There is no doubt that physical activity and fitness exercises can bring a positive impact on lifestyle. Riding a bike can seem fun, adventurous and also the best exercise your body needs. Especially if you are looking forward to strengthening the core muscles, cycling is a go-to choice. However, if you have put cycling onto your daily to-do list, buying a pair of cycling socks is pretty vital. Inappropriate gear, socks and shoes can turn tricky when it comes to transferring the pedalling energy correctly. On that note, cycler’s socks offer a snug fit, are thin, lightweight and add extra comfort.
What to look for while buying cycler’s socks?
Around 3.4 million Australians ride bikes for transport or recreational activity, says a survey from 2019. Though cycler’s socks are worth an investment, the wrong choice can be tragic. You can alternatively buy a cycling kit that will consist of a pair of cycler’s socks, shoes, grips and other essentials. Amidst multiple workout socks, choosing the apt cycler’s socks will involve the following aspects,
- Undoubtedly, size!
Though checking the size and dimensions while buying a pair of socks seems apparent, there are certain tips one needs to follow to land on the right choice. Though there is no thumb rule about the length or other size factors, it is better to prefer tall cuff socks if you are a beginner. Tall cuff socks that extend above the ankle can deliver extra support than low-cut socks that extend to the ankle. Though high socks do not offer any positive impact on your performance, they add a level of safety during unexpected crashes. However, if you consider climate a significant factor, low cut socks are best for summers, while mid and tall cuff socks can work well during autumn and spring.
- Choosing between fabrics
Cycler’s socks come in a variety of materials. However, cycler’s socks are never made out of a single material and usually involve blends. While cotton socks are the most common option, there are multiple other better fabrics to choose from, from merino wool to acrylic. Polyester socks are the second most commonly found socks material. They are easy to maintain, lightweight and durable. When you are juggling between fabrics, always remember to pick a lightweight and soft fabric.
Some researchers suggest that there is a close connection between the comfort/softness of cycling socks and performance. Most times, it is pretty tricky to find both qualities in a single fabric. And that’s why you find socks with multiple layers of different materials, giving you the best of comfort, softness and stretch.
- Consider water resistance
If you are planning to take rides on terrains during rainy winters, waterproof socks are a must-have. Typical cycler’s socks can turn leaky during rough trail cycling and bad weather. Even when you have the best cycling shoes, heavy rains can get your shoe’s inner surface clumsy, wet and pinching. In the worst cases, prolonged contact with damp shoe surfaces can cause blisters and other skin complexities. Compression socks with moisture-wicking or water-resistant properties can come to the rescue for high-end cycling even when your shoes fail.
- Adding breathability to the checklist
True that moisture-wicking socks can help overcome wetness and sweat to experience the best comfort out of your cycling socks, always check if they are breathable. Cycling on hot summer days can leave your foot sweaty and cause extensive heat retention. Winters can turn worse with chilled feet and extreme heat loss. To maintain a balanced cycling condition, consider buying cycler’s socks that have multiple fabric layers, and are also breathable. A quick tip is to look out for mesh panels or flat-seam toes.
