Winter Socks, for many cyclists, are a key piece of the winter cycling kit as frozen toes can cut long training rides for crucial base miles short. Gone are the days when simply layering thick socks would suffice. Today, making socks waterproof has become an impressive combination of fabric technology and quality craftsmanship.
This year, we are carrying innovative socks from British manufacturer, Sealskinz, which is producing the hydropstop - ankle and mid socks. The original, 100% waterproof ankle length sock featuring Hydrostop, is the perfect barrier for use in wet and warm wet weather conditions.
Hy
drostop technology creates a seal between the sock cuff and skin, helping to reduce the amount of water from running down the leg and into the sock. Due to this close bond between sock cuff and skin, we recommend that Hydrostop socks are only used outdoors and not for a prolonged period of time. Incorrect or prolonged use can result in excessive rubbing against the skin and may in a very small minority of cases cause minor skin irritation. The Hydrostop seal material has been fully tested to EN ISO 10993-5: 2009 and is OEKOTEX compliant.
The socks are made waterproof with three layer construction for warmth, durability and water repelling. The outer sock layer is 94% Nylon, 6% Elastane. The middle sock layer is a Hydrophilic membrane. While the inner sock layer is a combination of 75% Bamboo rayon, 22% Nylon, 2% Elastane, 1% TPU. These socks also come in lighter wight version for warm weather, in ankle and mid-length sizes.In addition to their similar construction, these warm weather cycling socks feature:
- Waterproof - three layer construction for warmth, durability and waterproofing.
- Foot Comfort - Bamboo lining for moisture control, insulation and comfort
- Support - zonal elastic for added support
- Close fit - four way stretch for comfort and stretch fit
- Toe Comfort - flat toe seams prevent rubbing
At Cento, we also carry socks by Portland-based cycling apparel designers, Showers Pass. In our offering, the Showers Pass socks will run generally thicker than the Sealskinz. This can be helpful information as some winter cyclists may run different size shoes for the colder months to ensure they have enough room for additional insulation. Showers Pass also offers a variety of socks with unique features that we particularly enjoy.
For starters, the Torch Reflective socks are unmistakably appealing for winter activities. The Showers Pass Torch Socks feature the cutting edge reflective garment technology in 3M™ Scotchlight™ Reflective Material that offers 4-way stretch for comfort and durability with 500 candle power reflective (which is not much different than an actual light!) Highly reflective 3M™ 4-way stretch logo above Achilles provides night time visibility when wearing cycling shoes or tennis shoes. These socks also feature:
- Anatomical design delivers an unbeatable fit and feel
- Compression pattern on arch and Achilles
- Flexible tongue zone minimizes fabric at the top of foot for flexibility
- Extra-flat toe seam stops pressure points
- Nylon components dry quickly, breathe well, and add extra durability
- Soft merino wool breathes well, helps regulate body temperature, and is naturally odor resistant
- Heat and moisture management keeps your feet cool, dry and comfortable
- Provides stability and shock absorption for stop-and-go movements and protects against blisters with close-fitting padding
Crosspoint Waterproof Mountain Socks may feel like regular socks, but they are fully windproof and waterproof, thanks to a proprietary 3-layer construction. This sock build includes: wear resistant knit exterior, a seamless waterproof Artex membrane, and a moisture-wicking Merino Wool-blend lining. They also feature:
- Ergonomic fit due to a proprietary 3-D laminating process
- Microporous waterproof membrane allows the sock to ventilate in order to decrease sweat accumulation
- Inner: 39% Merino Wool, 39% Acrylic, 13% Polyester, 7% Nylon
- Outer: 80% Nylon, 14% Polyester, 4% Lycra, 2% Spandex
- Moisture wicking, anti-microbial lining
- Mid-calf waterproof protection
Showers Pass developed the Crosspoint waterproof crew to solve the soggy toe problem and to keep your feet dry while cycling, running, hiking, hunting, any outdoor activity in the rain. Made with 3-layers: a wear resistant knit exterior (feels like a regular sock), a waterproof breathable Artex™ membrane, and a Coolmax FX moisture wicking anti-bacterial lining.
The result is a sock that feels like a sock but protects like a rain bootie. Now you don't have to choose between keeping your feet dry and breathability. A reinforced toe and heel provide comfort and durability.
Lightweight crosspoint waterproof
These lightweight waterproof socks are now 20% lighter! Yet, the socks are fully waterproof thanks to the same 3-layer construction of : a wear resistant knit exterior (feels like a regular sock), a waterproof breathable Artex membrane, and a Coolmax FX moisture wicking anti-bacterial lining. These are a good choice if you're riding in slightly warmer, but still wet weather. The weight savings is in a little less overall insulation.
For similar features, with a slightly different feel against the skin and overall funk prevention from sweaty socks, the Lightweight crosspoint waterproof wool-bend socks are an excellent choice. This year, Showers Pass has teamed up with National Geographic to brand these waterproof socks. Like the others in the line, these socks are fully windproof and waterproof, due to the proprietary 3-layer construction, with the exception of the moisture-wicking Merino Wool-blend lining. In short, they effectively turn any shoe into a windproof and rainproof solution for inclement weather.
Ergonomic fit due to a proprietary 3-D laminating processThey also feature:
- Microporous waterproof membrane allows the sock to ventilate
- Moisture wicking, anti-microbial lining
- Mid-calf waterproof protection decrease sweat accumulation
Inner layer: 39% Merino Wool, 39% Acrylic, 13% Polyester, 7% Nylon
Outer layer: 80% Nylon, 14% Polyester, 4% Lycra, 2% Spandex
With so many waterproof socks available, you'll be sure to find a way to keep your toes dry and warm this winter - whether you're putting in long hours and base miles on the bike, hiking up hills, or skiing down mountains. We've tried to include some overall fit details for each sock, but if you have any questions, be sure to reach out to us.