It’s been a while since cyclists’ clothing stopped being just simple sportswear. An arsenal of technical apparel is available to anyone who wants to acquire garments designed and manufactured to maximize performance without neglecting style. What was once only available to top professionals has become accessible to all kinds of cycling enthusiasts who want to train and compete wearing quality accessories. Socks are a perfect example of this evolution. Anyone who has spent a few hours pedaling on a bicycle knows that even the smallest detail of the bike and the outfit we wear becomes extremely important. Using good socks is just as important as wearing good gloves or the right sunglasses.

The fit of the foot to the shoe, key

Yes, the shoe makes contact with the bike thanks, in most cases, to clipless pedals. But what allows the foot to fit easily inside it? Correct, our socks. That importance of fit is crucial to making each of our pedal strokes efficient, but it’s also key to avoiding friction and dreaded blisters. Nowadays, the vast majority of cycling socks are seamless precisely to prevent the effects of constant rubbing on different parts of the foot.

They’re responsible for breathability

Our feet are one of the parts of the body with the most sweat glands (about 250,000 in each, if you’re curious about the number). That’s why these extremities take the brunt during long pedaling sessions.

Excess moisture can cause problems such as blister formation.

If you add the sweat produced to the heat generated inside the shoe by the force of pedaling, it’s easy to understand why it’s essential that our cycling socks provide good breathability. Excess moisture can cause problems like blisters and discomfort when combined with cycling shoes. Therefore, it’s no surprise that brands place great emphasis on ensuring their socks are effective at keeping the foot dry. Moisture control can be achieved with natural and synthetic fibers, but the latter are the most common. The ability to have higher concentrations of hydrophobic fibers (those that repel moisture) allows the sock to manage sweat much more efficiently. While natural fibers, like merino wool, usually offer notable moisture retention levels (around 7%), some synthetic fibers don’t exceed 1%.

Consider the type of cycling you do

When choosing the right socks, it’s important to think about the discipline you practice, as the needs vary between road cyclists and mountain bikers. For example:

• Road cycling : Road cyclists usually prefer lightweight and breathable socks, ideal for long distances and high temperatures. If you are looking to upgrade your gear, discover the best options in our road bikes category.

• Mountain biking: On the other hand, those who practice mountain biking need socks with greater reinforcement and durability to face rough terrain and changing conditions. You can find the most resistant and versatile bikes in our mountain bikes category.

Remember that choosing the right sock can make a difference in your comfort and performance, regardless of the discipline you practice.

Synthetic fibers: lightweight and bacteria-proof

The synthetic fibers used today to make the vast majority of cycling socks outperform natural ones. Lighter and with greater breathability due to their hydrophobic fibers, polyester and nylon are great allies for sports practice. Although they are very absorbent, they have the advantage that they do not accumulate sweat and keep your feet dry, which helps retain heat in your feet. Another advantage of synthetic fibers is that they prevent the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. If, after a long day of cycling, you take off your socks and barely notice any bad smell, you can thank them for it.

Wool socks for winter

Cycling socks made from merino wool are the best option for your rides in cold weather. It is a great insulator, but it is also lightweight and soft, which contributes to a perfect fit for cycling shoes. The wool fiber traps incoming air and blocks the cold before it reaches your feet. Likewise, it regulates your body temperature by absorbing and then evaporating moisture. On the other hand, the lanolin contained in merino wool acts as a bacteria repellent, so socks made from this material will not smell bad after use. In short, a very high-performance material for cycling.

Less padding, better

Socks for cyclists are designed with cycling shoes in mind: they should be thin and hug the foot. In general, padded socks do not work well. Some sports socks, such as those used for running, have generous padding strategically placed throughout the sock to help with shock absorption.

In general, padded socks do not work well in combination with cycling shoes.

However, in cycling things are somewhat different. When riding a bike, the foot is placed in a unique and stable position, so thinner and more fitted socks are more beneficial. This allows the technical features of the sock to work in the best possible way. The goal is to achieve the most efficient pedaling possible, helping to save valuable energy by providing greater tactile response and, as a result, better power transfer. Excessively padded socks, or too much movement of the feet inside the shoes, are often the culprits of blisters and other discomforts.

The right height

In its regulations, the UCI introduced a rule in 2018 that requires the maximum sock height not to exceed "half the distance between the middle of the lateral malleolus and the middle of the head of the fibula." In simple terms, it should not cover half the calf (more or less). This is to prevent any kind of marginal power gain. For those of us who are not professionals, the ideal height will depend on our personal preferences and, let's not deny it, on fashion. The options on the market are diverse. There are cycling socks that barely peek out below the ankle. There are low-cut ones (about 14 cm), mid-cut (18 cm), high-cut (23 cm), and very high-cut (30 cm). Currently, ankle socks are no longer in style, with mid-cut and high-cut socks being the most sought after by cyclists who want to stay trendy.

A fun accessory

Cycling socks are a great way to have fun and show personality. It can be tempting to prioritize originality when choosing cycling socks, but style should never come before quality, comfort, or performance. Fortunately, many cycling socks meet all the performance criteria while also setting trends in fashion. The general rule is that your cycling socks can be any color or pattern, as long as they don't clash with the rest of your cycling kit. Some people opt for fluorescent colors, but let's just say the trends aren't heading in that direction. This doesn't mean your socks can't stand out. In fact, if well chosen, they can be the best way to add dynamism to your look.

And what about compression socks?

Socks that provide constant compression to the legs up to the knee or up to the hip (depending on the model) arrived in cycling a few years ago from the world of running. They have supporters, who claim they promote blood flow and help muscle recovery because they help deliver more oxygen to the muscles. But this textile accessory also has its detractors, who do not trust the supposed properties of the garment and attribute the benefits, or supposed benefits, to the placebo effect. The truth is that there are no scientific studies linking their use to measurable improvements, although it is possible that they may help cyclists with specific circulation problems in their legs.