Are cycling socks a waste of money?

[steady eddy]

I have some "rasta" cycling socks from Brixton Cycles - my son gave them to me as a present -I just love the red yellow and green stripes - they fit pretty well to.

[ian peacock]

I wear them for racing, but have to be careful: they are often left/right specific. I once started a time trial with them on the wrong feet, and on the command "GO" I shot off backwards!

[rjb]

I swear by the thermal hiking socks from Poundland, they were 3 pairs for guess what - a pound
They are seasonal so may not always be available. They had them in cream, green or black. I have several pairs of the cream ones.

[Wynne71]

Sounds like there are some serious bargains out there.
Looks like I will be trying a few!

[foxyrider]

I've used everything from nowt to what I now recognise as horrible knee length nylon things!

My current go to socks are Planet X Merino ankle socks - not too thick but warm in winter and comfortable in summer. Not bothered about tan lines - I go sockless with sandals longer than wearing bike shoes so its sandal lines I suffer from!

I wouldn't go out of my way to buy cycling specific socks but whatever you wear does need to be comfortable - the extra sole padding of hiking/running socks can be uncomfortable in cycling shoes.

[eileithyia]

That made me laugh! Wearing the tan lines of cycling with pride.

But of course, rule no 7:- tan lines will be nurtured and kept sharp.

[Vorpal]

I have a daft tan line between my sandal straps.

[mjr]

Tanned skin is damaged skin.

[RickH]

Only wear socks in the winter to keep my toes warm, never wear them in the summer and who wants a daft tan line just above their ankles?!!

(Waves arm enthusiastically in the air!) they go with the one halfway up my upper arm & the pale hands from wearing cycling mitts!

[mercalia]

I just buy "work" socks from Lidl when they come in - are thick and tough and longish

[Wynne71]

Wiggle special offer, two pairs delivered for £10. Feel excellent quality.
Looking forward to giving them an outing this week.

[mig]

a cycling sock is usually one with a short hose made from cotton, polyester and lycra (or elastane if a cheaper knit.) there is nothing special about them really. sometimes the soles have a loop knit for a softer feel but that oftens flattens in use and the wash.

that said there are some high quality socks aimed at cycling - the defeet woolie boolie is one such - although they are seldom cheap.

[landsurfer]

I wear them for racing, but have to be careful: they are often left/right specific. I once started a time trial with them on the wrong feet, and on the command "GO" I shot off backwards!

Brilliant ...