as someone prone to athletes foot, sweaty feet, wool socks are the only way to go for me. I have synthetic bike socks, but really do prefer wool ones, for the breatheability and warmth in cool temps. I even have two pairs of smartwool knee highs that I use for both downhill skiing and for biking in cool temps. So yes on the bike I look like a dork, but my lower legs muscles are warm, so damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!