Road Cycling - Socks or no socks.

I tried not wearing socks on my commute home yesterday and I enjoyed. I am concerned that the sweat caught by the sock will wind up damaging the shoe over time causing the shoe to wear out faster than it should? Is this true? If so, is there anything I can do to stop it? :beer:

Don't sweat??

How about deodorant on your feet.:D

The difference between a cycling sock, and normal socks are amazing. If your using a standard cotton sock, go purchase some de-feet or other speciality socks. I now own over 20 pair of de-feet socks, i tossed all my older hanes cotton socks out last year.

I am using proper cycling socks (Ar-e-ator or something like that). What is the huge difference? What about riding without socks completely?

Wihtout socks, your shoes will get jammy pretty quickly. So will your feet and, if you don't wash your feet careully after every ride, it can lead to nasties like fungus and sores. I know of some people who ride sockless -- like Eric the Human Scab -- but they ae a very, very tiny minority.

Without socks- I feel sure the moisture would not be dispersed as widely as with.. Would not the shoes feel clamier and what about chafing? Besides, I have my favorite socks that makes me feel good and maybe causes me to pick up my pace.. One has fire and dragons on it, how could it not cause you to turn the cranks faster..

Originally posted by velocipedio
like Eric the Human Scab

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

you probably want socks that wick away moisture (such as bike jerseys do) most socks made with "cool max by dupont" material will do such a thing. I do suggest wearing socks otherwise you might get athletes foot.

I love using bicycling socks. I have to be quite concerned about injuries to my feet, especially things like blisters, rashes or ulcers. Seams in normal athletic socks are much more pronounced that they are with cycling socks. The wicking effect of cycling socks really works. I often find myself slipping cycling socks on with my walking around casual athletic shoes.

I was slow to accumulate bicycling gear out of concern that I wasn't yet a "real" cyclist and shouldn't dress like one until I was. Kind of a reverse snobbery of some sort I suppose. Everytime I have taken the plunge and acquired another cycling specific kind of gear, it reminds me of buying my first microwave oven. Didn't think I needed it but soon wondered how I got along without it.

Carl

... And... let's face it... the socks are one of the best things about the sport...

http://www.defeet.com/pics/socks/pic/hawaiian.jpg http://www.defeet.com/pics/socks/pic/OneWold.jpg
http://www.defeet.com/pics/socks/pic/Sizzler.jpg http://www.defeet.com/pics/socks/pic/Peopleator.jpg