Top of the cycling socks
Finding the perfect pair of cycling socks is no small matter. They need to be warm enough to stop your feet freezing on cold mornings, but not so warm you end up sweaty. They also need to fit comfortably under your shoes. Too tight and you won’t be able to feel your toes, too loose, though, and they’ll bunch up and rub.
And of course, they must look stylish. Sock doping is the practice of matching your socks to your outfit and using them to express your personality.
With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve taken the work out of finding the right socks for you – just leave this list where it’ll be seen. We’re not promising these will improve your performance, but they can’t hurt!
Alfonsina La Strada Socks
Reviewed by: Rebecca Mews, senior project officer
Price: £25
Sizes: 32-34, 35-38, 39-42, 43-46
Colours: white collar with striped detail and black sole
Available from: Alfonsina
Alfonsina wasn’t a brand I was familiar with but with a bit of research I learnt that it’s designed by women for women, so it feels good to support the brand. The Le Strada socks are inspired by Alfonsina Strada who was the only woman to ever ride the men’s Giro d’Italia – pretty cool!
They are a sleek-looking sock with the black and white contrast and an added touch of femininity with a hint of pink along the top of the sock. My only criticism with the contrasting black and white is I’m not sure how fresh the white would remain after a few washes.
I wore these in September before the temperature dropped and found they were nice and cool on the uphill climbs but also surprisingly warm on the descents. The moisture-wicking properties helped with this as they didn’t get saturated with sweat.
The white didn’t fare too well with mud splatters so would be best suited to drier conditions to keep them in pristine condition. That being said, they have an alternative colourway which is black instead of white.
I get cold feet so I personally wouldn’t wear these through winter and would say they are more socks for spring/summer due to their polyester and Coolmax make-up. Again, their moisture-wicking properties were great for the inevitable puddles of the Peak District.
I went for the size small (EU 39-42) as I am a size 7 which mostly fitted well, although there was a little bagginess on the heel so I think I could have got away with sizing down. The socks are long and went up to my mid-calf (I’m 5ft 10inches). They didn’t feel restrictive and I hardly noticed I had them on, but if you prefer a shorter sock then these might not be for you.
Castelli Espresso Women’s 12 Socks
Reviewed by: Julie Rand, volunteer communications officer
Price: £17
Sizes: S/M, L/XL
Colours: black, ivory, orchid petal
Available from: Saddleback
These mid-calf socks are very soft and comfortable. They are easy to put on and not too grippy around the shins.
Keep them well clear of anything sharp, though, as I managed to snag them on my flat pedals quite quickly as the ‘Q Skin yarns with antimicrobial silver ions’ material is quite thin. If you ride without pins, though, they should be fine but watch out for a pointy fingernail when putting them on!
The Castelli logo is well-hidden on the foot of the sock so if you are into showing off your love of a cool brand, I would go for a different model.
They come in black, ivory or orchid petal and sizes S/M or L/XL with Castelli claiming they are made for ‘anytime riding’. They do feel comfortable to wear and have some extra cushioning in the sole area so would be nice on a longer ride.
Madison DTE Isoler Merino Winter Sock
Reviewed by: Monica Scigliano, senior policy officer
Price: £11.99
Sizes: EU 36-41 (UK 3.5-7), EU 41.5-45 (UK 7.5-10), EU 46-50 (UK 11-14)
Colours: black, midnight green, grey marl
Available from: Madison
At just £11.99, Madison’s DTE Isoler Merino Winter Socks will keep you toasty on a winter ride without breaking the bank. They come in three neutral shades and their 15cm cuffs don’t slide down unlike some other lower-priced socks.
Importantly, they are made from wool sourced from sheep that have not been mulesed, a practice that has long been recognised as cruel but is still common among merino sheep farmers.
I tested a pair during a chilly autumnal bike ride in the Peak District and they kept my feet warm and dry. I did notice that they started to show signs of wear after just a couple washes, so they may not last as long as higher-end socks, especially because I will be wearing these cosy socks frequently, not just while cycling.
If, like me, the two most important factors for you when purchasing socks are affordability and warmth, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Madison’s budget-friendly option.
Primal Rebel Rider Tall Socks
Reviewed by: Robyn Furtado, multimedia content producer
Price: £10
Sizes: SM/MD, LG/XL
Colours: black/multi
Available from: Primal
I had the pleasure of testing Primal’s Rebel Rider Tall Socks this autumn. If, like me, you suffer from feet that turn to blocks of ice every time you climb on a bike in winter, then you’ll understand the quest for a great pair of winter socks.
The Rebel Riders are a great option for winter socks. From their packaging, I was impressed with how thick they seemed. They have some fun emoji-style faces design, which certainly makes them noticeable. I like that there are different faces on opposite sides: it keeps the style interesting.
If you aren’t a fan of the loud styling, Primal also does similar socks with more conventional and less eye-catching designs. I like the design, though – if anyone wants to know how you are feeling, you can use the “I’m dead” emoji face vs the “I’m having a great time” face!
The first thing I noticed when I wore the socks was the great length. They go up to mid-calf, so you can tuck them under bibs or leggings to keep the heat in.
They are made from “advanced air transfer system fabric”, which in non-marketing jargon means a sock made from a blend of mostly cotton, with added polyester and polyurethane for sweat wicking.
In testing, this translated to a sock that kept my feet warm, without them feeling sweaty and damp. I wore them down to 1degree, and my feet remained comfortable. The slight waterproofing was also helpful to keep off any spray from the road as I cycled – though it’s important to note they are not fully waterproof, and if it rains you will get wet.
I didn’t have any rubbing from any stitching or seams either. They fitted into different shoes without causing any discomfort. At £10 for a pair of socks, these are a steal, and a great winter choice to keep your feet warm and not sweaty.
Rapha Pro Team Winter Socks
Reviewed by: Tomos Owens, public affairs officer
Price: £24
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Colours: walnut brown/white, jewelled blue/white, black/white
Available from: Rapha
As the temperatures have been dropping, it’s time for me to transition from pristine white summer socks (or maybe they once were!) to thicker, warmer and more practical options.
I usually find the period of autumn and early winter is perfect for wearing a pair of warm socks without the need for chunky overshoes. I tested the Rapha Pro Team Winter socks, and they have quickly become a favourite in my collection.
Billed by Rapha as “A robust pair of merino [and nylon-mix] socks made for hard efforts in cold winter conditions”, they feature a welcome long cuff and heavily reinforced heels and toes without being overly thick.
Rapha has sought to keep them relatively minimal to make sure they don’t turn your cycling shoes into foot-corsets, and they have done a good job of keeping in warmth without much bulk. They paired well with my cycling shoes, and I still have some wiggle room for my toes, which is a big part of keeping them warm.
I’ve put them through around 250 miles of riding so far and have even worn them into Parliament on one particularly chilly day – there is no hint of wear on them, and I have historically found that Rapha socks are particularly durable and hold their elasticity for a very long time.
At £24, they’re not cheap and I’m sure there are other solid options for less money, but if they last as long as my oldest pair of Rapha socks (seven years and still as stretchy as a well-practised yogi!) then they should pay off that investment in longevity.
The walnut brown/white colourway is very fetching and I am looking forward to wearing these socks for many miles of riding this winter.
Sportful Snap Winter Socks
Reviewed by: George Ewing, cycling development officer
Price: £26
Sizes: S, M/L, XL
Colours: black, olive green, teal blue
Available from: Saddleback
Cold and wet weather cycling is an everyday joy in the far north of Scotland so finding a pair of socks that cover as many seasons as possible is a must and I think these maybe the solution.
I tried these out in two sizes, L and XL – my totters are bang between sizes. Both fitted comfortably but I found that the XL provide more warmth during cold wet rides especially when combined with an overshoe.
The warmth of these socks is thanks to the Primaloft materials used. Only man-made materials are used to manufacture these which might put some off purchasing.
Sportful states these socks should be used between 0-10 degrees C. I think that’s about right. For me, add in the wind-chill factor and they are good for lower temperatures paired up with a good waterproof shoe or overshoe.
These socks are shaped for each foot and there is a handy L and R to remind you when fitting and a nice little Sportful metal button on the leg cuff. The leg cuff is good and keeps the socks up even when wet.
The socks have cushioning at the toe and heel which nice works nicely. They also have a spongy footbed which was nice when put on from new but I’m unsure how long that will last.
I tried these out in the teal blue colourway. I found that they hide the dirt from my rides quite well and after washing looked as good as new. Other colours in the range may not be so forgiving.
Overall, I like these socks. They are comfortable in numerous riding conditions and terrain. They are good value if purchased at a discounted but an RRP of £26 is a little expensive.
Stolen Goat WHAAM! Printed Socks
Reviewed by: Richard Burn, digital and content manager
Price: £15
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colour: multi
Available from: Stolen Goat
The WHAAM! printed socks instantly grabbed my attention with their awesome pop-art design. Being a fan of that kind of artwork, I loved how the design made them stand out and I jumped at the chance to review them. The pattern is definitely eye-catching, and it adds a bit of fun to my usual monochrome-coloured kit.
I wear size 11, and the large size socks fitted perfectly. They required an initial wash before wearing them for the first time, and when I put them on they felt snug but soft, giving me a secure yet comfortable feel. They stayed in place inside my shoes without slipping, and the absence of seams or raised logo stitching meant no discomfort or rubbing.
The material feels light and breathable, which was ideal on some of the warmer days I’ve worn them. The breathable mesh of the sock really helps with airflow, and my feet stayed fresh throughout. Even after a sweaty ride, I didn’t notice that ‘cheesy feet’ feeling that you sometimes get with cycling socks.
Due to the breathable material, you can feel the cold a little in the cooler weather, but they were fine for a recent ride on a cool morning. For longer or slower rides in colder conditions, I’d probably pair them with light overshoes or an extra pair of socks for warmth.
Another big plus is that after putting them through the wash several times, the colour and design haven’t faded at all – they still look as vibrant as the day I got them. The socks have a real durable feel to them, and the reinforced heel and toe give me confidence these will last, even after regular use… which I have been doing as I love the design so much.
Overall, these socks have been a great addition to my cycling gear – comfortable, stylish, and practical. If you’re after socks that perform well and look great, these definitely fit the bill.
TIC CC Move Socks
Reviewed by: Louisa de Albuquerque, senior brand officer
Price: £17
Sizes: 35-39, 40-43, 44-47
Colours: neon fuchsia, lemon, ultra violet, storm black
Available from: TIC CC
Firstly, I absolutely love the unapologetically bright pink (neon fuchsia, to be precise) colour – that alone helps energise cold, grey mornings.
As soon as I put them on, I could feel the benefit compared to my usual socks – the ‘pad zone’ around the heal and ball of foot makes them extremely comfortable and noticeably warmer, with a generous cuff height of 18cm. They’re also thin enough to be worn with normal shoes.
To try these socks out I decided to wear them on the school run, in cold and wet weather. I found them snug and supportive for the whole journey without being too tight, and they don’t slip down into your boots.
As they’re made from high-quality materials (80% wool content) they’re lovely and soft. They don’t have the excessive bulkiness of a standard thick, winter sock yet still provide warmth on chillier days, as well as breathability. Another feel-good factor is that TIC CC socks have been tested and certified to be free of harmful substances and are made responsibly in Europe.
As a parent who faces many frosty early mornings on the school run, I really felt the benefit of TIC CC socks. They’re playful (they have lots of other fun designs to choose from) and practical.
At £17 they’re possibly not so accessible, but I imagine due to the way they’re made they’ll last a long time. I’d absolutely recommend them – but maybe wait until you can get them at sale price!
Van Rysel 900 Winter Cycling Socks
Reviewer: Ross Adams, programme manager
Price: £13.99
Sizes: EU 35-38 (UK 2.5-5), EU 39-42 (UK 5.5-8), EU 43-46 (UK 8.5-11)
Colours: fluo acid yellow, black
Available from: Decathlon
Before we dive into cost, colour, washing, the murky world of calf height, the mark of any good sock for me is ‘did I notice them while wearing them?’ If the answer is no, then they must be doing something right.
Did I notice these Van Reysel 900 winter socks from Decathlon? The answer is no, so we’re off to a good start.
First impressions were that the socks were very thin, and my old man brain was wondering how comfy and, more importantly, how warm were they going to be on a cold, late autumn gravel ride in Snowdonia.
My fears were unfounded, however, due to the combination of merino wool and PrimaLoft materials; modern fibre technology allows a thin construction, so your toes remain toastie without the bulk of excess material.
Further advantages include the great breathability, moisture wicking and water repellent, meaning despite the grim ground conditions, my feet stayed warm, dry and comfortable.
My only slight negative for these socks, and this is completely subjective, is the controversial subject of calf height. At 21cm high, these are over the boundary of what I’m usually OK with in terms of sock height.
My preference is for a low-mid calf height, and these felt stocking-esque at first, but the extra length added some warmth. As stated above, I didn’t notice them during my first ride, so happy to have changed my mind.
At £13.99 they are very affordable for tech cycling socks, fit really nicely and don’t roll down into a crumpled mess after two miles.
A helpful tip from GCN
Popular content
Further reading
