Arguably one of the most vital pieces of winter kit, the right pair of cycling socks should keep you warm and dry, yet be lightweight and comfortable enough to encourage rather than restrict blood flow to your feet and toes. Materials like merino wool and technical fabrics are perfect for this, but working out which pair are going to take your commute from miserable to marvellous can be an uphill struggle to say the least!
Before the British cold snap truly settles in, we thought we'd break down the basics on choosing the best winter cycling socks in a comprehensive buying guide, with tips for women's, men's, waterproof and thermal pairs. Plus, we've compiled a list of the 10 best to slide your feet into from Amazon, eBay and Halfords, including both value and high-end options from Sealskinz and Polaris. Let's clip in and get started!
Quick List - Top Winter Cycling Socks
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The main points you'll want to mull over when picking a pair of winter cycling socks online are their material, comfort features such as cushioning, and their size and length. Plus the colour or design, because there's no harm in looking good (and staying visible) while you're pushing the pedals!
Getting the right material is perhaps the most important thing you can do to up your winter cycling sock game, and there are one or two winning fabrics in particular that we'll share and compare below.
Browse through the winter editions of any of your cycle magazines or blogs and they'll all say the same thing: Merino wool is the number one fabric choice when it comes to cold weather kit. It's sweat-wicking, antibacterial, and will insulate as well as any thicker wool but with much less bulk and weight. It's also a thermal regulator, so it'll keep your feet warm when it's cold and cool when they overheat, even when damp.
Most cycling socks made of Merino wool will use around 25-50% of the good stuff, with the remainder being materials like elastane, polyester and nylon to bring some stretch and extra breathability to the table. A higher percentage of 60%+ will mean a premium quality and more luxurious sock, but it'll usually bring up the cost too.
Alternatively, you could go for a pair spun from synthetic fabric. In the realm of cycling socks, this is usually a trademarked technical fabric such as Thermalite, Coolmax or another polyamide-based synthetic similarly blended with elastane or other stretch materials.
Although a little less cosy and insulating, these synthetics boast properties akin to Merino wool in that they are also sweat-wicking, breathable, and lightweight, albeit on a lesser scale. They may not be as superior, but this does mean they're kinder on your wallet!
Winter cycling socks should be longer than the pairs you pull on in the warmer seasons, predominantly so there's more of an overlap between your tights or trousers and any overshoes you might be wearing.
You'll have the choice between cuff lengths that hit the low to mid-calf (the recommended minimum) or for an even warmer sock, longer knee-highs. Some brands offer the same sock in a choice of lengths, so if there's a pair you particularly like you could always try out a couple to suit the length of your ride or the severity of the cold that day.
It's imperative that you suss out the size range of each pair of socks before you click through to checkout. A sock too big will bunch at the toes and cause discomfort, and a sock too tight will restrict your blood from circulating to your feet – which is only going to make you colder!
Regardless of whether they're marketed as men's, women's or unisex, it's worth measuring up your own feet in accordance, although socks designed for women will be more petite overall. European cycle clothing brands are some of the best to buy from, so you may have to do some conversions from your UK size, or check out each brand's sizing guide if a small/medium/large system is used.
Unless you rock them outside of your tights, your socks aren't going to be as noticeable as when you're cruising through the hills in shorts. But that doesn't mean the colour doesn't matter! For a subtler look, muted tones of black or grey are a good option, and will usually blend in with your tights or shoes if they're not already covered up.
But if style is important to you, why not go for something snappy to complement the rest of your kit's colourway? Another option, which is particularly important for the safety of commuters or those who ride at night (or let's be honest, after 4 pm during the British winter), is to look for socks in high-visibility neon shades, or those with reflective accents.
The main job of your winter cycling sock is to keep your feet warm without overheating, but there are a few other extra comfort and support features to keep an eye out for. After all, you are exercising.
Firstly, note whether the socks have any cushioning or padding, especially on the arch (which will also keep you even warmer), toe and heel reinforcements for blister reduction, and deliberately placed stitching that doesn't dig in and drive you crazy mid-ride. Some winter cycling socks are water-resistant or even completely waterproof – perhaps a good feature to seek out if you live up north!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Polaris Cascade Merino Waterproof Sock | ![]() | Luxuriously Soft Merino Sock With Multi-Fibre Layer | |
2 | Velo Champion VC Wool Socks | ![]() | Quality Wool For Dry, Warm Feet All Winter | |
3 | GripGrab Windproof Sock | ![]() | High-Grade Thermals for Unbeatable Insulation | |
4 | Sealskinz Waterproof MTB Mid Knee Cycling Sock | ![]() | Fully Waterproof MTB Knee-Highs | |
5 | Feetures Unisex Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Sock | ![]() | Best Breathable Winter Socks With Compression | |
6 | Gore Wear Thermo Mid Socks | ![]() | A Mixed Fabric Sock for All Your Adventures | |
7 | Defeet Woolie Boolie Cycling Socks | ![]() | Extra Warm Wool for Deep Winter | |
8 | Optimum Nitebrite Hi-Viz Winter Cycling Socks | ![]() | Optimum Visibility During Dark Commutes |
Polaris Cascade translates to challenge or defiance, so grab a pair of these if you need some encouragement to face the cold! More importantly, though, their Merino blend and generous cuff will keep both your feet and legs snug – perfect for tucking into winter tights.
These socks have technical multi-fibre three-layer construction with a waterproof and breathable membrane. The footbeds are well padded for added comfort and the inner lining offers extra insulation. A cosy and stylish pick for all.
This pair may look simple, but their 20% wool yarn composition works to really keep you warm and dry – even when it's lashing it down and you've forgotten your overshoes. The remainder is made up of polyester and spandex, that provides great stretch and won't cut in when you're riding.
We also love the reinforced heel and toe box for comfort and the extended 4.5'' cuff that offers a few more inches of warmth. The extra-long cuff not only keeps you warm but also prevents cramping and tightness in your calf.
The GripGrab Windproof Winter Socks are the real deal when it comes to warmth. Made with 100% polyester, the thermal fabric offers excellent insulation to keep you warm through the coldest days, and they feel as light as a feather!
They're made from flexible, breathable, windproof material, so the socks secure your feet maximally in windy conditions. They've also got brushed fleece inners and are stitched with flat seams to enhance comfort. All of these make them ultra-durable and able to withstand many a mile.
Whichever colourway takes your fancy, these knee-highs are your pick if a bit of rain ain't gonna stop you thrashing the trails this winter. 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable, they're designed for warmth and comfort with a padded heel, toe, footbed, and ankle support.
They're another best-of-both design, with a toasty Merino inner, a Hydrophilic membrane, and super-stretchy nylon outer. There's also a great range of sizes available for all bodies, from a UK 3-5 and up to a 9-11.
Practical in design and style. These socks from Feetures are actually also compression socks, so they offer excellent support whether you have foot problems or not, and also boost circulation to your extremities.
They're pretty light and the fibres have a superb moisture-wicking ability to keep feet cool and dry. Additional features include an anatomical design that is left and right foot specific, as well as seamless toe, thus providing an enhanced fit.
This simple black pair from the go-to outdoorsy brand Gore offers up all you'd expect: expert moisture-wicking technology, Achille's tendon protection, and of course, a high insulation level. They're a mix of (non-Merino) wool and polyamide, so they're not too pricey.
Reduced seams and a midfoot grip band that keeps the socks from sliding around makes them great multipurpose socks for winter fresh-air fiends, be it cycling, skiing, running, or rigorous hikes.
The famed Woolie Boolie's from Defeet are a seasonal favourite amongst year-round cyclists and are spun from 48% Merino wool. A terry cloth cuff-top features for comfort, as well as arch and sole compression to support tired feet. 6 and 4" lengths are available.
They're probably the thickest winter cycling socks you'll find, so turn to them if it's below freezing. Do consider the fact that this comes at a price – they'll be a real squeeze in tight or fitted shoes.
Commuting on a dark December morning or just a fan of a bold and bright cycling kit? These fluorescent neon socks are sure to get you noticed on the road, available in 5 hi-vis colours that include reflective stripes on the cuff.
Made from antibacterial Coolmax fabric for moisture-wicking breathability, they're very fluffy and soft, and low-priced too. There aren't any reinforcements or other extras, and they are a little on the short side, so they're probably best worn on milder winter days.
Maybe the rest of your cycling wardrobe is long overdue a refresh, or maybe you're looking for some additional gifts for the bike-obsessed in your life; either way, we'd suggest checking out our other useful articles!
We can't change the weather, but we can change our socks. Hopefully you're feeling inspired to take on your winter rides now you've got the right gear to keep you comfortable and protected from the elements. Stay warm out there!
Author: Natasha Dziubajlo
No. 1: Polaris|Cascade Merino Waterproof Sock
No. 2: Velo Champion|VC Wool Socks
No. 3: GripGrab|Windproof Sock
No. 4: Sealskinz |Waterproof MTB Mid Knee Cycling Sock
No. 5: Feetures |Unisex Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew Sock
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