Motorcycle Socks

Slono · January 28th, 2012, 09:55 PM

What kind of socks do you guys wear with full length motorcycle boots?

massacremasses · January 28th, 2012, 10:05 PM

Hanes.

tube socks

Slono · January 28th, 2012, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massacremasses

Hanes.

tube socks

Do they stay up on your calves as you ride and walk around? My concern is that they'd fall down and eventually end up at your heels so I want ones tight enough.

massacremasses · January 28th, 2012, 10:14 PM

ha I think so? I tuck my pants in my boots..

Gorilla25 · January 28th, 2012, 10:15 PM

i use dry-fit over the calf socks

choneofakind · January 28th, 2012, 11:46 PM

...I wear normal athletic short socks and they work just fine?

Slono · January 29th, 2012, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

...I wear normal athletic short socks and they work just fine?

Do they go up to the top of your boot?

choneofakind · January 29th, 2012, 12:20 AM

nope. not even close. I guess it just never really bothers me.

massacremasses · January 29th, 2012, 12:28 AM

i wear ankle socks some time too. lol

Slono · January 29th, 2012, 12:55 AM

Doesn't the mesh on the upper part of the boot just soak up the sweat then?

massacremasses · January 29th, 2012, 01:05 AM

idk what mesh you are talking about? maybe my feet havent sweat in them yet? idk lol

Slono · January 29th, 2012, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by massacremasses

idk what mesh you are talking about? maybe my feet havent sweat in them yet? idk lol

The inside foam / mesh padding around the calves.

00NissanNinja · January 29th, 2012, 01:31 AM

I'm sure some soccer socks would suit your needs well.

burningscooter · January 29th, 2012, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00NissanNinja

I'm sure some soccer socks would suit your needs well.

+1 to that.

gfloyd2002 · January 29th, 2012, 06:35 AM

I've actually toyed with starting a thread on socks, so thanks!

Buying socks that are marketed for motorcycling is just a waste of money. They all cost $20 and up, and give you nothing that you can't find elsewhere for $6. What features do you want in a good motorcycle sock? You want over the calf to make the boot more comfortable, and you want something that'll breath. There are dozens of choices that do this for relatively little money.

I got a pair of Alpinestars motorcycle socks for my birthday, and they (despite 24.99 price tag) are garbage. The Alpinestars logo is sewn in a material that catches on velcro boot closures (talk about designing for selfish marketing rather than function!) and they lasted a grand total of 2 rides before they frayed beyond useability. And I'm ashamed to say I personally bought a pair of Fox branded coolmax motorcycle socks ($16) and the elastic lasted for about a month before they started falling down around my ankles.

My favorite socks for riding? $7 Carhartt lightweight boot socks I picked up at Cabellas. Perfect, because they are designed for boots (though work or cowboy boots). Other favorites include a $6 pair of Nike soccer socks. Only thing you have to watch in soccer socks is sometimes they are super thin to fit snug cleats, so you need some with some thickness to maintain comfort in a motorcycle boot.

NDspd · January 29th, 2012, 07:05 AM

Lightweight Hiking socks may do well. They are made to manage moisture, reduce abrasion and blisters. They are also damn good at holding off foot stink, if you get the merino wool. Cotton is your worst enemy if you sweat alot and there is alot of motion. Trust me, hiking in cheap cotton socks for 100 miles makes you wish you didn't.

MsRandomness-I.S · January 29th, 2012, 10:17 AM

Socks? What socks?
I'm kidding...

I use my soccer socks or just any pair of socks since most of mine tend to be over the calf anyway. Until a couple of days ago I really didn't know socks were made for motorcycling specifically...

I guess it's not one of those things you'd give a second thought like you would gloves or a helmet. Not me at least.

choneofakind · January 29th, 2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slono

Doesn't the mesh on the upper part of the boot just soak up the sweat then?

not really. I'm just riding a motorcycle. It's not like I just played a game of soccer and totally soaked through my socks and shins because I've been running like a mad man for the last 90 minutes.

If it really bothers you, go buy a $5 package of Hanes tube socks, or some soccer socks. Like Floyd said, don't spend money on a motorcycle specific sock. it's really just a sock with an emblem.

PHL · January 29th, 2012, 11:41 AM

I like the Smartwool PhD Light and Ultralight skiing socks. Goes up to my knee (and stays there), lightly padded in all the right spots, and mostly made of merino wool so it's not itchy. Warm in the winter (well, this winter, which isn't really a winter) so I don't need a second layer in my perfed motorcycle boots. Makes sliding into the boot real easy. Doesn't get stinky and doesn't get clammy when warm. Kinda expensive though, best bought on sale.

Target has thin merino wool socks that go up to the calf. Those are good enough as well. I'll never go back to cotton socks.

jp129 · January 29th, 2012, 12:13 PM

Blackhawk warrior wear boot socks here. Stays put!

gfloyd2002 · January 29th, 2012, 12:19 PM

I like Smartwool, too, but their over the calf socks are like $20. Too much for me - do you have a good source for those at closer to $10? Just found this, which looks good for me in tropics: UnderArmour Heat Gear boot socks for $9.99. Wicking, thin, over the calf. Good reviews on Amazon. I may try a pair as an alternative to my Carhartts and see if I like.

DaBlue1 · January 29th, 2012, 12:58 PM

Just ankle socks here and some long lycra pants. The lycra wicks great in summer, provides an extra layer in winter, keeps the lining of my armor pants from sticking and my shin guards from scratching.

rz3r0 · January 29th, 2012, 01:01 PM

Thinking about picking up a pair of Sidi socks, but I just wear any long socks.

00NissanNinja · January 29th, 2012, 04:37 PM

Like some others said I honestly wouldn't bother with motorcycle specific socks. They cost more to do the same purpose as most other socks.

Slono · January 29th, 2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rz3r0

Thinking about picking up a pair of Sidi socks, but I just wear any long socks.

I read some reviews on those Sidi socks and people have said they look like fuzz balls after a few wears, meaning they aren't as durable as people would like them to be.

Underarmour socks for $10? That's a decent price. If they're anything like my underarmour running socks I'm definitely buying a couple pairs. The only motorcycle specific sock I own is a discontinued Draggin jeans Kevlar woven sock. It feels really durable and they feel like the inside lining of shift motorcycle jeans. I've gone about 3000 miles in them and they still look brand new. I got them as a gift, I think normally they would have cost $30 or in and around the mark.

I think I'm going to check out some good quality soccer socks, or the underarmour option. Anything that's high cut and wicks moisture would seem like a good choice for full length boot.

koenigcitizen · February 4th, 2012, 11:13 AM

In the winter, I wear ski socks that are up to my ankle

Slono · February 4th, 2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

In the winter, I wear ski socks that are up to my ankle

You mean up to your knees?

koenigcitizen · February 4th, 2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slono

You mean up to your knees?

Oh haha, yeah, I am sorry, up to my knee.

I find ski socks extremely comfortable this time of the year. They wick moisture away, and they stay super warm.

I actually found a lot of use for my ski equipment when I started motorcycling in colder weather. I wear my Burton snowboarding base layer under my gear, and i wear armored underwear with hip and tailbone padding. Ski socks, ski glove liners, and my ski balaclava.

gfloyd2002 · February 24th, 2012, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfloyd2002

I like Smartwool, too, but their over the calf socks are like $20. Too much for me - do you have a good source for those at closer to $10? Just found this, which looks good for me in tropics: UnderArmour Heat Gear boot socks for $9.99. Wicking, thin, over the calf. Good reviews on Amazon. I may try a pair as an alternative to my Carhartts and see if I like.

UPDATE: The UnderArmour Heat Gear boot socks are amazing. I've been wearing them every day this month. Made by Gold Toe (by coincidence, I got to tour the Gold Toe factory for work - very impressive quality), super breathable, very comfy, don't catch on velcro, stay up always over calf. Perfect for motorcycle boots. AND, they are less than 10 bucks. AND they look like work socks when I change into work shoes.

Anyone who pays $20 for motorcycle-branded socks - like I did with Fox and A*s purchases - is now officially an idiot.

Jono · February 24th, 2012, 11:42 AM

This is why motorcyclists should just wear flip flops. You don't have to worry about what socks to wear.

On a series note. I just wear whatever socks I am already wearing when I put on my full length boots. Never had a problem. But if I am walking around a lot in my boots I like to have taller socks on.

koenigcitizen · February 24th, 2012, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfloyd2002

UPDATE: The UnderArmour Heat Gear boot socks are amazing. I've been wearing them every day this month. Made by Gold Toe (by coincidence, I got to tour the Gold Toe factory for work - very impressive quality), super breathable, very comfy, don't catch on velcro, stay up always over calf. Perfect for motorcycle boots. AND, they are less than 10 bucks. AND they look like work socks when I change into work shoes.

Anyone who pays $20 for motorcycle-branded socks - like I did with Fox and A*s purchases - is now officially an idiot.

Thanks for the tip. I will definitely check these out!

lux · February 24th, 2012, 01:59 PM

I wear either Alpinestars Road Racing Summer Socks or Sidi Tech Road Socks. Both are comfortable. They both have some pilling but otherwise have worn well. Both brands stay up, but I do wear strap-on knee armor.

January 28th, 2012, 09:55 PM	#1
Slono ninjette.org guru Name: Solon Location: Toronto, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334	Motorcycle Socks What kind of socks do you guys wear with full length motorcycle boots?

January 28th, 2012, 10:05 PM	#2
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	Hanes. tube socks __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 28th, 2012, 10:14 PM	#4
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	ha I think so? I tuck my pants in my boots.. __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 29th, 2012, 12:28 AM	#9
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	i wear ankle socks some time too. lol __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 29th, 2012, 01:05 AM	#11
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	idk what mesh you are talking about? maybe my feet havent sweat in them yet? idk lol __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

January 28th, 2012, 10:15 PM	#5
Gorilla25 Dakine... Name: AJ Location: DFW Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (Sold) \| 636 (hopefully soon) Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 5	i use dry-fit over the calf socks

January 28th, 2012, 11:46 PM	#6
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	...I wear normal athletic short socks and they work just fine?

January 29th, 2012, 12:20 AM	#8
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	nope. not even close. I guess it just never really bothers me.

January 29th, 2012, 12:55 AM	#10
Slono ninjette.org guru Name: Solon Location: Toronto, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334	Doesn't the mesh on the upper part of the boot just soak up the sweat then?

January 29th, 2012, 01:31 AM	#13
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	I'm sure some soccer socks would suit your needs well. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

January 29th, 2012, 06:35 AM	#15
gfloyd2002 User Title Free Since '12 Name: Floyd Location: Barbados Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 13 MOTM - Feb '12	I've actually toyed with starting a thread on socks, so thanks! Buying socks that are marketed for motorcycling is just a waste of money. They all cost $20 and up, and give you nothing that you can't find elsewhere for $6. What features do you want in a good motorcycle sock? You want over the calf to make the boot more comfortable, and you want something that'll breath. There are dozens of choices that do this for relatively little money. I got a pair of Alpinestars motorcycle socks for my birthday, and they (despite 24.99 price tag) are garbage. The Alpinestars logo is sewn in a material that catches on velcro boot closures (talk about designing for selfish marketing rather than function!) and they lasted a grand total of 2 rides before they frayed beyond useability. And I'm ashamed to say I personally bought a pair of Fox branded coolmax motorcycle socks ($16) and the elastic lasted for about a month before they started falling down around my ankles. My favorite socks for riding? $7 Carhartt lightweight boot socks I picked up at Cabellas. Perfect, because they are designed for boots (though work or cowboy boots). Other favorites include a $6 pair of Nike soccer socks. Only thing you have to watch in soccer socks is sometimes they are super thin to fit snug cleats, so you need some with some thickness to maintain comfort in a motorcycle boot. __________________________________________________ "Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake

January 29th, 2012, 07:05 AM	#16
NDspd 1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass Name: Jeremy Location: Dayton, OH Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.	Lightweight Hiking socks may do well. They are made to manage moisture, reduce abrasion and blisters. They are also damn good at holding off foot stink, if you get the merino wool. Cotton is your worst enemy if you sweat alot and there is alot of motion. Trust me, hiking in cheap cotton socks for 100 miles makes you wish you didn't.

January 29th, 2012, 10:17 AM	#17
MsRandomness-I.S All-around Newblet Name: NJ Location: Atlanta/Decatur Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): Candy Lime Green '12 Ninja 250R Posts: 48 Blog Entries: 5	Socks? What socks? I'm kidding... I use my soccer socks or just any pair of socks since most of mine tend to be over the calf anyway. Until a couple of days ago I really didn't know socks were made for motorcycling specifically... I guess it's not one of those things you'd give a second thought like you would gloves or a helmet. Not me at least.

January 29th, 2012, 11:41 AM	#19
PHL ninjette.org member Name: Napoleon Location: Philadelphia Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Street Triple R Posts: 86	I like the Smartwool PhD Light and Ultralight skiing socks. Goes up to my knee (and stays there), lightly padded in all the right spots, and mostly made of merino wool so it's not itchy. Warm in the winter (well, this winter, which isn't really a winter) so I don't need a second layer in my perfed motorcycle boots. Makes sliding into the boot real easy. Doesn't get stinky and doesn't get clammy when warm. Kinda expensive though, best bought on sale. Target has thin merino wool socks that go up to the calf. Those are good enough as well. I'll never go back to cotton socks.

January 29th, 2012, 12:13 PM	#20
jp129 ninjette.org member Name: Johnny Location: Houston Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 145	Blackhawk warrior wear boot socks here. Stays put!

January 29th, 2012, 12:19 PM	#21
gfloyd2002 User Title Free Since '12 Name: Floyd Location: Barbados Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250R Special Edition Green Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 13 MOTM - Feb '12	I like Smartwool, too, but their over the calf socks are like $20. Too much for me - do you have a good source for those at closer to $10? Just found this, which looks good for me in tropics: UnderArmour Heat Gear boot socks for $9.99. Wicking, thin, over the calf. Good reviews on Amazon. I may try a pair as an alternative to my Carhartts and see if I like. __________________________________________________ "Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake

January 29th, 2012, 12:58 PM	#22
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Just ankle socks here and some long lycra pants. The lycra wicks great in summer, provides an extra layer in winter, keeps the lining of my armor pants from sticking and my shin guards from scratching.

January 29th, 2012, 01:01 PM	#23
rz3r0 ninjette.org member Name: Rick Location: Hawaii Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R(Sold), 11 Honda Ruckus, 12 Ducati Monster 696 ABS Posts: 145	Thinking about picking up a pair of Sidi socks, but I just wear any long socks.

January 29th, 2012, 04:37 PM	#24
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	Like some others said I honestly wouldn't bother with motorcycle specific socks. They cost more to do the same purpose as most other socks. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

February 4th, 2012, 11:13 AM	#26
koenigcitizen Russian Ninja :) Name: Andrei Location: Ocean City, MD Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2009 Yamaha FZ6, 2010 Kawi 250r (sold) Posts: 335	In the winter, I wear ski socks that are up to my ankle __________________________________________________ 2009 Fazer (2009 Yamaha FZ6), 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

February 24th, 2012, 11:42 AM	#30
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	This is why motorcyclists should just wear flip flops. You don't have to worry about what socks to wear. On a series note. I just wear whatever socks I am already wearing when I put on my full length boots. Never had a problem. But if I am walking around a lot in my boots I like to have taller socks on.

February 24th, 2012, 01:59 PM	#32
lux ninjette.org guru Name: lux Location: NY Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 306	I wear either Alpinestars Road Racing Summer Socks or Sidi Tech Road Socks. Both are comfortable. They both have some pilling but otherwise have worn well. Both brands stay up, but I do wear strap-on knee armor.

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