Socks for cycling and commuting

Short answer: On the bike your feet get warm and damp, even in winter. A thin sock that moves moisture away is better than a thick one that gets wet and leaves the foot cold as soon as you get off.

Moisture rather than cold

If the sock is wet with sweat, the foot turns cold as soon as you get off the bike and stand still. It is the moisture, not a lack of thickness, that gives you cold feet. A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin keeps the foot dry and therefore warmer.

Thin rather than thick

A thick sock takes up room in the shoe and squeezes the foot, which reduces blood flow to the toes. The result is often cold toes, even though the sock is warm. A thin sock leaves room in the shoe and keeps the foot dry. See bamboo socks for men.

The length

Ankle length or a little higher protects against rubbing from the edge of the shoe and keeps trousers off the chain if you tuck them in. Very short trainer socks easily slip down at the heel as you pedal. See the models in bamboo socks for women.

Change at work

An extra pair of socks in your bag means you start the working day with dry feet. It takes a moment to change, and it is especially worth it if the ride is long or it has been raining. The wet pair can dry before the ride home.

In winter

In frost, many people wear a thin inner layer and an overshoe on top rather than a thicker sock. The overshoe keeps wind and rain out, while the thin sock keeps the foot dry inside. That way the shoe does not get too tight.

Rainy weather

In the rain your socks get wet whatever they are made of. A fabric that dries fairly quickly makes it easier to carry on, and an extra pair in your bag saves the day. Overshoes or rain trousers that reach over the shoe keep most water out.

The shoes

Commuter shoes need to handle both cycling and a day at the office. Airy shoes with a firm sole work well in the warmer months, while closed shoes are better in winter. Let the shoes dry fully between rides, so your socks are not damp already in the morning.

See the range

A thin, smooth sock that moves moisture away works on the bike and for the rest of the day at work. You do not need special cycling socks for commuting. See the full range in all bamboo socks for men.

Washing

Commuter socks work hard and get washed often. Wash them at 40 degrees without fabric softener, which reduces their ability to move moisture, and let them air dry. That way they keep their properties, and the elastic lasts longer.