I’ve had the great joy of riding in these socks for several months, over short rides and long, on the trainer and on the road. I’m stuck thinking of too many ways to introduce and explain these magical foot tubes to you, so instead I will let Velobici do the introduction. Continue reading “The Domestique Critique: Velobici Premgripp Sock”
Tag: cycling socks
Sockturday: Victory Chimp
Victory Chimp is a really fun company. Socks, accessories, cycling art, and a jersey thrown in there – all with the tongue-in-cheek humor of the pursuit of this perfect cycling being. They even made little chimp (Chimp Jr.) cycling caps! I look forward to sporting a pair on my feet soon and I hope you do, too.
What is your favorite VC sock/shoe combo?



Sockturday: Sokhyte
Oh those Aussies, another brand coming out of that country and changing the style of cycling everywhere. Introducing Sokhyte from Melbourne, a brand of “tall” cycling sock influenced by their Dutch roots. This first collection, featured in this interview, is called The Business. But keep a close eye on their website and Instagram for the release of their new collection any day now, called The Hype. Looking forward to it myself!
What is your favorite Sokhyte sock/shoe combo?
Shimano make a road shoe (R171), this shoe is 1/2 black and 1/2 white. The sokhyte® shoe/sock combo works well with these, the rider can wear any color without crossing the line of a miss match.







Sockturday: Versus







Sockturday: Sock Guy
Well, you can’t get much more ubiquitous than Sock Guy. They are hands-down my favorite brand. Every single pair fits perfectly, washes well, holds up, and looks sharp. They have numerous original and collaborations that offer a broad range of design and color for endless days of #sockdoping. They care about what they make for you, and their growth and popularity prove that. Welcome to Sock Guy.



Side Note: Amanda Nauman is a CX racer from Southern California that competes on a national level now. I actually DO already own her Panda Socks and I practically live in them!

Sockturday: Ursa Minor
I first noticed this brand around the time of the tragic Orlando club shooting in the States. They had a wonderful message of positivity and love and just so happened to have a rainbow sock for purchase to show support for LGBT communities everywhere. But that’s not all they are. They are exploration-positive, outdoor-positive and on point with their message of “finding your own north” whatever that may be for you.
Welcome to Ursa Minor.
What is the history behind your brand? Ursa Minor also feels more exploration and adventure and perhaps less cycling, so how/why cycling socks?
We started Ursa Minor in late 2015 with the ultimate purpose is to make products in the US for exploration and adventure. One of the main focuses of the brand is cycling and socks were a natural fit for us. Most of our explorations and adventuring have been on bikes however we want to build products that are functional as much on a bike or trail as they are going out to a restaurant.
What is your favorite Ursa Minor sock/shoe combo?
I don’t really have a favorite sock/shoe combo. We try to keep our designs functional by using a color palettes that will not prohibit you from wearing our products with a shoe, kit or any garment.
Do you adhere to cycling sock height rules or answer demand or function instead?
We don’t really follow of any height rules. We just want people to just be happy wearing our products.
Do you make your own socks or do you use another company to manufacture your designs?
Our socks are all US made by Defeet. I have to give a shout out to Shane, Hope, Brad, Scott and Rob. They have really been extremely supportive and have worked with us on product development and have been instrumental in developing products that perform well for men and women equally.
Why do you think cycling socks are so much fun to wear/design?
Socks are awesome in the fact that there are so many players in the sock game. It seems like there are more and more options and companies showing up each month offering really unique designs and people seem really dig them. I personally love designing socks and garments that perform extremely well and look good to boot. The beautiful thing about cycling socks is the fact that they can complete a kit and can be a focal point which can really express what you are feeling during that ride, hike or just simply hanging out.
Do you really make a woman’s sock or simply market different colors and designs to women? Oftentimes, especially for smaller footed women the design is off when worn and there may be rubbing inside a shoe from seams that are not quite right.
We run unisex sizing and colorways right now at Ursa. One really great thing we have noticed in the market is we see men and women are wearing the same color ways and styles. If the design is solid it works for anyone. We also try to keep in mind how the design will be represented on multiple sizes and foot profiles.
Do you consider mixed materials in your socks for specific purposes – warmer weather, cooler weather, wet weather, road versus CX, etc? Do materials make a beneficial difference to athletes?
Absolutely! Our Hi-Vis Oso is engineered with COOLMAX® Ecomade in the body for moisture control and Cordura in the heels and toes for padding and enhanced durability. For colder weather we have a Thermolite East to West color-block sock which performs like wool in terms of warmth and has a lightweight feel with less bulk in the shoe and we have some time tested classic Wool designs coming down the pipe. Our Against the Grain and Sky Bear are thinner designs built on Defeet’s Aireator profile.
Anything new for 2016 we should look out for? Any expansion of products to come?
In addition to new sock styles coming in 2016, we are working on some exciting stuff in the base layer arena as well as some riding apparel.
Sockturday: Acht Supply
Acht Supply is an Italian tech wear company making strong design prepared to ride. The beauty of Acht Supply, and why I am drawn to their products so much, is the simplicity of the graphic design in combination with the color choices. It’s a designer’s dream, really. A kind of “Why didn’t I think of that?!” moment that makes you think designing for cycling is so easy. It isn’t. These socks blend with your kit without overpowering your kit, if you know what I mean. But the design conveys style and strength, complimentary to your cycling lifestyle. Here’s what they said in their own words.
What is your favorite Acht Supply sock/shoe combo?
We don’t have a specific sock/shoe combo, there are many amazing shoe brands out there and we love to see our products paired in the most original ways by our customers and fans all over the world!
How did Acht Supply begin as a company?
Acht Supply started from my willingness to combine my passion for cycling (and sports in general) and technical apparel; in 2012 we started making socks and apparel for us and our friends, and then it became a full-time job.
Do you adhere to the height rules or answer demand instead?
As regards socks height, we follow our own rules: in our opinion, the perfect height is never above the calf or below the ankle.
Do you make your own socks or do you use another company to manufacture your designs?
Acht Supply socks are entirely made by us and 100% made in Italy: from the first idea to the distribution and selling, passing through design, development and manufacturing.
Why do you think cycling socks are so much fun to wear/design?
In Italy, socks are often an underestimated cycling accessory, but we feel they can really make a statement and we love to express our creativity in designing our products. However, we always combine aesthetics with comfort and performances, since we consider socks as one of the most important technical elements of a cycling kit.
Why do you not offer a women’s sock different from a men’s? Oftentimes, especially for smaller footed women the design is off when worn and there may be rubbing inside a shoe from seams that are not quite right.
Thanks to the quality of our yarns, all Acht Supply models are conceived to guarantee the best fit to both women and men. Furthermore, we also offer customized socks for teams, and in order to deliver the best result to our clients, we develop our products and sizes according to their specific needs.
Do you consider mixed materials in your socks for specific purposes – warmer weather, cooler weather, wet weather, road versus CX, etc? Do materials make a beneficial difference to athletes?
Materials are the most crucial element we take into consideration when designing socks: each material is suitable for a different objective and functionality. That’s why we pay the utmost attention to choosing the best materials available, because we know they will make a difference for anyone wearing our socks. For example, our Reflective Socks, which we just launched this winter, have been specifically designed with technical yarn and Merino wool to guarantee thermoregulation, breathability, and maximum comfort.
What is your design inspiration? Any meaning behind your designs and patterns?
I like to say that we never leave anything to chance, especially regarding designs and patterns: each of our patterns has a special meaning.
Anything we can look forward to in 2016?
In 2016 we aim to expand our business not only in Italy (where we are based) and Europe, but also overseas. We will continue to research and test new materials and models, but also have many projects underway in the field of cycling apparel.
7 Coolest Cycling Socks
Total Women’s Cycling rates the 7 coolest cycling socks here, but we think there are plenty more on our Instagram feed that should be included.
Sockturday: Pearly’s Possum Socks
YES. It’s a thing and you will be glad you know of it. Even Bicycling Magazine reviewed them as amazingly warm socks for cycling. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t ride. Commute to work warm, early morning mountain shred cozy, coffee stop and the only table left is outside – you got this. You have Pearly’s Possum Socks.


Below is an update from last weekends Iceman race in Michigan. Weather was cold and it was a perfect Pearly’s day!!!
From Chris Stirlen:
My feet were warm and dry despite the 20 minutes of 12 mph sleet and rain coming at me on the 30+ mph downhill slalom part of the course.
The photo is from the bike corral after the race and before the rest of the 5000 riders arrived. Shook the sand and mud splatters out my Pearlies and wore them to the after party!
Thank you for such an outstanding product,
Chris
Sockturday: Sako 7
#SAKO7 is a range of socks and cycling apparel created by Sean Sakinofsky, a road cyclist originally from Cape Town, South Africa. The name SAKO7 comes from his nickname, Sako, and his lucky number 7.

