News flash, socks are not all created equal. And they don’t have to be boring. There are some super cool cycling socks out there. A cyclist can never have enough pairs of socks. In our opinion, the best cycling socks help protect your feet while looking great in real-world riding conditions.
While classic cycling socks — think black with an understated stripe — are always in style, many cyclists embrace the chance to go a little wild with their socks. Socks are a tasteful place for a cyclist to show personality or irreverence, without looking like a goofball. Wearing bright, offbeat socks on the bike sends a different message than, say, wearing brightly colored bib shorts.
We’ve rounded up some of the best cycling socks to get super excited about.
Classic Cycling Socks
1. Giro Classic Racer Socks
Every cyclists needs at least one pair of classic cycling socks in their drawer, and these from Giro fit the bill. Not too fancy, not too weird. These socks take care of business without screaming for attention.
2. Cafe du Cycliste Dotted Socks
Simple and timeless, with just enough of the unexpected to stand out from the stripes and solids. Available in black and white.
3. Pactimo Summit Classic
Thin and light, in the 6-inch height favored by many cyclists, the Summit Classic from Pactimo is available in black and white, with tasteful accent colors.
4. Giro HRC Team Socks
Another stylish sock from Giro, this sock aims to be a hybrid between a typical cycling sock and a compression sock. Super thin and moisture-wicking, with the 6-inch height favored by many riders. Available in many colors, including the navy blue ‘midnight’ color seen here.
5. DeFeet Aireator Team Double Cuff Socks
This lightweight sock is an easy go-to for warm weather rides. The socks place an open mesh weave over the top of your foot to create maximum ventilation and airflow. The 6-inch version of the Aireator has a thicker cuff to help them stay up on your calves. These socks are also available in a billion colors and patterns.
Colorful Cycling Socks
6. Ornot Mt. Tam Sock
With a hip, summery color palette and an abstract landscape pattern, these socks deliver plenty of visual interest.
7. The Athletic LAX Mismatched Socks
Intentionally mismatched and sold in a 3-pack, the pattern of these socks is drawn from the carpets inside the Los Angeles airport.
8. Team Dream Pop Block Socks
An awesome balance between classic and fun, the Pop block socks from Team Dream feature gradient colors and stripes. Available in several colors.
9. Handup VHS Socks
Retro-cool and a bit subdued, these socks let you have some nostalgic fun while staying somewhat buttoned-up.
Hi-vis cycling socks
10. Morvelo Stripe Socks
Sometimes you just need striped socks. This model from Morvelo comes in a range of colors, including the unexpected turquoise and pink. Also available in high-visibility yellow.
11. Pearl Izumi Men’s Elite Tall Sock
Every cyclist should have a pair of high-visibility socks in their drawer. These lightweight terry socks keep it simple and minimalist on the design, while delivering underfoot padding for added comfort.
12. Rapha Reflective Socks
Made with a merino wool blend and a reflective stripe at the top, these socks from Rapha are both comfortable and highly visible on the road.
13. The Athletic Electric Socks
The Athletic always makes their socks memorable, and these are no exception. The high-visibility zig-zag pattern suggest electric currents, standing out from other more conservative designs.
