Socks

Prendas Ciclismo Coolmax socks are lightweight and comfortable and they come in many different designs to match your bike, kit or mood.

I've used loads of pairs of these socks over several years. They're made from a polyester/polyamide/elastane mix that's very stretchy so you get a close fit without any ridges, and it shifts moisture away from your feet well. They're a consistent weave throughout rather than having any mesh sections but I've never noticed my feet getting particularly sweaty in these even on the hottest summer days or the steepest climbs.

These lightweight cycle-specific socks are highly ventilated, good value and they come with a neat little Union Jack round the back and some Great Britain logos.

Like Moose's Road Master socks that Leonie reviewed last year http://road.cc/content/review/32287-mooseeu-road-master-sock, these are made from 80% ClimaWell, 10% polypropylene, 5% polyamide (nylon) and 5% elastane.

Craft's Zero Bike Sock is their 'most comfortable, best performing bike sock to date' if they do say so themselves. A sock for fair to cold conditions, it is certainly very comfortable, but if you don't like draughts around the ankle - especially if you are a longer legged type you might want something with a longer cuff.

Oversocks seem to be everywhere at the moment and these Cover Sock ones from dhb are a decent option, providing a little extra warmth and adding protection for your shoes.

The dhb oversocks are made from polypropylene (65%) with nylon (31%) and elastane (4%) making up the remainder. Polypropylene doesn't absorb water and it dries super-fast, so even if these get wet with road spray, the air blowing over them as you ride means they're soon back to normal.

American company DeFeet is best known, probably, for its Aerator summer socks, but it does a pretty mean line in winter socks too - the Woolie Boolie is made from every discerning rider's favourite material: Merino.

Cover socks offer a great medium during Spring/Autumn, when you want something to insulate those aerated shoes but overshoes a step too far. Craft's offering employs a varied stitching density - similar to performance socks. Does it create the cover sock of cover socks?

For cold-weather cycling, you need to keep your feet cosy, and these merino socks from dhb do just that.

Merino wool is a natural fibre that is very soft and comfortable. More important, merino has good insulation and moisture wicking properties better in some cases than synthetic base-layer materials. Its especially good for socks because feet (along with other extremities) dont sweat much when cycling - not compared to the upper body - but can get very cold.

Altura Night Vision socks represent fantastic value for money when you consider they're both technical garment and visibility aid in one.

I'm a big fan of Keen shoes, and I love stuff made from Merino. I was expecting quite a lot from these Keen Springwater socks. They don't disappoint.

They are made from a clever mix of 50% merino wool and 50% synthetic stuff. In my experience, it's pretty important to get this mix right. Too much synthetic stuff and the smell-stopping merino can't work its magic. Too much wool and holes start appearing too quickly. So far, the evidence suggests Keen have got it right.

There's nothing like doing a ride in new socks, is there? Magic. Some socks stay feeling good for a long time after they're new, and the Castelli Riga 9s are certainly one of those socks. Plus, they look Pro, and that's very important in a sock.