Specific socks for riding your motorcycle are often overlooked, but they can make your ride more comfortable.
A good pair of motorcycle socks will have moisture-wicking properties, offer the correct insulation for your riding temperature, and therefore keep your feet warm/cool and, most importantly, dry on those long rides.
Here are our best motorcycle socks.
Klim Vented Socks
Quality, Comfortable, Summer Socks
Perfect socks for long days in the saddle to keep you cool and dry, perfect for boots of any size, from short boots to long-length motocross boots.
Harley Davidson Wolverine Retro Rider Socks
Casual, Comfortable, Good Value
The best socks for Harley lovers. A 3-pack of moisture-wicking plush socks with cushioned soles.
Best Motorcycle Socks Reviewed
Klim Vented Socks
Klim is known for their technical gear, and its socks are no different.
These socks have been designed with mesh panels to allow maximum ventilation and are constructed of moisture-wicking CoolMax materials to ensure you are kept cool and dry.
The socks are above calf length, so are suitable for riding with long boots and protecting your legs against knee pads or braces.
They have been reinforced for durability and have comfort cushioning at the ankles, toes, footbeds, and heels.
For riding in warmer weather, these socks are an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Vented
- Moisture-wicking
- Long length
- Padding at ankle, toes, and heel
- Support bands to keep them in place
Cons:
- Pricey
Harley Davidson Wolverine Retro Rider Socks
It is safe to say that if you ride a Harley Davidson, you are consumed by the brand itself too. Even if you don’t ride a Harley, let’s face it, their gear is pretty awesome; I have my fair share of HD shirts in my wardrobe.
If you are in the HD club, these socks are for you.
They are a mid-calf fit, reinforced for durability, produced using an UltraDri moisture-wicking material, and are cushioned for comfort.
So it isn’t just the HD branding you get with these socks, but they are quite technical too; they even come with an embedded arch in the footbed.
Pros:
- Mid-calf fit
- HD branded
- UltraDri moisture-wicking
- Cushioned for comfort
- Embedded ergonomic foot arch
- Stay up fit
Cons:
- Quite thick not suited to warm weather
Alpinestars Summer Touring Socks
Another pair of socks suited for summer riding, the socks are fitted with a Nostatex sole for the moisture-wicking properties, which will keep your feet dry.
The socks are a mid-calf design, so they are best suited for short-mid length boots. They have strategically placed mesh panels for ventilation, allowing airflow to keep you cool.
They are a ribbed design that helps keep them in place and prevents them from slipping inside your boots and bunching up.
Pros:
- Nostatex sole
- Mesh panels
- Ribbed design
- Mid-calf
Cons:
- Pricey
Moto-Skiveez Compression Riding Socks
These Moto-Skiveez socks are perhaps the most technical sock that we have picked.
They offer light compression for the lower length of the leg, which aims to reduce swelling and promote circulation. This is excellent for long days of riding, fatigue is reduced, and you remain fresh.
The socks are constructed using aloe fiber from the Aloe Vera plant. The Aloe construction has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, and the aloe keeps the socks soft, reducing blistering.
Tiny particles of Aloe Vera have been bonded into the fabric, so when they touch your leg, they are released and provide a smooth, soft experience.
Even after washing, these effects remain.
Pros:
- Compression socks
- Constructed of aloe-fiber
- Comfortable
- Technically excellent
Cons:
- None
O’Neal Pro Print MX Socks
If you are looking for the right pair of socks for motocross or for wearing long-length enduro/touring boots, then these O’neal socks might be for you.
They have some excellent moisture-wicking properties. They are built to be durable with thick areas in the ankle and sole, which aids both comfort and shock absorption.
The ankle and arch are ribbed for a non-slip fit so that they will stay put inside your boots.
They come up high and will work with long boots with or without knee pads/braces.
Pros:
- Long length
- Comfortable
- Thick
- Moisture-wicking
- Durable
Cons:
- Bit thick and warm
Buyers Guide
There is not too much to think about when buying a pair of motorcycle socks; you want them to fit, be comfortable, and be suitable for your riding needs.
Here are my top tips for buying motorcycle socks:
Consider your riding style and needs
Do you ride with short or long boots? Are you riding in the summer or winter? Are you making some long trips that would mean you could benefit from compression socks?
If you are riding long motocross boots, you will benefit from long socks that come up above the length of your boots to prevent them from rubbing.
In the summer, moisture-wicking vented socks will help keep you cool in your boots and let your feet breathe.
So make sure you consider these simple factors to help you choose.
Moisture-wicking properties
Most motorcycle-specific socks are produced out of materials that have moisture-wicking properties.
They help to wick sweat away from your feet and keep you dry and comfortable.
Compression properties
Some motorcycle socks are compression socks, too, which help keep the blood flowing around your lower legs and feet.
Compression socks are super beneficial if you are doing a long tour and spending hours a day in the saddle.
Your legs remain in the same position for a long time, so the compression socks will regulate your blood flow and prevent blood from pooling in your veins which can cause all sorts of issues.
Fit and length of socks
You also want to make sure the socks fit correctly.
Socks that are too small will be uncomfortable and risk restricting your blood flow, leading to numbness.
Loose will bunch up and can be very uncomfortable.
So, ensure that you pick the right size you need and that they are the correct length for your boots; this will ensure they do their job correctly.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, our best motorcycle socks and what you should think about before buying a pair.
The Klim socks are technically brilliant and will serve you well to keep you cool and dry.
However, the Harley Davidson socks not only look fantastic and on-brand but have premium properties to make them better than a regular pair of socks.