While some people only wear socks when mountain biking so that their shoes don't stink so quickly, for others the sock is a knitted style statement to the rest of the MTB community, passers-by and the rest of the sighted world. At the Tour de France recently short socks for discussion and Aero socks are a MUST. And BIKE also asked some time ago: What type of sock are you?
Fizik is now delivering a whole box full of new socks - for the "must have" faction and the "style is cool!" scene. Let us introduce them to you:
Fizik Off-Road Cycling Socks - the MTB tennis socks
The off-road cycling socks from Fizik are soft, comfortable and obviously durable. They are designed to provide better breathability and lasting grip off the tarmac. They are also said to be moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. The reinforced toe and heel areas with plenty of padding are clearly noticeable, so that your hocks don't hurt even after the roughest descents. However, the padding may be too much for very tight shoes.
The MTB socks are available in two new colours - beige and green, so they should match most gravel and MTB shoes. Again in short:
- Techno-PE yarn: moisture-wicking with antimicrobial properties
- Terrycloth areas over the cleats and instep: avoids pressure points
- Thicker heel and toe box
- Ribbed construction on the leg
- Sizes:
S: 35-39 - US 5-6 - UK 3-6
M: 40-43 - US 7-10 - UK 6-9
L: 44-47 - US 11-13 - 10-13 - Material: 65 % polyester, 30 % polyamide, 5 % elastane
- Intended use: MTB, Gravel
- RRP: 18,90 Euro
- Available in 3 colours: Army-Green, Cream-Purple, Grey-Black
Fizik Performance Cycling Socks - strictly road bike!
The performance socks from Fizik - and this is where the alarm goes off with the style police - are called "Road Cycling Socks" by the manufacturer. So strictly road cycling? I say: These are the real heroes of the Fizik novelty box and are suitable for everyone from road to XC! Like this.
The reason: The cycling socks are knitted from antimicrobial Q-Skin yarn, which feels almost like cotton, yet is 95% polyamide and integrates silver ions into the spinning process to combat odours. The fabric is also said to be breathable and moisture-wicking, which works even better with these than with the much thicker off-road socks. The Performance Socks have extra padding in the cleat area of the feet to reduce unwanted pressure when pedalling. The heel is unpadded, unlike the off-road version. For the record:
- Q-Skin yarn: moisture-wicking with antimicrobial properties (silver ions!)
- Terrycloth areas over the cleats: avoids pressure points
- Thin and lightweight construction to improve breathability
- Sizes:
S: 35-39 - US 5-6 - UK 3-6
M: 40-43 - US 7-10 - UK 6-9
L: 44-47 - US 11-13 - UK 10-13 - Material: 95 % polyamide, 5 % elastane
- Intended use: Road (and from our point of view also Gravel, XC)
- RRP: 18,90 Euro
- Available in 6 colours: Lilac-Neon-Green, Black, Grape, Anthracite, White
Fizik Team Edition Cycling Socks - Bronze instead of silver
According to the Italians at Fizik, the Team Edition will be equipped with the Techno PE yarn of the Off-Road socks - bronze instead of silver(ions). In terms of look and feel, however, the Team socks only differ from the Performance socks in terms of colour. There is also no difference in price. So: buy what you want!
Performance Air cycling socks - cool to wear and look at
The next step up from Performance is Performance Air from Fizik. The cycling socks with this name are in fact even lighter and possibly even more breathable than the "normal" Performance models. The socks are made from SoftAir+ yarn, which contains 50 % polyester, 40 % polyamide and 10 % elastane. Just like the off-road siblings above.
Above all, the Air numbers are either cool and colourful or at least smokey-grey. They are also designed to dry quickly, with antimicrobial fibres for long-lasting comfort on... road, gravel or trails. AHA! So everyone can wear these socks again? I said it right away! In comparison, these bike socks are not padded and only have a reinforced toe box and heel. And please remember that:
- SoftAir+ yarn: improved moisture regulation; comfort
- Reinforced toe area and heel
- Thin and lightweight construction to improve breathability
- Sizes:
S: 35-39 - US 5-6 - UK 3-6
M: 40-43 - US 7-10 - UK 6-9
L: 44-47 - US 11-13 - UK 10-13 - Material: 50 % polyester, 40 % polyamide, 10 % elastane
- Intended use: Road, Gravel or Trail
- RRP: 18,90 Euro
- Available in 2 colours: Grey-purple-yellow, grey-black
Marc Strucken
Editor
