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When you plan a short day-trip or a longer bicycle tour, make sure you select the right cycling socks to ensure that your feet are as comfortable as possible once you hit the road or trail. A well-designed pair of socks that fits appropriately and is suitable for your particular bicycling needs will breathe well while regulating temperature in both hot and cold environments. When your day trips turn into tours, quality cycling socks protect your feet from blisters and minimize discomfort. To help you select the best cycling sock for your particular needs, we offer our top recommendations for cycling socks below.
Our Selection Method
When ranking our cycling socks choices, we focused primarily on cost, comfort (padding, materials), durability and aesthetics. We added extra points for socks that are manufactured in the US using sustainable practices. In most cases, higher-end socks rely heavily on Merino wool to help reduce odor and increase warmth and durability. When in doubt, focus on the composition of materials and the reputation of the manufacturer. Although we pointed you primarily to Amazon and Darn Tough to purchase your cycling socks, you may also want to check out REI’s most recent sock sales since they often offer deals. Last time we checked, REI was offering three socks for the price of four.
1. DeFeet Woolie Boolie 6-Inch Socks
These work particularly well in warm, cold or mild weather as they provide excellent circulation and are made of Merino wool. These DeFeet socks provide a seamless fit, but may feel a little tight if your cycling shoes are already snug. | Purchase at Amazon
Defeet socks are made in the US and are literally a perfect fit for cycling. For most, these socks extend high enough up on the calf to protect the lower ankle. They come in several different designs such as the Woolie Boolie 6″, the Aireator and the 3″ Aireator 3″ Townee Socks (with cool cycling wheel logos). If you’re partial to the Woolie Boolie 6″, you should also consider the Woolie Boolie 4″ socks. Although these will quickly become your “go to” cycling socks, these are also popular for running, skiing and day-to-day office work. These socks are our number one pick for cycling socks.
2. Swiftwick Aspire One Socks
The Swiftwick Aspire One works particularly well for all four seasons. They are made of 66% Merino wool, 32% nylon and 2% spandex and are designed and manufactured in the US. Note the slightly higher percentage of merino wool compared to the DeFeet socks. These Swiftwick socks absorb moisture and are engineered with fine-gauge merino wool that produces a soft, no-itch feel from cuff to toe. The Swiftwick Aspire One has a thin profile and its light cushion provides a responsive feel to keep you in sync with your feet. Swiftwick uses “‘high tenacity fibers” in areas where there is more abrasion. | Purchase at Amazon
These are another “go to” sock that sits on the top of our list. For many, the Siftwick is the gold standard four-season socks, regardless of the activity. Swiftwick socks have a reputation of running a bit small, so be extra cautious when you size yours. You might consider ordering one pair first before you order a second or third pair. Also, note that some choose the Swiftwick Ones over Swiftwick Zeroes since the Ones come up just a bit higher over the ankle. These can be ordered in many different colors and they have a reputation of lasting for many years; even when used heavily. These socks are exceedingly flexible in terms of use, which makes them suitable for both the weekend warrior and the Kona Ironman. If you’re curious about Swiftwick’s technology, they post more detailed information about their materials and manufacturing process on their website.
3. Giro GE20170 Winter Merino Wool Socks
The Giro GE20170 Winter sock shines in cold and extremely cold weather. It’s made of a winter-weight Merino wool. High-rise 6 inch cuff fits with tights and warmers. These are slightly thicker (and warmer) than any Swiftwick socks, which is why they are such an ideal option for winter. | Purchase at Amazon
If you’re looking for a sock that will keep your toes warm in the coldest of weather, this is it. We don’t recommend dual purposing these socks for skiing, but they do the job if you’re on a fat tire bike or cycling when it’s below 30 or 40 degrees. These are odor resistant, but don’t forget to dry these on a clothesline to ensure they don’t shrink.
4. Showers Pass Crosspoint WP Waterproof Socks
The Showers Pass Crosspoint WP Waterproof sock resembles the Giro 20170, but it’s especially comfortable in very wet weather–think spring in the Northeast of year-round in the Pacific Northwest. This sock relies on a proprietary waterproof, breathable Artex membrane, which covers the interior merino wool lining. The Artex membrane is micro-porous, which allows your feet to breath while performing high endurance activities. Since these socks include an interior and exterior layer, they have amply cushion. | Purchase at Amazon
These socks fit like any other pair of socks even though you’re essentially wearing a liner covered by a porous membrane. They are not inexpensive, but if you plan on cycling on wet trails or puddle-filled roads, these socks will provide both warmth and dryness.
5. Darn Tough Micro Crew Ultralight Socks
Darn Tough’s socks are all weather socks that perform well in cold or warm weather. These are made of 53% nylon, 42% Merino wool and 5% lycra spandex. These socks do not rely on traditional seems, but are smooth fitting and provide heel and arch cushion for added comfort. Darn Tough makes a point of only adding cushion where it’s needed, especially for skiers and bicyclists.
$19.00 at Darn Tough Socks (Men) // (Women). These socks can also be purchased at Amazon and are manufactured in the great state of Vermont.
Darn Tough socks makes phenomenal socks that are functionally solid, while casting coolness vibes in every direction. We particularly like the stars and stripe model shown in the photo above (middle), but you can spend hours perusing their lineup of sock designs. Thankfully, these socks are also very high in terms of utility, so you can rest assured you’ll be modeling Yankee thriftiness as you drop some extra dollars on your purchase.
The micro crew model is extra light and reaches slightly above boot height. One of the best features of these socks is their lifetime warranty, which covers any and all damage–no questions asked. If you’re considering some Vermont-made Darn Tough socks, you may want to read over their FAQ page where they offer more detailed information about their warranty and topics like sock weights. Note that Darn Tough uses nine different sock weights: ultra-light, light, padded light, ultra-light cushion, light cushion, padded cushion, cushion, full cushion and extra cushion.
6. Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker F2322 Socks
Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker socks are made in Wisconsin and consist of 67% merino wool, 21% stretch nylon, 7% elastic (rubber) and 5% acrylic. They are particularly good for cold weather riding and have more padding than might be needed for a short ride. For longer trips, the Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker has less padding, but is also lighter and will fit more easily in snug cycling shoes. | Purchase at Amazon
It’s hard to go wrong buying socks when they are US manufactured by a company that has been producing socks for more than 110 years. These merino wool midweight hiking socks are a good solution for the cyclist who is looking for more padding and warmth. These socks won’t shrink or bunch up and the high merino wool content means there is no itchy or scratchy feel. These will also double as excellent shoes for hiking, snow-shoeing or for any cold outdoor activity. Like other wool socks, please don’t put these in your dryer.
7. Darn Tough Yeti Over-the-Calf Socks
These socks are excellent four-season socks and are designed especially for women. These socks are made of 68% merino wool, 28% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex. Mid-level cushion density underfoot. A warm and ultra-comfortable choice when conditions demand it that relies on more sticking per inch to create a more comfortable, high-performance sock. There is sufficient padding on the bottom of these socks and they provide coverage over the calf. | Purchase at Amazon
This is our top pick for women’s cycling socks if you’re looking for versatility, unbeatable style and a lifetime unconditional guarantee. For warm or cold weather, these will carry over into just about any outdoor activity and most surely generate conversation as your friends admire them. Darn Socks describes these beauties as a “burly, beast of an all-mountain performance sock.” We agree and are confident this sock will ultimately sit in your sock drawer for much longer than any other lower-quality (and lower-cost) alternative.
8. VeloToze Active Compression Socks
VeloToze Active Compression socks are made of a merino wool mix. The company does not offer a detailed breakdown of the material composition. They are well padded. These socks are designed in California and manufactured in Malaysia. | Purchase at Amazon
9. CloudLine Merino Wool Ultra Light Socks
The Cloudline Merino Wool Ultra Light socks are made of 59% ultra soft merino wool, 34% nylon and 7% spandex. Like most of our high-end picks, they are made from an ultra-fine micron merino wool and designed for long-lasting softness. These Cloudline socks have reinforced heels and toe zones for durability and comfort. | Purchase at Amazon
We own a pair of Cloudline socks and thoroughly enjoy these socks. They are attractive, comfortable socks that can be used for cycling or other outdoor activities. They will not bunch up, hug your leg without slipping and provide excellent heel support. These are an excellent “all around” sock that can be purchased in six different punchy colors.
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[…] your maintenance plan and gear in focus, don’t forget to stock up on winter cycling socks. Bicycle New England offers it’s favorite cycling socks in a “best of” list as well as some tips about how to buy the best waterproof cycling […]
[…] After you arrive, purchase your pass(es) at the Kingdom Trail welcome center and ask the staff to walk you through a riding plan for the day. The staff will equip you with a much-needed map and do their best to match your rider level with an itinerary. Thankfully, all trails are well marked with signs indicating difficulty level and most are interconnected and accessible via the main parking lot. Darling Hill holds the majority of singletrack trails, which are well-known for their beauty and woodsy backdrops. Some of the must-visit trails are: Tap n’ Die, Sidewinder, Troll Stroll, Kitchel, Tody’s Tour, Coronary Bypass, Pines, and Webs. Darling Hill Trails are open early May and close October 31st. Burke Mountain is the home of the majority of intermediate and advanced riders. Some favorite trails on Burke Mountain include Dead Moose Alley, Camptown, Lower J-Bar, Moose Alley and Burnham Down. In addition to the Kingdom Trail Welcome Center, you should stop at East Burke Sports if you need to rent or repair a bike. Village Sport Shop also offers bike rentals. Don’t forget that the Kingdom Trail closes trails from time to time, so you may also want to check on trail closer status before you hit the dirt. Compared to trail rating systems like Sunday River, where a black diamond equates to an advanced rating, the black diamonds on the Kingdom Trail are manageable; but don’t forget to take it easy whenever you ride a trail for the first time. You can find parking for the trail system in a large gravel lot located in downtown East Burke. Thankfully, this same lot is also where you’ll find Mike’s Tiki Bar (more on that later). Don’t forget to bring your water bottles and the best bicycle socks you can find. […]