Since, while riding a bike, your feet will be doing most of the hard work, it’s important that they are protected by quality cycling socks and footwear. Although the pair of cycling shoes you use will greatly affect your comfort levels and ultimately, your performance, a good pair of cycling socks is not to be neglected either, since it can make a big difference in various cycling conditions.
If you own a pair of professional cycling shoes you might have noticed that they are very light and have a thin sole, mainly because this is required for performance and ongoing effort. This fact however, is a trade-off at the loss of protection. Your cycling socks will handle the pressure points created by the pedals and they will be the ones responsible to offering your foot the comfort needed in a long race.
A good cycling sock will wick away moisture immediately, while keeping your foot breathable at the same time. There are several types of fabric that allow this, such as Lycra, cotton (some types), Coolmax, Polypropelene, Nylon and many more. Also, a lot of cycling socks tend to use combined fabrics instead of a particular type, such as making the sole of the sock from a thicker, shock-absorbing material, while the rest of the sock is made out of a fabric which has the main purpose of offering a good ventilation and wicking any sweat or water away.
Some popular brands that are well known for producing great cycling socks, include Gore, Pearl Izumi, Endura, Diadora, Nike, Campagnolo, Adidas, Kona or SmartWool. Let’s take a closer look on some of their models, pointing out their highs and lows.
The Endura Coolmax cycling sock is great for racing or touring, offering a good combination of comfort and protection. The socks use a Coolmax and Lycra blend which offer a very breathable and waterproof combination. Another important aspect of the fabrics used with it is that it’s quick drying (quicker than cotton for example) so that racing on rain, sleet or snow will hardly be a problem anymore. The Endura Coolmax cycling socks are a great choice for casual and hardcore cyclists alike and they come relatively cheap, at around $8.
The Gore Bike Racing Socks on the other hand, have a more complex protection system and are made of different fabrics. Using approximately 72% Nylon, 13% Elasthan and 15% Polypropelene, the model achieves a good combination of important characteristics such as being waterproof, breathable and comfortable at the same time. The model has a built-in Achilles tendon protector and an x-cross bandage that increase your foot’s protection thoroughly. Also, a special air conditioning channel keeps your foot cool and comfy at all times. A pair of Gore’s Bike Race socks can be purchased for approximately $12.50, depending on the store you get it from, of course.
Last on our list, the SmartWool RBX Racer cycling socks are (you guessed) mainly made out of wool, but also have a nylon portion. The model features an elastic arch brace and a cushioned sole for higher pressure absorption. Its main assets include being extremely lightweight and long lasting, so you’ll be able to wear them for years, without getting the fabric destroyed from washing and constant usage. As with mostly all modern cycling socks, the SmartWool RBX Racer model is extremely absorbent, wicking all moisture away from your foot. Unlike other socks however, this doesn’t come at the expense of ventilation or comfort, the fabric and the design of the sock allowing this to happen. The SmartWool RBX usually goes for $12.
These are only 3 examples of the technology and complexity that cycling socks have achieved nowadays. Their importance however is crucial, thus a good pair should be one of any cyclist’s priorities. Regardless of the brand you choose, they come relatively cheap, in comparison to how long they usually last.
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