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Whether you’re making your way through a particularly damp commute or trekking through especially sodden land off-road, no cyclist wants wet feet. They’re cold, damp and unbelievably uncomfortable to ride your bike with.
So, if you’re on the lookout for new waterproof cycling socks, we’ve picked out four of our current favourites which may interest you, as well as running through some basic FAQs on the subject.
This guide will explore the best waterproof cycling socks for your needs, in order to keep your feet toasty and dry as you cycle:
Best Waterproof Cycling Socks
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RAINY WARM DAY SOCK
Sealskinz Wretham
Bamboo lined waterproof ankle length sock for warm weather.
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BREATHABLE CYCLING SOCK
Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Crew Sock
Breathable sock with impressive waterproofing from all angles.
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BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION
Dexshell Waterproof Winter Cycling Sock
Affordable wind and waterproof socks that’ll keep your feet dry in most conditions.
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AGAINST ALL THE ELEMENTS
Sealskinz Stanfield
Extremely durable winter socks that will keep your feet dry in even the worst conditions.
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MINIMALISTIC
Dry Mile Urban Waterproof Sock
Thin and comfortable waterproof socks with some stylish stripes.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE
MUC-OFF Waterproof Socks
Socks for high performing cyclists that laugh in the face of cold, wind and rain.
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ALL BLACK WATERPROOF
Alpkit Rana Waterproof Cycling Sock
Socks designed to survive the muddy winter trail rides.
How to Keep Feet Dry Cycling in the Rain
There are generally three options in this department:
- You could arm yourself with waterproof shoes, many of which look and feel great, as well as keeping your feet warm and dry.
- Another option is waterproof overshoes, which are worn over another shoe (reasonably self-explanatory) to offer a snug fit but keep the wind and rain out.
- Or, you can buy waterproof socks – which is where this article should come in handy.
How Do Waterproof Cycle Socks Work?
Waterproof socks have three layers: the standard knit interior and exterior, as well as an added waterproof breathable membrane in-between the two to keep your feet warm and dry.
Obviously, this makes them thicker than ‘normal’ socks, but it’s thanks to this multi-layer build that the waterproof membrane can be adequately protected. Also, remember: socks’ waterproofing tends to only cover the tip of your toes to just below the top of the cuff.
Waterproof Bike Socks: Materials
Here are some of the fabrics commonly found in waterproof cycling socks:
- Gore-Tex materials are extremely popular, given the excellent level of insulation they provide no matter what the weather of where you’re cycling. They offer a supreme level of waterproofing, windproofing and breathability.
- Merino wool is commonly found in the inner lining because it can regulate its own temperature, can absorb up to 30 per cent of its weight in water and is extremely moisture-wicking – all of which again helps keep your feet nice and dry.
- The outer layers are often made of a combination of Nylon, which is abrasion-resistant and dries quickly, and Lycra, which enhances your comfort and fit. Together, the two provide a strong support for the waterproof membrane and help keep the sock’s shape.
- Though, that particularly stretchy Lycra is sometimes merged with other materials like elastane or acrylic, which make the sock’s lining more light and breathable – superb for keeping them odour-free..
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Best Waterproof Socks for Cycling
1. Sealskinz Wretham
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£28
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$34
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€32
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Outer Layer – 94% Nylon, 6% Elastane / Middle Layer – Aquasealz® waterproof membrane / Inner Layer – 75% Bamboo Rayon, 23% Nylon, 2% Elastane.
- Style/Height: Ankle length.
- Season: Late spring/summer.
Suitable for warm weather.
Shorter ankle length sock.
Bamboo liner for dry, cool feet.
When it comes to cycling socks, Sealskinz are the brand to go to, bar none. And it’s no wonder, they continue to make some of the best waterproof socks for cycling available on the market today.
The Wretham is an excellent waterproof sock for warmer days throughout the year, but is especially well suited for the later spring and summer months when your feet are starting to put away a few more miles on the pedals. They’re waterproof, but still breathable.
These socks are hand made in the UK and individually tested for their waterproofing capabilities. They’re made of 3 seperate layer that combine a durable nylon outer layer, a breathable Aquasealz® waterproof membrane and a comfy inner lining of mainly bamboo.
This winning combination keeps your feet dry, cool, and blister-free, while also offering unparalleled flexibility and agility. They’re a great everyday cycling sock, and will be more than fine when it comes to some light trails rides too.
2. Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Crew Socks
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£33
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$40
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€38
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Inner: 81% Coolmax, 16% Polyester, 1% Nylon, 2% Spandex / Outer: 78% Nylon, 7% Spandex, 15% Polyester.
- Style/Height: Mid-calf.
- Season: Most of the year.
Moisture wicking coolmax lining.
3D molded ergonomic fit.
Anti-sweating microporous membrane.
Constructed with three durable layers, the Crosspoint Waterproof Crew Socks from Showers pass feature a waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable in even the harshest conditions. The best part? They’re calf length, so they’ll protect even more of your leg from the elements.
And they’ll stay in place. You won’t get any slipping, meaning you don’t have to constantly redajust. Their ergonomic fit is actually due to their unique 3D molding process!
With a Coolmax inner and a nylon outer, you get the best of both worlds. Feet that can breathe and let moisture and sweat out, but that are also protected from moisture entering from the outside.
These are great socks for people that suffer from sweaty feet and, quite frankly, don’t want to shout about it. Thanks to the antibacterial properties of the lining, it’s a problem of the past. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.
Waterproof Cycling Socks for Winter
3. Dexshell Waterproof Winter Cycling Sock
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£25
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$30
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€29
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Model and bamboo thread with Porelle® membrane.
- Style/Height: Mid-calf/crew.
- Season: Autumn/winter.
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Affordable.
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Simple aesthetic.
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Lightweight.
The Dexshell Waterproof Winter Cycling Sock is Decathlons answer to a waterproof cycling sock.
For a winter sock, it’s reasonably thin and simple, and doesn’t have the bulk that other socks on this list have. This helps it to retain it’s flexibility, meaning your feet feel loose and comfortable.
Because of it’s bamboo composition, it manages to keep its compact size. As a material for socks, bamboo is great because it’s naturally anti-microbial, so it keeps your feet fresh and comfortable. The material also helps to keep your feet warm when it’s cold out.
Dexshell socks are made of special fibres that keep your feet warm and dry in wet conditions. They’re also designed for sports, particularly cycling, so they won’t slip down your calf.
They’re an affordable option for everyday commuting in cooler, wetter climates.
Sealskinz Cycling Socks
4. Sealskinz Stanfield
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£48
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$60
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€55
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Outer Layer – 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane / Middle Layer – Aquasealz® waterproof membrane / Inner Layer – 41% Merino Wool, 41% Acrylic, 14% Polyester, 2% Nylon, 2% Elastane.
- Style/Height: Mid-length.
- Season: Winter.
Great for the most miserable conditions.
Handmade and tested in the UK.
More versatile than hi-tec boots.
The Stanfield from Sealskinz is your ultimate partner when it comes to the grimmest, coldest and wettest of conditions. If you’re still willing to go out on your bike, these socks will go as far as you will.
They’re testament to quality and innovation. A clever use of high end materials, such as the premium merino wool for it’s natural breathability, means these socks do everything they can to keep your feet dry.
They also have the thickest layer of insulation of any of Sealskinz socks. All 3 layers work together to retain heat and to keep your toes nice and warm.
Painstakingly hand made and tested in England, Sealskinz are the industry leaders when it comes to waterproof socks. Whilst they might be more expensive than some of the other options, it’s partly this reputation for excellence that you’re paying for. And don’t worry, they don’t dissapoint. They’re some of the best waterproof cycling socks money can buy.
These socks are a great choice for the cyclist who’s going out in conditions that would make most of us want to stay at home. Ice, torrential rains, even storms, these socks can handle it all and still keep your feet dry and cosy.
5. Dry Mile Urban Waterproof Socks
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£26
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$32
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€30
Prices are approximate
- Materials: 97% Nylon / 3% Spandex, INNER: 56% Bamboo Charcoal / 44% Nylon.
- Style/Height: Crew.
- Season: Winter/early spring.
Ultra-soft.
Lightweight.
Odor control.
The Urban Waterproof Socks from Dry Mile are the lightweight, minimalistic, all-weather performance sock of choice.
Made from an outer blend of 97% Nylon and 3% Spandex, and an inner blend of 56% Bamboo Charcoal and 44% Nylon, these socks boast both durability and comfort. With their 3 bonded layer waterproofing system, these socks provide great protection in any weather condition.
They’re lightweight and thin. This means they can fit into your regular cycling shoes with ease and still keep your feet dry.
A unique charcoal lining made of natural materials is extremely hygienic and helps to reduce odor control, even for any conditions such as Athlete’s Foot. They’re also moisture wicking as well as waterproof, keeping your feet fresh for hours at a time.
We love their bright stripes which look really cool and bring a flash of colour.
It’s a sock for urban environments, so whilst it should be OK in the great outdoors, it’s really a better option for the commuters and students who want to cycle to work in the city all year round.
Well-known Waterproof Cycle Socks
6. Muc-OFF Waterproof Socks
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£41
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$50
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€47
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Outer: 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane / Membrane: 100% PU / Inner: 100% Polyester.
- Style/Height: Crew.
- Season: All winter long.
Designed for very muddy conditions.
Well supported.
Windproof.
The Waterproof Socks from Muc-OFF are another excellent choice for when the conditions are adverse.
These socks keep your feet dry in the absolute worst conditions, be it rain, snow, or heavy mud on the trails. The breathable waterproof membrane is good for 24 hours of breathability, so if you’re planning on doing some serious off-road riding for longer periods then these are for you.
The durable Polyamide and Elastane outer means these socks will stay in good condition for a long time, and the recycled wicking lining ensures that your feet are comfortable. They’ve got technical mesh panels on the top of the feet to keep air circulating, making them breathable too.
They’re made with a seamless construction and an contoured arch compression rib, ensuring you’ve also got the support that you need when doing some more extreme cycling.
These are great socks for gravel bikers, MTBers and offroaders alike who want dry feet and who don’t want to stop any extreme sports just because of rain or snow.
7. Alpkit Rana Waterproof Socks
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£50
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$60
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€56
Prices are approximate
- Materials: Outer: 89% nylon, 7% polyester, 4% spandex / Inner: 62% rayon, 15% wool, 20% polyester and 3% spandex / Internal waterproof membrane.
- Style/Height: Crew.
- Season: Spring/autumn.
Discreet.
Stretchy.
Comfortable.
Introducing the Rana Waterproof Socks from Alpkit!
Stay dry and comfortable from toes to ankle with the full-length waterproof membrane. Designed for all cyclists, these socks are the perfect accessory for your adventures on the streets and the trails.
Unlike some of the other brands, these socks are really discreet. The all-black colouring is stylish and can seamlessly fit into the office whilst being deceptively functional and weatherproof.
With a 3-layer construction, the Ranas are reliably waterproof and breathable, ensuring that your feet stay dry without sacrificing comfort. Made with stretchy and soft fabrics, they are made to feel just like regular socks, giving you the freedom to move and explore with ease. That’s thanks to the generous amount of Spandex in the construction!
They’ve got a low profile fit and will tuck into any of your usual cycling shoes without any worries.
Speaking of no worries, they also come with a 3 Year Alpine Bond, giving you peace of mind.