Best cycling socks 2024: Funky and functional top performers

Cycling-specific socks are largely defined by their fit and the fabric. Given that cycling shoes are designed to be close-fitting, cycling socks tend to be thin so as not to make the shoes uncomfortable and provide a better connection to the pedals. Even winter cycling socks can be pretty thin and rely on low-bulk warmth from materials such as Merino wool.

While the aforementioned Merino wool is a popular choice given its breathability and odour resistance, most cycling socks use synthetic fabrics to deliver the desired combination of ventilation with sweat-wicking properties.

The final piece of the puzzle is good elasticity alongside a solid gripper - the last thing any cyclist wants is a pair of socks that won't stay up.

More advanced and expensive cycling socks can offer compression support or aero benefits. Compression helps by providing support to the muscles, preventing fatiguing micro-vibrations and improving blood circulation using calibrated pressure. Aero socks are said to be one of the most cost-effective wind-cheating gains available to a cyclist, despite the socks' relatively high price. They use textured ribbing to keep the air attached to the leg for longer thus reducing the low-pressure wake and reducing drag.

Given that cycling shoes are designed to be close-fitting, cycling socks tend to be thin so as not to make the shoes uncomfortable and provide a better connection to the pedals. Even winter cycling socks can be pretty thin and rely on low-bulk warmth from materials such as Merino wool.

Cycling-specific socks will improve your comfort on the bike for several other reasons. The materials used are designed to keep your feet as cool as possible by wicking away sweat, drying rapidly and providing extra protection around the heel and toe areas. Winter socks will also wick away moisture but will insulate your feet against the cold rather than cooling them down.

Good cycling socks should also provide arch support to prevent fatigue and soreness on long rides and will be constructed to remain in place around the foot and calf without slipping down or moving around which could cause irritation or hotspots.

Socks for cycling should be the right thickness for the type of riding you do, the temperatures you ride in and the fit of your shoes.

Thin socks will be cooler, work better with slim-fitting cycling shoes and provide a more direct connection to the pedals and bike with less chance of the foot moving around within the shoes.

Thick socks will be warmer but must be worn with shoes that have enough space in them to accommodate the socks. Cramming warm socks into close-fitting shoes will cause a lot of discomfort and probably make your feet colder by restricting blood vessels.

Unless you're looking for cycling socks that promise some aerodynamic advantage, the answer is any height - presuming that you're not entering a UCI race. If you are you'll need to adhere to its rule that states:

'Socks and overshoes used in competition may not rise above the height defined by half the distance between the middle of the lateral malleolus and the middle of the fibula head.'

Outside of competition anything goes with sock height largely governed by taste and fashion. Aero socks tend to be tall, as do many 'pro' socks, which have grown in height over the years. Likewise, some winter socks are designed to cover the entire lower leg, adding another layer of insulation under your bib tights. Regular cycling socks typically feature a cuff that is between 3" and 7".

As with most items of clothing, first and foremost it is comfort that is the most important consideration. Cycling socks might be worn for many hours (or even days!) of arduous exercise, so you don't want to give them a second thought once you start riding. This means that not only do they need to fit your foot, but they also need to work with your chosen shoes - a bulky sock might make your shoes too tight in a certain place, or a very thin sock might not offer enough volume around the heel for the shoe to fit securely.

The second consideration is the temperature you are likely to be using them. The best cycling sock in the world isn't going to work for you if it is designed to work in different conditions to those in which you are cycling. For cold weather, warmth and insulation are paramount whereas in summer temperatures the breathability and quick-wicking of a much lighter sock will be appreciated.

If you ride in cold temperatures, then winter-weight socks should definitely form part of your cycling wardrobe, but they are not the only way to protect your feet. Overshoes and winter cycling shoes can also be used to insulate against the cold, and in fact, simply ramming a pair of thick socks into your normal cycling shoes may well make your feet colder rather than warmer as the increased pressure will reduce warming blood flow.