Encove Blog

Cycling socks are must have cycling wear for any frequent cyclist; general day to day socks just don't cut it. The first port of call is to ensure your cycling socks are thin, due to your feet swelling when riding your bicycle, thinner socks will allow for the swelling to occur without adding the displeasure of your shoes feeling too tight and inflicting pain as you ride.

Another factor to look out for is the number of seams within the socks - the fewer seams the better. The reason being that the more seams a sock contains, the more discomfort it can cause as you ride. It is also worth looking out for socks that are made via an open weave construction to ensure maximum air flow, increasing comfort and preventing your feed from overheating. Also look out for socks that are made from man-made fabrics. The CoolMax fabric is ideal to wick away moisture from your feet and also reduce the chances of painful blisters and chafed skin. Socks that are made from 100% cotton absorb moisture and can get hard, thus resulting in the aforementioned blisters and chafed skin.

Female cyclists should invest in cycling socks catered for the female market. Females who use socks designed for males will find that that the size isn't accurate and will possibly result in discomfort and chafed skin when cycling. Specifically designed female socks offer a fit that is better suited to the female form, thus preventing any discomfort for the female cyclist.

It is recommended that you always carry a spare pair of socks, as you never know when a pair may be required. This is especially true for cyclists who embark on a great number of miles on a weekly basis. Anyone concerned with the winter period will need to invest in a pair of wool socks, however the same rules apply as before, less seams and open weave construction will ensure maximum comfort.

Many cyclists swear by DeFeet. DeFeet offer not only an array of socks catered for all cyclists, but also offer them in a range of colours and designs. Another popular product in the cycle sock world is Newlife socks from Mirai. The socks incorporate the company's “X-Dry” technology, continuous filament polyester along with modified cross section which transports moisture from the sock to the outer surface of the sock allowing it to dry quickly. This process is achieved by using micro-channels which create the type of capillary action to disperse moisture.