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To sock or not?

Old 06-14-21, 01:32 PM
  #1  
gilpi
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To sock or not?

Anyone here not wear socks? I love putting my cycling shoes on a hot day without socks but after years of doing this I just read it is not proper to go sock-less? It won't change my mind, just wonder (for the sake of discussion)
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Old 06-14-21, 01:36 PM
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jadocs
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I would think that would stink after a few times.
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Old 06-14-21, 01:36 PM
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shelbyfv
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Here's a recent lengthy discussion about socks. https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...s-cycling.html
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Old 06-14-21, 02:53 PM
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i've heard that red socks make you go faster.
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Old 06-14-21, 03:01 PM
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Kabuki12
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I wear socks!!!
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Old 06-14-21, 03:01 PM
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As long as you aren't a Pro rider it's not an issue. Many orgs have rules on socks. UCI just changed theirs up.

I can't see riding without socks myself. I need to have a little bit of compression on my feet to keep them from swelling a tad at mile 35-40 and making my feet ache for the next 10 miles till it goes away or I become numb to the sensation.

But you are welcome to do what works for you.



On the other subject brought up ... I think my bright yellow socks might be faster.... but the red socks I wear too aren't much slower!
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Old 06-14-21, 03:44 PM
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I’ve never worn socks with my road shoes. Not sure, or don’t remember, why, it has been decades.

John
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Old 06-14-21, 03:46 PM
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Man, you guys must have some comfortable shoes. Can't imagine riding without socks.
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Old 06-14-21, 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by spelger
i've heard that red socks make you go faster.
What color makes you go "hillier!"
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Old 06-14-21, 03:49 PM
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Socks can't get soaked in the rain if you're not wearing them.
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Old 06-14-21, 03:52 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by spelger
i've heard that red socks make you go faster.
I prefer black socks because they make me better at climbing hills.
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Old 06-14-21, 03:54 PM
  #12  
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I have never liked being sockless when wearing shoes. I just do not feel comfortable like that. Even around the house, I prefer socks and slippers. Also, I like crew length, or longer socks. I have some very thin, made for cycling socks, that I like to wear this time of year. Now, and with thin socks, is the only time I can wear one set of Giro Republic, 42mm, or they are too tight.
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Old 06-14-21, 04:21 PM
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No socks here, unless it's cold out. Sometimes I'll wear a low-cut version that doesn't show. My shoes don't stink any more or less, regardless.

I can't stand the calf-high socks that are fashionable these days. I understand that white is the new whatever, but that doesn't look any better to me.
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Old 06-14-21, 05:12 PM
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xmas stockings are for the gifted riders.
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Old 06-14-21, 06:19 PM
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spelger
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Originally Posted by kahn
What color makes you go "hillier!"
Argyle.
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Old 06-14-21, 06:32 PM
  #16  
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I wear socks!!!
You are supposed to wear socks on your feet not your face.
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Old 06-14-21, 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by spelger
Argyle.
Gesundheit.
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Old 06-14-21, 08:53 PM
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The main problem with going without socks is chafing and blisters. Make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to not have that problem.
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Old 06-14-21, 09:01 PM
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I wouldn't ride without socks unless I was some gross triathlete but I don't like peeing on my bikes (and yes they do pee on their bikes, not all of them but some do) I like to keep my feet blister free and also help wick moisture away from them and also be fun. If I am going to wear shoes I am going to wear socks otherwise if I am going sockless I want to go shoeless as well.
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Old 06-14-21, 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Kabuki12

I wear socks!!!
Expecting a sandstorm? Love the socks though.
Tim
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Old 06-14-21, 09:26 PM
  #21  
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On the road bike I don't wear socks, be nice if I could and I'd like to, but the size 13 sidi mega shoes I have are barely wide enough to fit. MTBing I wear my size 13 4E sneakers and I wear crew socks that have been sprayed with permathrine (sp?) which kills the ticks that jump on them; spray they once ever 6 weeks.
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Old 06-14-21, 09:51 PM
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I always sock - because I don't cycle in sandals or flip-flops. I wear moisture-wicking socks to carry moisture away from the feet so the leather of my shoes doesn't get wet from sweat. Wet leather is a no-no unless you're shaping it.

Last edited by Cougrrcj; 06-14-21 at 10:15 PM.
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Old 06-15-21, 01:06 AM
  #23  
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Hygiene-wise, how is wearing shoes without socks different from wearing the same unwashed socks day after day? I change my socks and underwear every day. Sometimes more frequently, especially if I'm cycling. And I'm always cycling.
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Old 06-15-21, 02:43 AM
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Of course I wear socks. But I just don't get the latest fad with the tall ones everyone wears now. Who wants that kind of tan line?
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Old 06-15-21, 09:27 AM
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I have to wear thick socks to prevent the chaffing during the warmer weather season. If I could justify a second pair of clipless shoes, it'd be nice to use thinner socks. Maybe next year there will be a deal to do such.
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