Sock Doping: 12 Must-Own Cycling Socks

Written by
Marc Lindsay
With all the sweet tech and apparel in cycling's gear arsenal, who would've thought socks would be the new fad? Well, if you're still riding around in plain white anklets while everyone else in your group ride is rocking hot pink skull and bones on their calves, take it as a sign that you need to step up your sock game.

While a new pair of socks can fall to the bottom of the wish list, that doesn't mean a good pair won't make a big difference in how you look and feel out on the road.

Whether you're a commuter or a hardcore racer, these 12 pairs are funky, fashionable and the perfect way to step up your sock game in 2016.
Rapha Wiggins Pro Team
$25
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Socks made for racing should be two things: long and lightweight. The Wiggins Pro Team edition from Rapha manages to accomplish both, and the quintessential Wiggo styling is an eye-catching look to boot. As with all of Rapha's products, the construction is on par with the best socks available. Featuring a yarn/performance nylon fabric mix that, if well-kept, these socks will last and keep their color through several months of wear.
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The Athletic PDX Carpet
$15
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The fun-loving Portland-based company, The Athletic, sells a litany of other products, but socks are definitely its specialty. This funky pair is an homage to the Portland Airport's carpet, and are perfect for jazzing up your cycling style. They're also lightweight, durable, and a perfect height at six inches.
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Castelli Quindici Soft
$19.95
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In terms of comfort, the Quindici from Castelli gets our pick. Made from 100 percent merino wool, these will quickly become your go-to pair when the temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees. What you'll notice most about this pair is its ability to keep your feet warm while letting moisture evaporate, which will keep you dry during hard efforts. They're also incredibly soft, which makes returning to your normal Hanes ankle socks a real bummer.
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Handlebar Moustache—Decade Pro
$15
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According to Handlebar Moustache, sock doping is real. Whether it's making your competitors question their own level of manliness or that streak of blinding pink zooming to the front of the peloton, these wild socks could provide you with the edge you've been looking for.
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Assos eC Recovery
$24
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Cycling socks are just that, socks for when you cycle. However, the eC from Assos is a recovery sock that provides gentle compression and promotes circulation. These extremely well-made socks include a seamless design that makes them comfortable to wear all day, whether you're out and about or lying on the couch watching one of the Spring Classics.
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Duex North Bleux
$19.99
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Named after the bleux-footed booby (one of the world's most exotic sea birds), this sock from Deux North is a good way to add some color to your wardrobe. They also match perfectly with the company's Hunting Jacket—one of our favorite new winter cycling jackets, which is made from premium Italian fabrics.
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SealSkinz Mid Weight
$55
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If you're looking for a pair of socks to keep your feet warm and dry, look no further than this offering from SealSkinz. They're fully waterproof and plenty breathable, and are a good option if you don't want to wear overshoes. Our favorite feature is the merino wool lining, which provides excellent comfort and will keep your feet toasty in foul weather.
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God and Famous—Paincave
$13
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For those days when cycling seems a bit too serious, the Paincave from God and Famous will certainly lighten the mood. Featuring the crying emojis print, you're sure to stand out from the crowd and field a chuckle or two on your next group ride.
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MAAP Dot
$21.26
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Not only do these socks from the Australian company MAAP proudly feature the awesomeness of polka dots, they're also available in six awesome colors too—from aqua all the way down to neon yellow. The cotton/nylon blend and six-inch cuff make them an ideal option for adding a bit of style to your racing kit.
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Panache Asym
$16
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Do these socks from Panache make any of sense? Of course not, but they are perfect for going fast and having fun. We think the Asym is a perfect fit for cyclocross season, when wacky is the name of the game. The SuperWick material breathes surprisingly well, and the compression fit of the Lycra provides freedom of movement while staying in place—which is important during hard efforts.
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ICNY Gradient
$25
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Though these socks are cozy enough to sleep in, the ICNY Gradient offers plenty of function, too. By incorporating reflective material into the back of the sock, you'll light up the night and make yourself visible to approaching traffic—and that's always a good thing. As an option for commuters, this is a sock you definitely need to have in your arsenal.
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Tenspeed Hero Resort Pack
$80
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This six-pair combo pack from Tenspeed Hero is the perfect way to step up your sock game with one single purchase. The colors and prints are wacky and wild and probably won't match any of your other cycling gear. But then again, isn't that the point?
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