Hot
- Extremely comfortable and seamless toe means no chafing
- Improved circulation, less fatigue and better power transfer
- Firm hold across the foot, ankle and lower leg
- Full range of motion, yet very supportive
- Moisture wicking and breathable – feet don’t get hot
- Medical grade compression design for better blood flow
Not
- Hang dry
https://www.m2oindustries.com/
Price: $15.77 MSRP
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online
Sizes: XS – XL Unisex
Colors: Blue/Orange, Blue/Black, Pink/Black, Fluro Yellow/Black
Material: Olefin, nylon and Lycra
RBR advertiser: No
Compression socks: Love them or leave them?
There seems to be two camps as it pertains to compression socks: You either like them or you don’t. I’m in the “like” camp. It’s been a while since I reviewed compression socks and have been testing the Shield Crew Cycling Sock, from Australian-based M20 Industries, for some time. I can say they are the most comfortable compression sock I’ve worn.
The Shield socks are made from medical grade compression material and you can feel the quality as soon as you take them out of the package. Slip them on and feel the support around the foot and ankle. This includes the arch and Achilles, too. However, be sure to put them on the correct foot as each sock is labeled “L” and “R”.
Each time I ride with the Shield socks, I instantly feel the extra support from the compressive fabric which in turn helps to transfer power to the pedals. Throughout my rides (indoor trainer or outside on the road) as well as post-ride, my legs feel less fatigued and fresher.
M20 Industries uses a blend of olefin, nylon and Lycra to provide a high grade of compressive fabric. Properties of the fabric include moisture wicking, anti-bacterial, stain resistant and heat transfer away from the skin.
M20 Industries designs more into their fabric than just compression
These socks come in a variety of colors and are unisex designed. Sizing is available from XS-XL, to provide the perfect fit.
As with all quality activewear, to prolong the life of the elastic, the company recommends washing in cold water, mild detergent, and hang dry (not in direct sunlight). I’ve been wearing and washing this test pair for many months with no sign of wear.
For more information about M20’s cycling sock check out their video.
Bottom Line
Looking for a high-quality compressive sock that gives Achilles and arch support? Check out Australian-based M20’s Shield crew length sock. It gave me added support, which translated to more power to the pedals and less leg fatigue.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I just tried to buy a pair of these, but failed. Added a pair to my cart, but then got ‘Checkout system disabled’.
Don, I will let the company know. They are in Australia so there is a time lag. Sorry for the poor experience.
Not your fault, but thank you. (And..I’m in Australia)
Heard back from the CEO. See below in the string. Sad to see what this pandemic is doing to businesses, too.
Can you comment on how they wear over time? Also, warmer or cooler than regular socks?
Hi Dave,
These socks are thicker than other compression socks I’ve worn/tested. They’ve been wearing great and I don’t notice any thinning on the bottom or the elastic less compressive. I’ve worn the socks in all sorts of weather and down in the basement on the trainer. They’ve been very comfortable and my feet aren’t sweaty or hot. But everyone is different.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for letting us know about these compression socks. II would like to try them but according to their website everything is “Sold Out”. My guess is they are shut down due to the virus thing. I will try again later.
Layne
The Sold Out wasn’t there a week ago as I was writing this. But again they are in Australia and might have some restrictions due to COVID-19. I do have an email out to my contact at the company and PR firm, just waiting for a response.
Sheri
Layne,
Just went to the web site. The sock isn’t sold out but the checkout has been disabled. One of the colors you can find here. https://www.m2oindustries.com/collections/compression-range/products/m2o-shield-3-4-cycling-and-sports-compression-sock-blue-orange
Scroll down to the bottom of their website page and check out the video on their anti-chafing cream. Great cycling shots, especially mountain bikes which I also love. ;
I reached out to the company and they told me they don’t sell in the US, and you can’t order online for delivery here. Curious as to how you managed to snag a pair.
Bill, they actually sent me sample of socks and bottles to test. 🙂
Heard back from Trent the CEO of the company. Here’s what he said.
“Thank you for the email and sorry for the delay but we have closed the site down in these times with Covid and are looking at our business currently to decide the best ways forward.”