Choosing Cycling Socks - 10 Great Options

Cyclists and their socks! Who would have ever thought cycling socks would be such a big deal? It makes perfect sense though. Most riders wear the same cycling kit or with little variety every day, so changing up ones sock game is a fun way to add some style and variety to the everyday outfit. But to choose which socks requires a lot of thought and consideration. First, lets get to know several cycling sock companies and then we can break them down and figure out which model is best for you!

So Many Brands of Cycling Socks

With so many brands of cycling socks it may be difficult to choose which ones you like best. Hopefully these brief descriptions of a few of the larger brands will make the decision easier. Swiftwick socks are made in the USA and focus on comfort and quality. Their socks feature managed compression, chemical-free wicking, blister-free, and anti-odor, these are the four pillars they build each pair of socks to. Defeet International socks are also made in the USA and prioritize operating at a higher level to produce one of the best cycling socks on the market. Pearl Izumi yields not only great cycling socks, but also other clothing to keep you matching from head to toe! Sock Guy is the go to sock company when looking for custom socks, they have a 4-5 week turn around and are manufactured right here in the USA. Now that you know a couple of the featured brands, lets get into the actual socks!

Racing Socks!

These cycling socks are designed with performance in mind; they offer breathable material and an attention to performance over style! The Swiftwick Aspire socks have a thin cushion bed, and offer compression to different anchor points in the foot. The Louis Garneau Men’s Coni Cycling Socks are made from Coolmax fiber, and are supposed to wick moisture and increase the speed they dry out. Pearl Izumi’s Elite Socks feature the ELITE Transfer material to also dry out quickly, and have “compression for a performance fit”. All of these racing style cycling socks have two things in common. One, they are super good at drying out quickly to keep your feet cool while competing. Secondly, most of these socks come up one-quarter of your calf to give you that pro look.

Swiftwick Aspire Socks

Louis Garneau Men’s Coni Cycling Socks

Pearl Izumi’s Elite Socks

Wool Cycling Socks!

Wool socks can be a real lifesaver in the winter months, keeping your feet warm and dry. DeFeet makes some of the most popular wool cycling socks on the market. They are called the Woolie Boolie sock. They are durable and provide a great deal of warmth; these socks are made out of almost 50% American Merino Wool. These socks come up six inches to provide you with a great deal of warmth. The Sockguy wool cycling sock is twelve inches high and features a mesh upper panel above your feet to allow your feet vent out and breath. Giro also makes a six-inch sock out of merino material. Giro offers these socks in very stand out patterns and colors.

DeFeet Woolie Boolie

Sockguy Athletic Cycling/Running Wool Sock

Giro New Road Merino Seasonal Wool Sock

Compression Cycling Socks!

Compression socks are nothing new in the world of endurance sports, but finding the right pair may not be so easy. Compression socks are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the larger the number the more compressed the socks will feel. The Swiftwick Twelve is 15-20mmHg and features their anti-odor technology and will help to reduce swelling during recovery. The Louis Garneau R-Compression cycling socks decrease recovery time between workouts and have “stretch zones at the heel and toe”. The Mojo Coolmax recovery cycling socks offer 20-30mmHg, a bit more compression than competitors, although more is not always better with compression. VeleChampion compression cycling socks are not as well known as competitors, but provide the same great benefits other cycling compression socks provide. They are made from 75% nylon and 25% lycra and aid the recovery process by helping to push blood back to the heart.