Cyclists are a curious bunch. Even as something as straightforward as a sock can divide opinion. Some people think wearing no socks on a bike is a crime worthy of bringing back the birch. Others will wince at socks that are too short, while others will shout obscenities at socks that are too long. According to The Rules: The Way of the Cycling Disciple ‘The cuff [of a sock] should come to just above or below the narrowest point between the ankle bone and the calf.’ So now you know. And as for colour, well, as these beauties prove and as the authors of The Rules agree, they can be any colour you like – as long as they match the rest of your kit.
Sugoi 14 RS Crew
These ‘Chili Red’ socks from Sugoi definitely add a bit of spice to proceedings. A stand-out option for anyone looking to get some arch support from their hosiery, and we can vouch that the structured woven support certainly feels snug and strong under the foot, and the lightweight nylon/spandex blend should help keep your feet cool. They’re foot-specific so pay heed to the L and R markings.
Pearl Izumi Elite Tall
Fancy yourself as an ‘out there’ kind of rider? Well, these socks will be perfect for you with their bright blocky design and 19.5cm tall cuff height. Pearl Izumi’s own Elite yarns claim to offer ‘superior moisture transfer’ and a mesh panel further aids ventilation, which should help dispel any stink that may occur in your cleat-area this summer. They also have ‘anatomic arch compression’ to ensure a snug fit.
£12, madison.co.uk
Twin Six The Brew Pub
Flying the flag of Flanders upon your ankle, these socks from US company Twin Six celebrate all things Belgium (well, beers and bikes) – perfect for a ripping ride before a recovery pint in the sun. Made of a Coolmax fabric, they should prevent smelly feet. Here at BikesEtc, we’re of the opinion that anything with the Lion of Flanders on it is a bit cool and these don’t disappoint.
£12, alwaysriding.co.uk
Descent Hi Top
Reminiscent of the traditional striped barber’s pole (although Galibier says the stripe is actually inspired by twisting alpine descents), these are ideal if you’re the kind of weekend warrior who likes to shave his legs. The breathable polyester/Lycra blend is designed to keep your feet cool during high-intensity rides on very hot days (up to 35ºC). We certainly found them a cut above.
£6, galibier.cc
Pedal Ed Dario
Made with a natural wood fibre called Lenpur, which is derived from recycled wood, these socks combine the best eco-friendly practises with man-made functionality. Mixing up Japanese-style script, with a bold red spot design, these socks would appear to be very much inspired
by the Land of the Rising Sun. As comfortable to wear as they are good to look at.
£12, alwaysriding.co.uk
Chapeau Hot Pink
The usually Mod-inspired Chapeau has gone all out with the colouring on these ‘Hot Pink’ ankle-length socks. Ideal for any rider who has a soft spot for the Giro d’Italia, they certainly turn up the heat for style-conscious riders, though the moisture-wicking Coolmax fabric should keep your feet cool. Perfect for spicing up any outfit, with grey trim to subtly offset the statement colouring. Not for the faint-hearted!
£10, chapeau.cc
Giro Seasonal
With two distinctively different styles, these offerings from Giro go from the simplistically smart to the crazily camouflaged (seen here). Constructed using merino wool, they have anti-bacterial qualities and will do their best to fight off the sweat and smell that all our pinkies succumb to. Ideal for both action man and business man.
£17, zyro.co.uk
Defeet Aireator Sako 7
Apparently inspired by the paintings of Georges Braque, Juan Gris and Pablo Picasso, these are definitely for avant-garde riders. Striking to look at, they also perform a great service with DeFeet’s Aireator tech that uses a ventilated mesh to keep the feet cool and dry in those (ahem) searing hot British summers. Created by sock aficionado Sean Sakinofsky to stand out, these certainly do that!
£12, alwaysriding.co.uk