Recommendation:Winter cycling socks
 

Hi, I live in Canada and it gets dang cold in the winter. What winter socks are you recommending for 2017?

Thank you,

C :)

I like anything by Smartwool.

Merino wool socks that aren't too thick work the best for me. In particular, I love the Kirkland brand merino trail socks from Costco. They are warm, comfortable, inexpensive, and remarkably durable. I think I must own about a dozen or more of these:

Review here: Kirkland Signature Men?s Outdoor Trail Socks

And when it gets really cold out, these are a must:
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/4016-236/Toe-Warmers

If it's below freezing, then two socks, next to skin a tighter knit merino wool like smartwool, and then over that a much looser knit like a wigwam sock. The critical point isn't so much the socks but that you need a shoe or boot a few sizes larger than normal so that the socks don't compress. Even then, when cold enough, you may also want a chemical heating packet over the toes between the two socks.

I've been using REI Expedition weight wool socks since probably 2008 (along with an insulated boot, for colder weather). I have not done any extended rides below -5F/-20C, but this combination has been remarkably fine at these temperatures.

The socks hold up very well. They are quite thick, so may not be the best if you have an especially wide foot.

Smart wool...with silk/poly liners if really cold/wet. Shoes not too tight so the socks can maintain thermal layer.

I used DSCP (80% wool/20% cotton) from Special T Hosiery for several years, but they were bulky and always shrunk over time no matter the level of care given. Haven't seen them in a while...skip them if given the opportunity.

If you have tons of room in your boots Marks sells a really thick T-Max brand sock with an inside that is like polyester cotton candy.

During the winter I like using thin smartwool liner socks inside another sock, seems to help keep feet drier.

Definitely don't wear so much that your boots are tight, proper circulation is needed to keep your feet warm.

big fan of thin sock liners, chemical toe warmers w adhesive backs or hand warmers taped to the sock liner & warm over sock. so long as it all fits in your shoes. I have bigger roomier shoes for winter riding

Overshoes, and in extreme cases a second layer of normal socks. Good thing about overshoes is that the wind stays out. There are different warmth ratings of overshoes, I usually stick to the medium-warm ones.

I use a pair of these: https://www.rei.com/product/120478/k...hoC9KsQAvD_BwE with a simple pair of Darn Tough boot socks. I don't believe in spending outrageous amounts of cash for the 45North boots, and these work fabulously. I have the Race Face Chester pedals on my winter bike, and my footing is very secure. Never had a slip. The Chesters have some really high studs on them.

those look great. cpl years ago I got some Columbia boots for my Son & I for a football playoff game. it was gonna be 10 degrees & windy. tuff being a New England fan. got them 1 size up from normal so we could stuff them with socks & warmers, worked fine. still use mine for winter stuff like roof raking & last year used them on 1 ride. I use mini clips & pedal extenders making my monster feet right at home

I like merino wool for nearly everything. When it gets cold, wool and cycling booties and when really cold I add toe warmers. This year I'm going to try neopreme socks like ones worn by kayakers.

My recommendation would depend on what you plan on wearing for footwear. I wear an 8" insulated boot. Whatever sock you get, make sure the fit is not tight inside your boot, or your feel will freeze. The merino wool that others have suggested is usually thin enough to leave some necessary space. I have these ones:

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/a...-sock/p/11724/

Any of the warmer ones from Wigwam, like the Nomad model https://workingperson.com/wigwam-soc...52-103355.html, I have the Nomad, and it is excellent.

or from Wright like the Merino Trail Crew https://www.socksaddict.com/wrightso...ail-crew-socks should work well if you have high-top, insulated boots to go over them. I have not used this model from Wright.

Some interesting and varied responses, thank you :)

Buy, bigger shoes wear several + maybe Gore Tex oversocks , if you wont buy winter boots.

Something with merino and neoprene overshoes should be enough for colder weather

Ski socks. When it goes to the low 30s(F) I use two pair inside winter cycling shoes. Road gear, not off road.

I think it’s a good idea to take an extra pair of socks in case your feet get wet, from shoes/boots getting soaked through, landing in a big icy puddle or worse, having water/slush/snow get down into your shoes/boots, or even from sweat. I’ve been grateful a number of times that I had brought spare socks and could put on dry ones. Living in Suburbia, I’ve also used hand blowers in mens’ restrooms to warm up and dry out wet boots while in the middle of a ride.

Actually, in the winter, one thing that I put in my trunk pack or backpack and just leave there all winter unless I need it and use its contents is a Ziplock with a pair of socks, pair of gloves, hat, and a couple of chemical handwarmer packs. Saved me more than one time from a cold wet miserable rest of a ride.

After suffering through 3 winters with freezing toes I finally got a clue. Leather boots. I don't know why I didn't realize sooner. Some helpful members of this forum suggested a combo of wool mittens with leather mittens over them for gloves. Like the LL Bean Chopper gloves. That worked so well that I realized the same principle should apply to my feet. Leather boots with medium weight merino wool socks have kept my feet from freezing in temps down to 0-5 F. I don't commute on my bike if it's below that. Wool is fantastic at insulating but not windproof/water resistant at all. Leather keeps the wind/water off, and lets the wool do its job.

Goretex boots work well too.

"Fits" socks. They make a mostly wool, part nylon blend that holds up to wear (pure wool wears through pretty easy). These are the ones I bought for biking in Mn (during reasonable winter temps):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YB5F79E...SGPTKPL4&psc=1

They're definitely the best winter socks I've used. It's like 1/4th inch of material. I think they make a few thicker pairs as well.

Very nice post, Actually, I usually wear loafer socks, And, in terms of design, I prefer simple design. recently I have bought socks online. and no doubt they are very comfortable and reliable.