Cheap alternative to expensive cycle socks

[warthog1]

I have some defeet wooleator cycle socks I bought at some online store a while ago.
Great comfortable socks on the thicker side for cycling wear. I don't know how much I paid for them but I am baulking at the usual cycle tax now
http://www.this link is broken.au/defeet-wooleat ... 7&curr=AUD
Anyone have a more reasonable alternative?
Maybe from some other sport that doesn't attract the same price premium cycling does.
Obviously, knee-length footy socks are out but surely there are other options?

[madmacca]

I have some defeet wooleator cycle socks I bought at some online store a while ago.
Great comfortable socks on the thicker side for cycling wear. I don't know how much I paid for them but I am baulking at the usual cycle tax now
http://www.this link is broken.au/defeet-wooleat ... 7&curr=AUD
Anyone have a more reasonable alternative?
Maybe from some other sport that doesn't attract the same price premium cycling does.
Obviously, knee-length footy socks are out but surely there are other options?

A sort-by-price on socks on wiggle shows a reasonable range under $10. Which is probably OK for reasonable quality socks in a wicking fabric.

[AUbicycles]

warthog1, I have found that cycling socks tend to be priced accordingly. If you search through the specials bin in online store, they will have socks with well-known and otherwise reputable brand names but they are cheap and nasty socks which are not far removed from kmart socks.

Can't comment on dhb - many years I had some but they were pretty bad however the who brand has been moving from entry-level to mid-range and their socks (from a BNA review of dhb cyclewear) last year appear fairly good now.

The alternative is to look for the bad colours or styles that match no-ones kit and lookout for specials from retailers or brands trying to clear these hard-to-sell styles.

[warthog1]

I don't like thin socks at all. I wear an explorer type at work.
I'm thinking more something like this;

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nike-Mens-Dr ... u6H2Q&var=

Might go with them once the coast is clear after my recent unauthorised purchases

Edit; just noticed they were from Hardly Normal. Obviously purchase from that idiot is out of the question.

[mikgit]

TBH in normal circumstances, any old sock will work perfectly really (excepting cold and hot weather). You don't really need a cycling specific sock. I've ridden in old basketball socks, old hiking socks (today), runnign socks, "athletic" socks and cycling socks (da feet, castelli etc) they all do he job.

[eeksll]

TBH in normal circumstances, any old sock will work perfectly really (excepting cold and hot weather). You don't really need a cycling specific sock. I've ridden in old basketball socks, old hiking socks (today), runnign socks, "athletic" socks and cycling socks (da feet, castelli etc) they all do he job.

I am with you there, some are not good, but most are fine. I wear the cheapest harris scarfe socks for cycling/running/work/everything. I like filling my sock drawer with 1 type of sock. No sorting and matching after washing

but seeing the way some of my running group talk about socks, I seem to be the odd one out.

[AUbicycles]

warthog, those harvey norman nike socks have a ribbing on the ankle/calf section and I would categorise them more of a comfort sock for general sports and recreation. The better cycling socks tend not to have ribbing and looking at the toe section there is also a seam - a good cycling sock doesn't have these. In sneakers with room the seam is not an issue, for modern MTB and road cycling shoes, generally you are after a closer fit and so seams in the wrong place are not as comfortable.

Of course, as mikgit suggests, you can wear any sock... but I personally notice the difference between general sports sock and well made cycling socks with genuine moisture wicking and that have the right thickness, support and elastic. The cheap and nasty socks, in my experience, have a a shorter lifespan, they have a much loser weave and deform and rub more. Cheaper sock often don't do moisture wicking as well.

So I disagree that 'any old sock will work perfectly' but won't argue that anyone can ride with whatever socks they want to and may perceive a small or bigger difference to top-end socks.

Christopher

[mikgit]

TBH in normal circumstances, any old sock will work perfectly really (excepting cold and hot weather). You don't really need a cycling specific sock. I've ridden in old basketball socks, old hiking socks (today), runnign socks, "athletic" socks and cycling socks (da feet, castelli etc) they all do he job.

I am with you there, some are not good, but most are fine. I wear the cheapest harris scarfe socks for cycling/running/work/everything. I like filling my sock drawer with 1 type of sock. No sorting and matching after washing

but seeing the way some of my running group talk about socks, I seem to be the odd one out.

haha, yeah well I say that, but I'm a total gear head and socks do come under that banner. I don't have a huge amount of cycling socks and so use whatever I think will work... but running socks, I've got heaps, thorlo's, wigwams, hilly, and nike, asics, NB.
I guess my opinion is, if you're trying to budget, then dont sweat it, any sock will do, but if you want stuff... then buy away.

[mikgit]

Of course, as mikgit suggests, you can wear any sock... but I personally notice the difference between general sports sock and well made cycling socks with genuine moisture wicking and that have the right thickness, support and elastic. The cheap and nasty socks, in my experience, have a a shorter lifespan, they have a much loser weave and deform and rub more. Cheaper sock often don't do moisture wicking as well.

So I disagree that 'any old sock will work perfectly' but won't argue that anyone can ride with whatever socks they want to and may perceive a small or bigger difference to top-end socks.

Christopher

Sorry, just tying to input in the "don't want to spend money", in that case any sock will work, you don't have to stress about technical socks. But yeah better socks will work well and last longer.
I bought some Wigwam Ultimate hiking socks back in 1997, cost $40 per pair. Those 4 pairs are still going strong... well getting a bit nasty now. And loads of thorlos for running that go back many years (probably to the 90's, bought my last pair in 2010 and they're still like new)

[MichaelB]

I'm in the camp that 'socks designed for cycling are better', but I do find it hard to spend more than $15 a pair. Some are just ridiculous re what they charge.

Swiftwick are one pair that I have spent over the $15, and are worth it. Some cheaper ones tend to be small re their sizing, a bit thin or just too lairy for my tastes.

Swiftwick are pretty damn good, but even the Monton ones that I have tried have lasted well, and are well under the $10 mark

[warthog1]

warthog, those harvey norman nike socks have a ribbing on the ankle/calf section and I would categorise them more of a comfort sock for general sports and recreation. The better cycling socks tend not to have ribbing and looking at the toe section there is also a seam - a good cycling sock doesn't have these. In sneakers with room the seam is not an issue, for modern MTB and road cycling shoes, generally you are after a closer fit and so seams in the wrong place are not as comfortable.

Of course, as mikgit suggests, you can wear any sock... but I personally notice the difference between general sports sock and well made cycling socks with genuine moisture wicking and that have the right thickness, support and elastic. The cheap and nasty socks, in my experience, have a a shorter lifespan, they have a much loser weave and deform and rub more. Cheaper sock often don't do moisture wicking as well.

So I disagree that 'any old sock will work perfectly' but won't argue that anyone can ride with whatever socks they want to and may perceive a small or bigger difference to top-end socks.

Christopher

I've got some Endura baa baa merino socks that are ribbed. They are Ok I guess but a bit on the thin side.
My son has some Nike basketball socks I might just pinch a pair and try them (same size foot)

[warthog1]

I'm in the camp that 'socks designed for cycling are better', but I do find it hard to spend more than $15 a pair. Some are just ridiculous re what they charge.

Swiftwick are one pair that I have spent over the $15, and are worth it. Some cheaper ones tend to be small re their sizing, a bit thin or just too lairy for my tastes.

Swiftwick are pretty damn good, but even the Monton ones that I have tried have lasted well, and are well under the $10 mark

Thanks, I'm in that camp too I reckon and feel the same about the cycling tax imposed on some socks.

[foo on patrol]

What are these socks you speak of? I rarely wear socks.

Foo

[warthog1]

Never tried it Foo, I have sweaty feet and the stink wouldn't take long I reckon.
Too cold here still. Leg and arm warmers with light gloves today.

[Farmer Elvis]

I have some defeet wooleator cycle socks I bought at some online store a while ago.
Great comfortable socks on the thicker side for cycling wear. I don't know how much I paid for them but I am baulking at the usual cycle tax now
http://www.this link is broken.au/defeet-wooleat ... 7&curr=AUD
Anyone have a more reasonable alternative?
Maybe from some other sport that doesn't attract the same price premium cycling does.
Obviously, knee-length footy socks are out but surely there are other options?

Wool is currently running at the highest price back to the grower since 1988, so working on about 1400c/kg to grower add on the heaps of middle men, exporting to China,scouring,dying, milling, importing to England, selling, posting to Australia, I'd say there's not a lot in it, if you want cheaper don't buy wool simple.

[foo on patrol]

Never tried it Foo, I have sweaty feet and the stink wouldn't take long I reckon.
Too cold here still. Leg and arm warmers with light gloves today.

I only wear socks if it hits 5c and under. I have feet that sweat in winter and they are worse if I use socks.

I use Aldi full gloves, T7 leg warmers, a winter riding shirt and news paper if it drops below 0c for a ride.

On the stink factor, use Bi-Carb soda into ya shoes, to pull any stink out.

Foo

[mikesbytes]

One could look at total cost of ownership. I've found sock guy socks to be extremely long wearing

[Uncle Just]

I wear cycling socks and Prendas offer a good range, well made and at a reasonable price (2 for 15 quid or better). Not too long either for a classic look. https://www.prendas.co.uk/collections/footwear/socks

[warthog1]

Good info fella thanks
I had some sock guy shoe covers which were good so their socks should be even better being the sock guy and all.
I like some of those prendas winter weight ones and better price than the usual online bike stores.
I use ti tree oil on my feet which seems to work if they get a bug never given the bicarb a go in the shoes. Sounds heavy duty, which can be required.

[AUbicycles]

A vote for prendas as well.

[mikesbytes]

A vote for prendas as well.

Ah they have Ducati socks. Warthog will ever be very happy with that or won't touch them with a barge fork

I'm tempted to buy some, which site is best to get them from?

[tomee]

my favourite and best socks are the Rapha Pro Team.
They are the only ones that stay up even after multiple washes.

dhb, maap and defeet socks all loose their elasticity around the top of the sock after couple of washes.

Plus you can get the Rapha ones on sale or on discount codes

[Arbuckle23]

Still happy with my Aldi Cycling Socks I bought a year ago.

[MichaelB]

....
dhb, maap and defeet socks all loose their elasticity around the top of the sock after couple of washes.

...

You must have a monster of a washing machine !!

Have had dhb socks for a while (6 mths) & they ain't loose yet. Swiftwick ones still going strong and the pick of the bunch. The Monton ones have started to fade, but are still working well.

Can't even think of getting Rapha ones, even on discount. Their stuff is a good example of something that is, imho, waaaaay overpriced, despite being allegedly good quality.

[AUbicycles]

Still happy with my Aldi Cycling Socks I bought a year ago.

Actually, I purchased a pair and they are rubbish for road cycling... no comparison with decent socks. However for MTB they are ok but I find that it irritates my skin - not sure if this is because of materials used or it is rubbing, but I think the latter.

I don't know why I haven't tossed them yet... not even that great as casual sports / recreation socks.