Need a Wool Sock Recommendation
#1
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Need a Wool Sock Recommendation
I am looking to replace my wool ankle high Pearl Izumi socks. It appears they don't make them anymore, except in woman's sizes. (The largest is too small for me, I've tried it). I'm looking for a sock that is 1) wool, 2) ankle high, 3)thin and 4)has no big seam across toe area. I wear wool year round for its anti-bacterial properties and feel. I've looked at crew length, since Pearl Izumi still makes them, but they seem to be thicker, which I don't prefer for warmer riding. Thanks in advance!
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Have you looked at Smartwool, and DeFeet? I have woolies from all three and like them, winter models, but they make thin ones, too. I had thin Capo woolies, but it appears they don’t make them anymore; old stock may be around, though.
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Second smartwool
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My go to sock company is Fox River. They make a quarter crew in wool.
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Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
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I checked my Danish Endurance woolies, too, and they also have a toe seam, but like the DeFeet, it is imperceptible to me. I didn’t mention them before because they don’t have a cycling specific light wool sock, but I use their wool hikers in my Northwave winter cycling shoes without problem, so their light hikers might be quite thin— they have a wool liner model as well— and interesting…except for the seam.
In fact, I just checked all my favorite cycling socks, and they all have toe seams! Hincapie, Capo, Mavic, and Supacaz. Are there no-toe-seam socks??!
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I don't know if this one is too high for you, but Rapha are the best cycling socks I've tried.
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I've been using these for 5-ish years. They are an exceptional bargain.

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Swiftwick... https://swiftwick.com/collections/mens-pursuit-socks
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These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
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These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks

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These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
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Toss my recommendation in for Cloudline socks. I wear the medium cushion hikers for work, and 1/4 top light cushion for cycling in warm seasons. They make an ultralight version, but have not tried them.
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Pearl Izumi has quite a few offerings in merino wool including a thermal merino wool model. I’ve used Smartwool socks and these compare favorably to them.
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Kirkland from Costco. About 60%Merino and cheap. I have worn them for years. They also had some crappy socks that were 15% Merino. Didn't buy those.
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#23
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These may be over-kill for cycling because they are for ultralight through hikers. But on the plus side they are possum fur/merino wool. Possum fur is hydrophobic. My feel have never, ever been cold with these socks, even when wet because the water has soaked through or run down my leg into my shoes, the water shakes right out.
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
https://zpacks.com/products/possumdown-socks
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#24
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Sorry, I had assumed the DeFeet did not have a seam since I don’t feel it, but yeah, I looked and they do! I can barely notice it feeling for it with my fingers, and they call it “no-feel,” but it’s there!
I checked my Danish Endurance woolies, too, and they also have a toe seam, but like the DeFeet, it is imperceptible to me. I didn’t mention them before because they don’t have a cycling specific light wool sock, but I use their wool hikers in my Northwave winter cycling shoes without problem, so their light hikers might be quite thin— they have a wool liner model as well— and interesting…except for the seam.
In fact, I just checked all my favorite cycling socks, and they all have toe seams! Hincapie, Capo, Mavic, and Supacaz. Are there no-toe-seam socks??!
I checked my Danish Endurance woolies, too, and they also have a toe seam, but like the DeFeet, it is imperceptible to me. I didn’t mention them before because they don’t have a cycling specific light wool sock, but I use their wool hikers in my Northwave winter cycling shoes without problem, so their light hikers might be quite thin— they have a wool liner model as well— and interesting…except for the seam.
In fact, I just checked all my favorite cycling socks, and they all have toe seams! Hincapie, Capo, Mavic, and Supacaz. Are there no-toe-seam socks??!
#25
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Thanks for the recommendations folks! Keep em coming. I'm thinking I'll get a pair of each that fit the bill and do a review with my finicky feet.
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