Socks

The Aireator is a 100% synthetic cycling sock designed to give maximum airflow and maximum breathability and moisture wicking, making it best suited to warmer conditions. The fabric is thin, stretchy and extremely breathable, and the sock is constructed to be virtually seamless, giving a smooth contoured fit with no risk of rubbing. This particular sock from De Feet doesn't have any padding, keeping it sleek and low volume. Toe and heel areas are reinforced.

Unlike the Road Masters from Moose, the Downhills are cycling specific socks with a bent towards off-roading. Made from the same 100% synthetic fibres, the Downhill is a much thicker sock, with more padding throughout, whilst maintaining the cycling specific shaping and construction of its lower profile road sibling.

Made from a 100% synthetic fibres mix, the Road Master are the entry level cycling specific socks of technical sock specialists Moose. Designed with the needs of the road rider in mind, they are lightweight, non-bulky and with specially zoned padding.

These socks from Castelli aren’t cheap but they are comfortable and provide a good level of insulation for chilly off-season rides.

They’re made mostly from merino wool – with acrylic, nylon, Lycra and elastic thrown into the mix – and are noticeably warmer than most synthetic socks of a similar weight. Plus, the wool naturally wicks moisture away from your skin to keep your feet feeling fresh when you work up a sweat.

I do like a nice sock. There's nothing worse than spending a ride with seams chafing or a loose heel riding up. There's no danger of that with these Bike Race socks from Craft, Swedish masters of technical sportswear.

Don't know if you've noticed, but it's getting cold out. These Thermolite socks from Prendas are just the ticket to give your toes a bit of extra protection when the wind starts to nip.

These are simple Coolmax socks for use in the spring, summer and autumn, and at £6.50 a pair – or four pairs for £20 – you won’t get too upset when they eventually wear out or won’t come clean anymore.

Muxu's ride socks are stylish, practical, comfortable and durable, and as such go a long way to justifying their hefty price tag. They're a bit too warm for the really hot days but great for general riding, with a cut and style that performs on the road and doesn't make you look like a freak off the bike.

If you've ever been to a cycling or outdoor trade show you may well have seen the lucky employees of Seal Skinz milling around in their socks in a plastic tub to prove how waterproof they are. These activity socks feature a fully waterproof membrane and are a great cold/wet weather choice, especially if your tootsies suffer on your winter rides.

These are the thinnest and subsequently, the most suitable socks in the Seal Skinz range for cycling. Ideal for cross, touring, winter training and mountain biking they keep feet bone dry and temperate without encroaching on performance cycling footwear’s snug fit. Every winter wardrobe should have a pair.