2021
Best Overall: Compressprint Men and Women Cycling Socks
This is one of the best winter cycling socks on the market, crafted from a blend of 80% nylon and 20% spandex. They are soft, stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
They are especially great for winter as they provide a high level of compression, which provides blood circulation to your foot muscles—crucial in frigid temperatures.
Their superior compression also provides fantastic recovery performance and reduces pressure, soreness, fatigue, and cramping. They remain secure on your feet as you pedal, with no risk of sliding around in your shoes.
They also come in various eye-catching colors for a stylish aesthetic that will make you want to hit the road every day and flaunt your style.
Compressprint’s cycling socks can also be used for running, gym, and other sports and workouts. They are also long-lasting, so they are a versatile and worthwhile investment.
Specs
- Material: 80% nylon and 20% spandex
- Size: US Women 22.5 to 24.5 cm and US Men 24.5 to 26.5 cm
- Color: Multi-color
Pros
- Great for cold climates
- Suitable for all seasons
- Soft and comfortable
- Stretchy and form-fitting
- High breathability
- Moisture-wicking and sweat-absorbent
- Blood circulation to the leg and foot muscles
- Reduces pressure, fatigue, soreness, and cramps in the feet and legs
- Superior recovery performance
- Durable
- Unisex
- Snug, secure fit
- Value for money
- Attractive colors
Cons
- It may be too thick for hot climates
- Limited sizes
Runner Up: BESYL Performance Cycling Socks for Men and Women
Are you a racing enthusiast or mountain biker who needs the best cold-weather cycling socks to keep your feet warm? Look no further than the BESYL Performance Cycling Socks for Men and Women. They are crafted using the latest compression technology, making them great for cold temperatures.
These low-cut ankle socks feature a gradient compression that covers the arch of the foot to below the ankle. This provides targeted foot support and enhances blood circulation. Better blood flow means you can easily ride for long hours and distances and recover much faster.
The socks also have an arch support band for additional support. They are made from nylon, spandex, and covered yarn, a combination that wicks moisture and sweat away from the skin to keep it cool and dry. This means these cushioned cycling socks are also great for spring and summer.
They also have a snug, comfortable, non-slip fit with a big Y heel and a strong elastic cuff top and arch. This prevents the socks from slipping off on long rides; instead, they seamlessly move with your feet. Their superior design prevents friction, blisters, soreness, itching, irritation, odor, and other cycling problems.
They provide excellent insulation for riding in cold weather. Their smooth and seamless toe stitches eliminate friction on the toes and deliver extra comfort.
These socks feature a built-in upper mesh vent that lets out heat and improves the breathability of the socks. Meanwhile, the unique fiber technology provides year-round temperature control so you can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The tall crew cuff height is great for road bikers and other cyclists who prefer longer lengths. The reinforced heel and toe provide maximum cushioning and durability in abrasion-prone areas. Even if you fall off your bike, the socks will protect the covered areas from scrapes, grazes, and cuts.
These cycling socks can also be used for other activities such as running, walking, hiking, camping, climbing, marathons, triathlons, fitness training, basketball, and so on.
They can be worn by men and women and are one of the best women’s cycling socks. They offer a one-size fit so anyone can wear them out on their next ride!
If you need one more reason to buy these high-quality socks, they come in a set of five colorful pairs. This means you can switch your sock color daily depending on your mood.
Specs
- Material: 75% nylon, 20% covered yarn, 5% spandex
- Size: 24 to 28 cm
- Color: Multi-color
Pros
- Gradient compression for targeted foot support and better blood flow
- Arch support band for greater support to the foot muscles
- Suitable for all seasons
- Moisture-wicking technology
- Comfortable, non-slip fit
- Eliminates friction, blisters, itching, soreness, odor, and other foot problems
- Highly breathable due to built-in upper mesh vent
- Seamless toe stitches for additional comfort
- Optimal temperature control throughout the year
- Reinforced heel and toe for superior cushioning in abrasion-prone areas
- Multipurpose
- Unisex
- Set of five pairs
Cons
- Not thick enough for below-freezing temperatures
- Limited sizes
Alternative: DANISH ENDURANCE Cycling Socks for Men & Women
DANISH ENDURANCE is a leading sport and outdoor brand from Denmark known for its beautiful designs and premium materials. These ankle crew cycling socks are a fine example of the brand’s high quality and performance.
The socks boast an ergonomic, custom fit that lies comfortably on your feet and moves with them easily. They are made from Prolen, nylon, and elastane, which means they are highly breathable, sweat-wicking, and lightweight. Your feet will stay fresh, dry, and comfortable even on long, sweaty rides.
The ventilation channels under, along, and over the feet further help keep your feet cool and dry. The padded anti-blister zones in the heel, foot, and toe areas provide a good amount of targeted protection to prevent friction, blisters, soreness, and itching.
Engineered for cycling enthusiasts, these socks will help you reach optimal riding performance. Moreover, they can be used for road racing, mountain biking, high-intensity training, bike tours, and even triathlons. They are also great to wear when you’re spinning at the gym, as they’re one of the best cycling socks for peloton riders.
The socks are designed for men and women and are available in various sizes. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a pair that fits you to a T.
These socks have undergone various tests to ensure they meet the highest performance and material endurance standards. They are responsibly made under fair working conditions and come with recycled paper packaging.
The material blend is OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified and free from harmful substances. They are undoubtedly a sustainable and eco-friendly product you would be proud to own.
You can contact the brand’s customer service team if you have any issues with these socks. They are known for their excellent customer support and will help you find the best solution for your query.
Specs
- Material: 56% Prolen, 39% nylon, and 5% elastane
- Size: Small (US Women 5-7 and US Men 3.5-6), Medium (US Women 8-10 and US Men 6.5-8.5), and Large (US Women 11-13 and US Men 9.5-12.5)
- Color: Black
Pros
- High-quality material blend
- Ergonomic, comfortable fit
- High breathability
- Moisture-wicking
- Lightweight
- Ventilation channels under, along, and over the feet to keep them cool and dry
- Padded anti-blister zones for targeted protection
- Keeps away friction, blisters, soreness, and irritation
- Achieve maximum cycling performance
- Multipurpose
- Unisex
- Comes in different sizes
- Undergoes many tests to ensure high levels of performance and endurance
- Free from harmful substances
- Great customer service
Cons
- Cushioning could be better
- Relatively expensive
- Single color option
Alternative: GuaziV Cycling Socks for Men & Women
GuaziV Cycling Socks for Men & Women is one of our top picks for cycling socks for summer. Their blend of polyester and spandex enhances their comfort quotient for wearing all day long on bike rides under the heat of the sun. They are undoubtedly one of the best summer cycling socks for men and women on our list.
They provide a good amount of compression to support the foot muscles and help the calves work harder and better. This means you can ride faster for much longer and achieve optimal biking performance. They also keep the blood circulating to prevent foot pain, numbness, and other issues with long-distance cycling.
The elasticated cuff top and arch ensure that the socks don’t slip off and instead stay on your feet throughout the ride. The socks have moisture management technology that wicks sweat away from your skin to keep it fresh and dry. They are also highly breathable and prevent friction, blisters, irritation, itching, and odor.
They also stay in good shape even after several washes, as they are highly resistant to wear and tear.
These socks are great for all types of cycling: road and mountain biking, long tours and races, as well as other sports activities, such as marathon, running, climbing, hiking, high-intensity training, basketball, weightlifting, and so on. You can also wear them regularly to the office or anywhere else that you wish.
These socks are very affordable for a pack of four pairs. Each pair comes in different colors and designs, such as basic two-tone socks, high-visibility options, and so on. Your choice of color or design can easily suit your outfit and riding needs.
Specs
- Material: 90% polyester and 10% spandex
- Size: US Women 8 to 13 and US Men 7 to 12
- Color: Multi-color
Pros
- Excellent for all seasons
- High compression and comfort
- Optimal riding performance
- Promotes blood circulation in the feet
- Elasticated cuff top and arch to prevent slippage
- Moisture management technology
- Ranks high on breathability
- Prevents friction, blisters, irritation, itching, pain, numbness, and odor
- Maintains shape after several washes
- Resists wear and tear
- Multipurpose
- Low price
- Comes in a set of four colorful pairs
- Unisex
Cons
- Limited sizes
Alternative: Swiftwick VISION SIX IMPRESSION Cycling Socks
Swiftwick’s VISION SIX IMPRESSION National Parks Cycling Socks are a class apart from the others on this list. These premium socks rank high on style and feature different American national parks in their printed designs, including Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, Joshua Tree, and so on.
Engineered in partnership with the Anderson Design Group, the socks pay homage to the majestic national parks of the country. With these socks, the brand also supports the work of the National Park Foundation, the official charitable partner of the US national parks.
The unique patterns are printed at low temperatures using 360-degree print technology. This keeps the fibers strong so they can deliver superior performance.
The cycling socks are crafted with structurally modified, breathable materials such as nylon, polyester, and spandex. They absorb moisture well and keep feet cool, dry, and blister-free. The socks’ upper channels offer extra ventilation and add to the breathability factor to prevent hotspots.
The medium cushion absorbs impacts and provides all-day comfort. Meanwhile, the moderate compression throughout the arch band and contoured fit envelop and support the muscles as they secure the socks on your feet. The seamless toe stitches eliminate the risk of friction and blisters, even on long rides.
The cycling socks are designed with a six-inch crew cuff that supports and protects the calves and prevents debris and dirt from entering the socks. The nylon reinforced heel and toe provide maximum durability and resistance to wear and tear.
You can use these socks for other outdoor and sports activities besides cycling, such as hiking, camping, running, and so on. They are available in various colors and prints, so you can choose your favorite design for your next ride out.
Specs
- Material: 75% nylon, 21% polyester, and 4% spandex
- Size: Small (US Women 5 to 7.5 and US Men 3 to 5.5), Medium (US Women 8 to 9.5 and US Men 6 to 9.5), Large (US Women 10 to 12 and US Men 10 to 12), and Extra Large (US Women 12.5 to 15 and US Men 12.5 to 15)
- Color: Multi-color
Pros
- High level of craftsmanship
- Stylish and modern
- Highly durable
- High performance
- Breathable
- Absorbs moisture
- Resists impact and provides lasting comfort with a mid-level cushion
- Moderate compression for support
- Contoured fit to prevent bunching and slipping
- Smooth toe stitches to eliminate friction and blisters
- High six-inch crew cuff for all-day riding
- Protects calves
- Prevents debris from entering the socks
- Multipurpose
- Wide range of colors and prints
Cons
- May tear after many uses
- Print prone to washing off
Cycling Socks FAQs
Do cycling socks make a difference?
Cycling socks are different from other athletic socks designed for running, hiking, and other sports. Cycling socks have extra padding and cushioning meant to support the foot through pedal strokes and ensure that they don’t slip off during a long trip.
These socks provide crucial cushioning and support for long-distance rides. They are meant to prevent foot pain, blisters, irritation, injuries, and other cycling issues, allowing you to cycle faster and for longer.
The kind of socks that you wear for cycling heavily impacts your performance. This phenomenon is called enclothed cognition, wherein what you wear affects your mindset and performance. So it’s best to go for a pair of socks that is not only cozy to wear but also pleases the eye and enhances your riding experience.
What is the best material for cycling socks?
Most cycling socks are made with a blend of various materials that provide different benefits to riders.
Here are some of the best materials used for cycling socks:
Merino Wool
Merino wool consists of soft, delicate fibers gathered from the Merino sheep. This material naturally regulates temperature, wicks away moisture, and resists odors.
It provides optimal temperature control for all weather conditions. The right thickness and percentage of Merino wool in cycling socks will help you keep cool, fresh, and dry in the summers and warm and comfortable in the winters.
Polyester
Polyester is a moisture-wicking, high-performance synthetic polymer fabric from petroleum, coal, air, and water. It is softer than even natural wool; lightweight yet strong and durable.
Polyester withstands shrinking and stretching, is quick to dry, and is easy to maintain. It also resists a lot of wear and tear and is a very long-lasting material. Its wide range of benefits has made it a popular fabric for cycling socks.
Elastane
Elastane is also called Spandex or Lycra. It is a super-stretchy material that is highly breathable, moisture-wicking, and helps socks maintain their form even after several washes.
Elastane is a close-fitting fabric that allows socks to stick to your feet without making them hot and sweaty. This is a popular textile in sportswear, especially for summer clothing.
Nylon
Like polyester, nylon is a synthetic polymer material derived from petroleum. It is soft and semi-stretchy, used to create a wide range of clothing, including cycling socks. Nylon is also durable and provides additional strength to other materials in a blend.
Acrylic
Acrylic consists of micro-denier, which are soft and delicate fibers often partnered with wool. It has superior moisture-wicking and heat retention properties, making it useful in blended materials for cycling socks.
Olefin
Olefin is another popular synthetic polypropylene fabric that comes from oil production. It is strong, durable, and stain-resistant. It is also lightweight, quick-drying, moisture-absorbing, and keeps away mold and mildew buildup.
Why do cyclists have high socks?
Cyclists wear high socks for protection, support, comfort, and aerodynamics. High socks protect the legs from the harsh rays of the sun and dirt and debris from the road.
They also prevent the rider’s feet from rubbing against their shoes and creating friction. Long rides without this protection will lead to blisters, hotpots, irritation, and other problems.
For your cycling needs, choose a pair of socks with a height of up to six inches. Anything longer is unnecessary; if you participate in competitive cycling, some race regulations may not allow you to wear taller socks.
The Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) sets rules for sock heights to regulate the sport and create uniformity between cyclists. Its rules are also designed to provide the optimum level of comfort for cyclists. The taller the cycling socks, the more aerodynamic riders become.
How do you choose cycling socks?
Choosing a pair of cycling socks depends primarily on your riding needs, budget, climate, and road conditions you expect to face throughout the year. Tough terrain calls for extra padding, while smooth roads require thinner, taller socks.
Meanwhile, competitive cyclists, mountain bikers, and avid cyclists must stick to padded, rugged, and moisture-wicking socks that deliver superior performance and support. Their socks should have elastic cuffs to prevent slipping and avoid dirt and debris getting in.
Summer cycling socks should be made of lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable materials such as Lycra or polyester. This will keep your feet fresh and comfortable throughout the ride.
In contrast, winter socks must be made of Merino wool or other warm materials to keep your feet cozy and protected as you cycle in cold weather.
Conclusion
We hope you found a favorite pick from our list of the best cycling socks. Your next ride will surely be breezy and comfortable, regardless of your choice.
If you found this guide useful, check out our website for more such articles and blog posts about this great hobby.
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Last Updated on June 28, 2022 by Editor
