What dictates sock height in cycling?

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by texasbbq

So, back to my question. Why aren't we wearing ankle high socks anymore?

70% fashion; 30% aerodynamics.

[johnniecakes]

I wear the below the ankle socks that are essentially a shoe liner. Until winter then it's wooly socks long enough to fit under the tights without exposing any skin

[RoosterCogset]

Dyneema socks ftw!

[Louis]

[AngryScientist]

I am a runner from the 90s. No-show ankle height always for me.

[kiwisimon]

I’ve tried wearing socks. I prefer no socks.

[jimoots]

This has been a thing for ages. Dates back to when the Velominati was relevant. They make your calves look better.

The uci rule had something to do with Lance using really long compression socks because he had advice it would help with the 'pump' action in his muscle or something. Those were his words, I can't find any photos, so maybe just hot air.

When I race I wear team issued long 'aero' socks but honestly I don't know if they do anything haha.

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by steelbikerider

Dork fashion has no explanations.

The current trend of taller socks is to make the sport more affordable.

You see, you can now merely use your dress/work socks rather than buy socks specifically for the sport.

[reuben]

Calf height cycling/compression socks are good for those 17 hour international flights. You can buy dual purpose socks and save enough money to buy more tubeless sealant.

[BdaGhisallo]

Originally Posted by jimoots

This has been a thing for ages. Dates back to when the Velominati was relevant. They make your calves look better.

The uci rule had something to do with Lance using really long compression socks because he had advice it would help with the 'pump' action in his muscle or something. Those were his words, I can't find any photos, so maybe just hot air.

When I race I wear team issued long 'aero' socks but honestly I don't know if they do anything haha.

The sock length that Lance used would put him on the shorter end of things these days.

The UCI rule came about once the aero properties were discovered and people were trying socks up to their knees. The UCI didn't like the look so limited the height to half the length of a riders shin bone, basically.

[paredown]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

I am a runner from the 90s. No-show ankle height always for me.

Me too--keep the weird tan lines to the minimum.

I do remember that the actual rules when I was racing (lo these many years ago) specified that the socks HAD TO BE WHITE and short.

[pdonk]

Originally Posted by Peter P.

The current trend of taller socks is to make the sport more affordable.

You see, you can now merely use your dress/work socks rather than buy socks specifically for the sport.

Or wear your cycling socks to work.

[EDS]

Anyone else have a middle school or high school age child in the house? Ask them what their view is of no-show or ankle length socks!

I can tell you from experience my ankle length running socks are cringy! My 5 inch cycling socks are merely acceptable.

[tv_vt]

I think the length of your leg dictates sock height. The longer your leg, the shorter the socks.
Or somthing like that.

Also depends if you're talking about Smartwool, Darn Tough, or Defeet socks.

I've just started wearing my leg warmers all the time so I don't have to worry about sock length.

[Seramount]

I use a very complicated formula for sock length.

shorter in the summer, taller in the winter.

duh.