Picture this: winter is here, and with it comes that crisp and cold air you enjoy so much. It’s definitely the perfect time for a bike ride! You get seemingly everything you need and head out the door only to have your toes go numb from the cold in just a few minutes. Instead of giving up riding during the cold winter days, you should consider this as a sign to invest in some good quality winter cycling socks and keep on riding.
As for what you should be looking for in a pair of winter cycling socks or even a specific brand, we have prepared a list of the best winter cycling socks to get. Let’s begin!
6 Best Winter Cycling Socks
Since you and others won’t be able to see much of your socks in winter, you are probably just looking for a pair that “does the job”. And while a pair of socks is just a layer of clothing and it seems like an easy task, that’s not necessarily always the case. There are certain qualities that you need in your winter cycling socks to get the best out of them. Below you will find the 6 best winter cycling socks on the market and a list of features they should have.
SNOW DEER Heated Socks
The first item on our list is a pair of heated winter socks. The SNOW DEER Heated Socks are excellent for outdoor activities, including cycling, as they have heating elements in the toe area for extra toasty feet during cold weather. They are long enough to cover your calves for added comfort. They are thick knitted socks designed to stimulate the blood circulation on your feet, which makes these socks ideal even for those who have arthritis, stiff joints, or chronically cold feet.
Key features
- Made of polyester and elastane
- 7.4V 2200MAH Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries
- Available in three sizes: medium, large, and extra large
- Setting controller
- LED light indicator
- US standard dual charger
Pros
- Thick knitting
- Soft material
- Comfortable wear
- Instant warm-up
- Easy to activate
- Three heat level options
- Long-lasting batteries
- Cushioning around the toes
- Rechargeable batteries
Cons
- The wiring can be uncomfortable
- They can be a little thick to wear with winter boots
- They can be a little tight around the calves
- The section around the toes is a little too thick
GORE WEAR M Thermo Mid Socks
GORE WEAR M Thermo Mid Socks are the perfect companion for cycling on cold winter days. With a perfectly snug fit, warm wool, and the GORE Selected Fabrics, these socks will protect your feet from the cold temperature. The high level of comfort is made possible by the breathable fabric that wicks away moisture that keeps your feet warm enough without causing sweat. GORE WEAR M Thermo Mid Socks are padded in all the right places keeping your feet supported and safe from blisters during your outdoor activities.
Key features
- Made of wool
- GORE Selected Fabrics
- Imported
- Machine washable
- Flat seams
- Padded
- Available in two options: White/black and white/gray
- Available in sizes 3.5 to 12
Pros
- Warm material
- Comfortable wear
- Fast-drying
- Breathable material
- Moisture-wicking
- Resistant material
- Reinforced toes and heels to prevent discomfort and blisters
- Comfortable padding around Achilles’s tendons
Cons
- They tend to run a little big
- There is slight discoloration on the white option after washing
- They release lint when washed
Swiftwick – PURSUIT SEVEN
We go out cycling in nature, so it is only fit to wear a pair of socks made from natural, sustainable materials, right? Swiftwick- PURSUIT SEVEN socks tick so many boxes, and “green” is only one of them. Made from natural Merino wool, these socks provide year-long comfort for your feet as they wick away moisture from your feet—a huge discomfort during summer and winter. They are snug enough to provide support for your feet and stay in place, yet not so much it’s uncomfortable. Last but not least, the high, double-layered cuff keeps your calves protected from debris during cycling.
Key features
- Made of soft and natural Merino wool
- Machine washable
- Reinforced heel and toe
- Contoured compression fit
- Seamless toe
- High cuff
- Available in three neutral colors
- Available in sizes extra small to extra large
Pros
- Warm material
- Comfortable wear
- Breathable
- Durable material
- Moderate compression throughout the band
- Mid-level cushioning
- Seamless, friction-free toe
- Tall crew sock cuff to protect from debris
- Naturally renewable, sustainably sourced materials
Cons
- A little bit thin for extremely cold weather
- Small entry points/ may be difficult to put on
EPEIUS Cushioned Crew Socks
If you are one of those people who wants not only warm socks but super soft ones as well for luxurious comfort, then we have the perfect pair for you! The EPEIUS Cushioned Crew Socks are made with an ideal blend of cotton and stretchy materials to provide comfort and support for your feet, even during cold weather. The ribbed cuffs keep them in place so your activities won’t be interrupted by sliding socks, and the arch band gives you the right support. Finally, the EPEIUS Cushioned Crew Socks are machine washable and dryable.
Key features
- Made of 82% Combed Cotton, 15% Polyester, 3% Spandex
- Imported
- Machine washable
- Ribbed cuffs
- Full cushion sole
- Arch band
- Available in four basic colors
- Available in three sizes
Pros
- Comfortable wear
- Thick, highly durable material
- Breathable and stretchy
- Moisture-wicking
- Super soft material
- Stay in place
- Appropriate for warm and cold weather
- Size printed on the bottom
Cons
- They run a little large
Jefferies Socks boys Seamless Half Cushion
This product is perfect for the ones with sensitive feet in need of soft, non-irritating socks, and the Jefferies Socks boys Seamless Half Cushion socks have just that. They are made of ultra-soft material and have a smooth, seamless toe and half-cushion foot padding that will keep your feet comfortable when participating in outdoor activities. The ribbed cuffs ensure your socks stay in place even during the most rigorous activities. They have a classic look and are machine washable, so you can even wear them as part of your uniform.
Key features
- Made of 80% Cotton, 17% Nylon, 3% Spandex
- Imported
- No Closure closure
- Machine washable
- Seamless toe
- Half-cushion foot padding
- Ribbed cuffs
- Available in four sizes (extra small to large)
- Come in six pair packs
Pros
- Comfortable wear
- Thick material
- Impact protection
- Stretch-resistant
- Non-irritating toe
- Great for school uniforms
- True to size
- Wash well
Cons
- A little too thick
MERIWOOL Merino Wool
Do you want warm and cozy feet during winter cycling but not the itchiness that comes with most woolen socks? The MERIWOOL Merino Wool socks contain a 75% Merino wool blend that makes your socks soft to the touch and ultra comfortable for the feet. The rib-knit pattern allows for extra stretching, so these socks will feel snug but not uncomfortable. The MERIWOOL Merino Wool socks are also breathable and moisture-wicking, so you don’t have to sacrifice a level of comfort for warmth. They come in seven lively and stylish colors, so you’ll bring a certain flair on your bike rides!
Key features
- Made of elastic, nylon, Merino wool blend
- Rib-knit
- Available in 4 sizes (extra small to large)
- Available in 7 different colors
- Come in three pair packs
Pros
- Comfortable feel
- Extra support
- Breathable material
- Compression support
- Odor-resistant material
- Moisture-wicking material
- Ultra soft
- Lightweight
Cons
- A little too thick
- They run a little small
- They tend to shrink a bit upon washing
What Material To Look For When Buying Winter Cycling Socks
Most people do a lot of research on summer clothing items to help them combat the heat and do not spend enough time researching winter clothing. This is because the majority of them have the wrong idea that clothes and socks are just layers. A perfect pair of winter cycling socks are a perfect mix of materials that will ensure heat retention, moisture wicking, breathability, comfort, and compression. The most common materials used for winter cycling socks are wool, polyester, and nylon, and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
Wool
If we try to think of a pair of winter cycling socks, most of us have “woolen” or “knitted” as two qualities to cross our minds. Humans have been using wool in winter clothes for a long time, and rightly so. Wool is a natural fiber that insulates heat, absorbs water, and wicks moisture—all three essential qualities for staying warm. There is one downside to wool, however, as some non-high-quality wool is itchy and bulky and, therefore, extremely uncomfortable.
Polyester
For those of you potentially allergic to wool, there are still great synthetic options out there, and polyester is one of them. While not as insulating as wool, polyester is softer and moisture-wicking.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material that has some great qualities for socks. Nylon socks are also soft, stretchy, and, best of all, durable. As a material, nylon doesn’t absorb moisture and is wind resistant, making it perfect for layering on top of other clothing.
Final Thoughts
It would be a shame to let the dropping temperatures and cold feet get in the way of your cycling—especially since there are so many great options for winter cycling socks to keep you warm and cozy on your outdoor adventures. And before the summer hits again, check our guide on the best summer cycling socks. So do some reading and choose a pair that has the qualities most important to you and pedal on!
