I’m looking to keep my feet warm and dry without having to buy a pair of winter cycling shoes. I’ve been using Wolly Bullies, but they’re not waterproof. Are there any socks out there that will keep my feet warm and dry, but aren’t too bulky?
why not just put on a pair of booties on top of your shoes? bonus is that usually they have reflective stripes on the back (this is what I do for winter commuting, toasty dry feet and more visibility = good)
i use SealSkinz, they work really well for me while keeping my feet dry and even somewhat warm. they breathe somewhat decently too. i’ve had my pair for about 3 years now using them off and on during the sometimes rainy winter months here in austin. hope this link helps a bit.
Rocky Goretex Socks over wool socks. Your toes will thank me.
I havebeen using these for over 10 years as well, and love them. I actually like them better than booties in some conditions. I originally bought them for cold mountain and cross races where I wanted to leave the sole of my shoe uncovered, but I like them so much I often find myself using them on the road instead of my booties.
Plug for SealSkinz. The Rocky Goretex are probably similar and look to be as ridiculously expensive. I use SealSkinz. You can submerge your feet in water in these things and the water will absolutely not get in. They will not keep your feet bone dry as the sweat you generate will
not completely disperse, but I don’t imagine that’s even possible.
A cheaper solution would be swim socks, which can also be used for open water swims in cold water. You can either go for the Blue Seventy ones (which are rather thin and work well in shoes), or thicker scuba ones.
The Rocky Goretex are probably similar and look to be as ridiculously expensive.
I have and use both the Rocky and the Sealskins. Plus, it’s part of my job to test this stuff for backpackinglight.com.
Both socks are waterproof as long as the membranes are not damaged.
The Sealskins are intended to be worn as a sole sock. This has the advantage of simplicity, but lacks versatility for changing conditions. The Rockys are an oversock that’s intended to be worn over an insulating sock. This is more complex, but allows you to choose an inner sock layer based on temperature, and also to remove the Rocky if it warms up.
The Rockys are more compact than the Sealskins. This, together with their “oversock” function allows them to be carried in a pocket and used only when needed.
Despite other poster’s favorable impressions of Sealskin breathability, the Rockys are much more breathable. Whether your feet sweat enough for this to be important is another issue.
Sealskins socks are nice, although I hate their gloves. But winter cycling shoes might be even better, and perhaps, in the long run, a better solution than keeping warm and dry by constantly renewing your expensive socks drawer.
Sealskins socks are nice, although I hate their gloves. But winter cycling shoes might be even better, and perhaps, in the long run, a better solution than keeping warm and dry by constantly renewing your expensive socks drawer.
wow… exactly what i was gonna say!.. love the sock and hate the gloves
for me the problem i have with waterproof socks is that they don’t like my washing machine… over winter on my bike commute a pair only just last a season. so i save them for races and occassional days when i needs extra comfort - just to maximise their lifespan.