Do biking socks make a difference?
#26
Ride 365
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 0
From: NYC/UpperDutchess, NY
Bikes: '06 Cannondale Six 13 Pro 2, '05 Specialized Allez Elite, '04 Jamis Satellite, 90's Raleigh M-45 single speed conversion, 80's Fuji Team single speed conversion, 70's Schwinn World Sport
For short rides, easy rides, I doubt the socks make much difference. But l found on longer rides with temps at either extreme, decent socks DO make a difference. Wicking, and some bulk on the sole with a thinner top makes a great cycling sock. I use PI Attacks, SockGuy & DeFeet. All are reasonably priced.
Now if I can just convince my wife that they're not to be used as slipper socks, I'll be all set.
Now if I can just convince my wife that they're not to be used as slipper socks, I'll be all set.
#27
Still can't climb
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 23,024
Likes: 6
From: Limey in Taiwan
do cycling socks save a few grams?
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coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
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#33
On the road to health.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 1
From: Arlington, TX
Bikes: Specialized Allez, Cervelo RS is in process.
I wear cycling or running socks even when I am not on the bike. I like the little extra bit of compression that the sock gives to me feet, and the wicking properties are the definition of awesome. These socks are full of awesome!
#34
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 16
From: Northern N.J.
Bikes: '11 TIME NXR Instinct, '03 De Rosa Planet '79 Paris Sport (Moulton)
I love the PI Pro socks, just the right feel and height. DeFeet also makes great summer socks. I look for them on sale ($6.99) and stock up for next season.
#35
Rat Bastard
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 0
From: Sammamish, WA
Bikes: Cannondale Prophet, Specialized S-Works SL2, Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper
Good bike socks can make a difference. If they're ill fitting or made with poor materials or stitching they'll kill your feet.
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 375
Likes: 44
From: Farmington Hills, MI
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Roubaix Sport SL4
I just got two pairs of the Specialized SL sock. Really nice. I like them better than my favorite Pearl Izumi socks.
Sure, they're not cheap at $13 for one pair, but they're so light and they dry so quick! They're made of 68% Micro Nylon, 10% Nylon, and 22% Lycra Spandex. I got one pair of white and one pair of black.
Sure, they're not cheap at $13 for one pair, but they're so light and they dry so quick! They're made of 68% Micro Nylon, 10% Nylon, and 22% Lycra Spandex. I got one pair of white and one pair of black.
Thanks, Mike.
#39
steel lover
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Bikes: Bianchi Alloro, Miyata 710, Fuji Espree Fixie convert
I wear the Adidas athletic socks from Academy Sports and Outdoors. Never tried cycling socks, but these are miles ahead of the cotton socks I was wearing. MUCH cooler and smell less after a hard ride (assume because moisture wicks away and they dry out as you ride).
No... it has nothing to do with having adidas cycling shoes
No... it has nothing to do with having adidas cycling shoes
#41
Then you will wish you were wearing a synthetic or wool.
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,659
Likes: 0
From: Northern Ontario
Bikes: Colnago Master XL, Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Marinoni Fango
All I wear are merino wool socks on and off the bike it beats everything I've tried cotton, polyester, hemp, bamboo. On the bike my preference is Defeet Wooleator for summer, spring and fall and there Wollie Bollie for winter. I have had mine for years with no sign of wear.
#45
Clothes are high margin items and they can help you through the Christmas/ winter season.
Also women tend to buy A LOT of clothes and they are far more loyal customers than men.
Try out some basic jerseys and socks. Let the number speak for themselves.
About the cycling specific socks it is not only the material but the placement of seams especially in the toe cup. That makes a huge difference in comfort.
You spent how much on shoes only to buy cheap socks?
#46
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 9,458
Likes: 16
From: Colorado
Bikes: Something Canadian, something Italian, something American, and something German
Tell your boss to wake up!
Clothes are high margin items and they can help you through the Christmas/ winter season.
Also women tend to buy A LOT of clothes and they are far more loyal customers than men.
Try out some basic jerseys and socks. Let the number speak for themselves.
Clothes are high margin items and they can help you through the Christmas/ winter season.
Also women tend to buy A LOT of clothes and they are far more loyal customers than men.
Try out some basic jerseys and socks. Let the number speak for themselves.
. I hate the feeling of having potential of getting stuff cheap but having to pay full somewhere else. Like a derailleur, without touching it, thats not a problem to order. When it comes to clothes, it is. And according to him he hasn't had luck selling shoes. You have to have so many sizes of the same one, and it ends up being a loss. Same for jerseys.Another reason, although he didn't say this I would assume this is (somewhat?) true: We get most of our business from people who have hybrids. Or mountain bikes used for urban stuff (Not urban freeride; communting and such). It seems most people who ride hybrids don't have clipless, don't want to wear lycra, and wouldn't be seen in a tight jersey. Just what I've noticed..
Last but not least, I think that spending $200 dollars on shoes and $80 on a jersey, and most absurdly, 180 bucks on a bib, is an extremely appauling idea for anyone but enthusiasts.
#47
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 3
From: Montreal
Bikes: Peugeot Hybrid, Minelli Hybrid
My bike shop gave me a pair of cycling socks made with Cool-max. They were so much more comfortable than the Walmart cotton-free sport socks, that I went back to the bike shop to buy 2 more pairs.
#49
Another reason, although he didn't say this I would assume this is (somewhat?) true: We get most of our business from people who have hybrids. Or mountain bikes used for urban stuff (Not urban freeride; communting and such). It seems most people who ride hybrids don't have clipless, don't want to wear lycra, and wouldn't be seen in a tight jersey. Just what I've noticed
There is a plethora of cross-over clothing like casual shorts with pads sewn in, skorts for women, loose, baggie clothing that doesn't look like sports wear when you get off the bike...
This stuff can be found at lower price points and would DEFINITELY appeal to the hybrid/ commuter / casual rider (female) type.
Shoes can be tough. This I understand.
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
Bikes: 2011 Guru Praemio Ti (Rival), 03 Gary Fisher Franken-hardtail
I also run, so I wear good running socks, and they seem comparable to the few pair of cycling socks that i have. They are a big upgrade over cheap cotton socks however..........






