by Lars Hundley
After a recent review of socks that came in black and gray, several readers commented that they were more interested in bright, high visibility socks so that they can be better seen by cars while riding. We’ve written previously about a study showing that wearing high visibility colors on parts of your body that move (like your feet) increases your visibility on the road.
Someone from SockGuy coincidentally contacted Road Bike Rider around the same time period, announcing new designs. I asked if they had any high visibility options, and they kindly offered to send me a box of various bright and colorful socks for review.
SockGuy is a California based company that manufactures all its socks in the USA. I already owned a couple of pair of their TurboWool merino wool blend socks that I purchased at full retail price at least four or five years ago, which are still in great shape and still in rotation in my sock drawer right now.
SockGuy socks are mostly known for their fun and unique designs, although it is also possible to buy black and white socks from them. They offer just about every cuff length you could want, from no show all the way up to 8 inches.
Unlike many other sock brands, SockGuy makes their socks out of 75 percent micro denier acrylic, 15 percent nylon and 10 percent Spandex. This was a blend I had never seen with other socks, so I asked them about it.
“Our socks use this high wicking formula and are made from 75% MDA, 15% Nylon and 10% Spandex. This proprietary SockGuy blended formula is far superior to any other ‘performance’ sock on the market today because it wicks moisture better, is more comfortable to wear, and is the softest most durable blend we have found.”
The socks are indeed quite comfortable, and come in two different size options for smaller and bigger feet. The upper part of the sock on top of your foot has a mesh weave that allows for good breathability. These are relatively thin socks, which gives your feet enough room inside your cycling shoes.
If you have a bike club or team, they also have the capacity to make custom socks with your club design in three to six weeks.
I’ve already put these new MDA blend socks through the wash several times, and they have done very well. I expect them to last at least as long as my TurboWool pairs that I already owned.
If you’re looking for quality-sewn, unique and colorful cycling socks that are made in the USA, SockGuy is a good option.
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I’ve worn SockGuy socks almost exclusively for at least 10 years. They wear like iron. (but more comfortable). They are my go-to socks for most casual affairs and often, business. During a business lunch once I was asked to move my feet under the table! I think they were green with an orange clown head on the cuff.
SockGuy socks are sooo creative. One of my favorites was given to me by their rep at Interbike 2016. Mid discussion he looked at me, said wait a minute. He ran around the back of his booth and came back with Soup Nazi socks!!! If you’re a Seinfeld fan you will understand how awesome they are.
That is awesome! No soup for you! 🙂