Sock Cuff Length?
05-04-21, 12:38 PM
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Sock Cuff Length?
What's the current fashion for sock cuff length?
I'm seeing a lot of riders out there with 6" crew-length socks. They look like gym socks.
I'm seeing a lot of riders out there with 6" crew-length socks. They look like gym socks.
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05-04-21, 12:42 PM
#2
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That seems to be what all the cool kids are wearing. I prefer a 3-4", but I'm old and not soo cool anymore.
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05-04-21, 12:56 PM
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The current fashion trend is definitely for longer socks. My preference is 4"-5".
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Last edited by Eric F; 05-06-21 at 01:55 PM.
05-04-21, 01:07 PM
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05-04-21, 01:59 PM
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I picked up 3 pair of Darn Tough cycling socks on clearance a few years ago. They come to just above my ankle joint so definitely not cool but they are comfortable an wear like iron. And since I ride solo I see a lot more rattlesnakes and roadrunners than other cyclists and they don't seem to care one way or another how high my socks are. Winter I have some heavier mid calf socks I wear with my long compression tights.
Honestly, when I do meet other cyclists I don't think I've ever looked at their sock length. It just seems really stupid.
"And the current fashion sets the pace
Lose your step, fall out of grace"
Honestly, when I do meet other cyclists I don't think I've ever looked at their sock length. It just seems really stupid.
"And the current fashion sets the pace
Lose your step, fall out of grace"
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05-04-21, 02:21 PM
#6
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I like the Swiftwick Four size. I used to wear the Ones, but dirt/dust always seemed to get in my sock...LOL...
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05-04-21, 02:42 PM
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I prefer 4" cuffs.
I can't see lower leg compression being too sought-after. There can be an aero advantage, though (which is why the UCI is regulating it), so that, along with fashion, are probably the main reasons.
I can't see lower leg compression being too sought-after. There can be an aero advantage, though (which is why the UCI is regulating it), so that, along with fashion, are probably the main reasons.
05-04-21, 02:45 PM
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I wear Swiftwicks in the One length. I'd wear the Zero length, but I need the sock to come above the top of the shoe. As for what the current trend is, I'm not up on that. I think Bill said it best.
05-04-21, 02:55 PM
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Apparently 6" or 4" depending on leg length. The sock should end just below the calf muscle. Gravel and MTB do their own thing, you might see what resembles 80's aerobics leg warmers.
05-04-21, 03:07 PM
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Didn't we beat this up a few weeks ago in another thread? Don't know if I posted anything in that thread, but I care not to be fashionable.
The pro for short socks is that if you have a gunky chain, it's easier to wash off you than the sock. The con's? I can't think of any unless being afraid they are out of fashion is one.
The pro for short socks is that if you have a gunky chain, it's easier to wash off you than the sock. The con's? I can't think of any unless being afraid they are out of fashion is one.
05-04-21, 03:08 PM
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In the running segment you see lots of runners, particularly people in the 50+ crowd wearing knee length compression socks or sleeves. I have a couple pairs of Swiftwick Aspire 12s. Mostly use them in cold weather during marathons. You can feel the compression. I can't say if they improve my performance or not.(still BOP) My wife thinks knee length compression socks or sleeves really help with recovery after a long event. I guess if a person thinks they help, then they do.
05-04-21, 09:27 PM
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I need socks long enough to show off the cool colors/designs but short enough to show off my muscled calves.
The socks in the above photo are too short.
The socks in the above photo are too short.
05-04-21, 09:39 PM
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Isn't the right sock length not so long that you get mistaken for a runner, not too short to be mistaken for a triathlete?
05-05-21, 02:33 AM
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I'm a Great Grandfather x 2 and my socks are above calves with smiley faces, stripes, colorful designs on them AND my wife made water bottle covers that I put over the bottles to keep ice water and BUD 0.0 colder longer or the coffee warmer longer and also helps to keep the bottle's top cleaner.
..............................
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05-05-21, 04:10 AM
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I wear footies. I hate the look of socks beyond my cycling shoes. Not to mention the tan lines. Plus, longer socks are heavy. Lol.
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05-05-21, 05:35 AM
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15cm. This has to be correct because it's metric.
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05-05-21, 05:43 AM
#18
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I wear baggy shorts just below my knee. Socks must be long enough to overlap just under my shorts.
05-05-21, 07:57 AM
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Long socks or short; as long as my left and right sock match each other, I consider that to be a victory.
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05-05-21, 08:36 AM
#20
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My standard: length of whatever, as long as from sock brands I've bought before and they lasted a long time and they are on a discounted sale. Matching is a plus, not required.
05-05-21, 09:00 AM
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Sorry, couldn't resist.
I wear short to shortish Sock Guy socks, longer with tights or warmers and longer still on cold days. I almost always wear silk liner socks or in winter, old man's near knee height length socks under.
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05-05-21, 10:36 AM
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I forgot about the professional cyclist. I guess they do need to conform to rules.
I'll have to tell a few about that when I see them riding in the kit of their favorite team and their socks don't measure up!
I'll have to tell a few about that when I see them riding in the kit of their favorite team and their socks don't measure up!
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05-06-21, 06:52 AM
#24
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I prefer the way Phil Gaimon's version of the rules cover it:
Rule #2: Wear whatever the hell you want.
Rule #2: Wear whatever the hell you want.
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05-06-21, 08:32 AM
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I prefer the way Phil Gaimon's version of the rules cover it:
Rule #2: Wear whatever the hell you want.
Rule #2: Wear whatever the hell you want.
My personal preference is on the longer side but I also have long legs so 6.5-7" socks don't look too crazy long. I just don't like wearing short socks on a road bike. I am also going thru "white socks only" phase of my amateur cycling career.