Socks Hurt

[Miranda]

Well, I've posted a pic of my weird shaped hands before searching for gloves, and that ended well, so why not a pic of my feet, shoes, and sock issue too...

I'm starting to think it might be my feet, not the socks, after a comment in a pedal thread, so I thought I would post in general vs apparel.

The short of it is, my toes never fill out the end of the socks right.

The socks end up bunching and making a crease under the ball of my foot. Pedaling on a crease during a ride really starts to hurt after a while. Stopping, foot stripping, and re-foot dressing on the road is just a PITA... thus, I usually don't bother as the crease just returns to do it's evil work.

What is wrong with my feet? The only conclusion I can draw is that my toes are more pointed like an arrowhead, vs more square, thus the extra unfitted space makes the crease.

I am on the verge of become a sockless rider, like a tri-ath GF. When telling her my situation she said, "I don't have sock issues, because I don't wear socks... the shoes get pretty stinky though... and my feet are really gross". And they are. Discussing pedicures one day she gave some "show and tell" .

I personally hate socks in general. I'm barefoot, or sockless most of the time. The only thing that has held me back on no socks for cycling is my negative Ugg boot experience. After lusting for the boots, and deciding if they were really worth the $, I got a pair. WOW... talk about sock haters heaven. First winter I got so Ugg stupid happy that I wore my boots too much = too much sweat, nasty infected cracked bleeding athletes foot or the like. Kinda like my sockless tri GF.

To fix the problem I have tried:
1) downsizing, not enough in heel, shoe ate sock
2) shrinking socks in dryer (none of my cycling stuff goes in the death drum normally), still bunched
3) brands and types:
PI = originals, attack, x-static race, kerin, winter wool tour... both mens size small, women size med and small
Shebeest = low cut, ankle
Brands tried on in lbs (not road worn) = SockGuy, Descente
4) pulling all sock slack as far back as possible to the heel, and/or arch... motion makes the evil crease relocate to the foot ball
5) purposely wiggle my toes in toe box (I used to unconsciously clench my toes) hoping it helps against sock bunch

I have numbness too. Upgrading to stiffer shoes, mtb to SIDI zeta helped. Next, I'm upgrading pedals from Shimano mtb M505 to probably SpeedPlay zeros. The lbs suggest Look Keos (big platform). I'm used to double sided pedals now, and have knee issues, so float is good (thus SpeedPlays consideration over Look Keo). The lbs fitter also moved my cleats once, and that helped.

But, I'm just starting to think my feet are funky... the sock thing is just part of it. Any suggestions? Thx!

btw: pic = Keens 8 US, Sidi Zeta 40.5 EUR, Diadora Geko 40 EUR, PI kerin (all socks have similiar slack as shown on left pinky toe area)

[teigyr]

My feet are highly funky too. I wear these for running and cycling:

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/DLU220/

I have blister issues when I run so they are good that way. I've never had problems with bunching when I use them for cycling. There are many different colors and styles too though I mostly have black. I do have a cute pair that is purple

If it's cold out, you might want to try smartwool socks. They are pretty form fitting too.

I can't wear the traditional "cycling socks".

Even though some tri people might disagree, I think you're better off wearing socks. And your feet aren't bad! Trust me on this.

[SlowButSteady]

I used to buy more expensive socks. I used to get hot foot.

Yesterday I went to (oh-no!) Wally World and snuck a pack of 6 for $5 socks in my cart. Medium thickness, almost-disposable socks.

Yes, my dirty little secret is out.

I can stand them...can't do the others. You know, the high dollar ones, shrunk vs. non-shrunk. Snazzy vs plain. Big ones are too big. Mediums (at least after they go through the drier) are too small. Ones with the compression band around the instep are too wrong. Wool vs cotton vs blend = wrong

I am approaching 50...my feet are, let's face it, deformed, they are so wide--way worse than yours. I have to take extra shoes to work with me and change about halfway through the workday because: I can't take it, no matter what I 'm wearing. And the older I get, the worse feet widen.

I wear a Nike shoe, men's, size 41. It's a carbon road shoe and the bottom is so slick, it scares me (I've been thinking of putting skateboard grip tape on it). The shoe is comfy and I'm okay if I get cheap socks. I hate trying to walk more than a couple of feet in the shoe. But they (and cheap socks) work on the bike, no matter how much anything else hurts. I ain't changin' shoes. My everyday shoes should be so comfortable.

Yesterday, I could literally barely walk when I finished my work day. Tonight I rode in (expensive) shoes and very, very cheap socks. It worked.

You do have a wide-looking foot (not as bad as mine!). I have on occasions ssat down in the shoe department of stores and CRIED. Bawled. Because I can't find women's (often men's) that fit me.

I FEEL YOUR PAIN. BTW, nice color on the polish! Your footsies don't look bad.

Have you tried Wal Mart?

[RolliePollie]

Have you tried Smartwool socks? I have extremely narrow feet (size 8.5 AA) but I also have trouble with extra sock around the toes and heel that ends up bunching or pinching. Smartwool women's mediums fit me great...the fit is snug and sort of form fitting to the foot. They wick away sweat and stay very cool. It seems counter-intuitive to wear wool socks in summer, but I finally gave it a try and I won't go back. They aren't scratchy or anything either. Now I only wear my cute synthetic socks on short rides.

Check out Sierra Trading Post...try searching "Smartwool Women". I have their cycling socks but I also have their running socks and these:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...For-Women.html

Looks like they're currently out of mediums in the cute striped ones though The online REI outlet often has a decent selection too.

I have Sidis Zetas too, but I have Crankbrothers Quattro pedals. I still sometimes get "hot spots" on longer rides, but in general I'm very happy with the shoe and pedal combo. I absolutely LOVE my Sidis and the Quattros have a nice large pedal platform and a good amount of float. However, take my opinion on this with a grain of salt as I've never tried any other pedals!

[Miranda]

My feet are highly funky too. I wear these for running and cycling:

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/DLU220/

I have blister issues when I run so they are good that way. I've never had problems with bunching when I use them for cycling. There are many different colors and styles too though I mostly have black. I do have a cute pair that is purple

If it's cold out, you might want to try smartwool socks. They are pretty form fitting too.

I can't wear the traditional "cycling socks".

Even though some tri people might disagree, I think you're better off wearing socks. And your feet aren't bad! Trust me on this.

Thx for that link. It's frustration ordering, sending back, re-ordering, blab blab blab... after a while. Guidance is good. I am allergic to wool normally. I hate being so sensitived skinned. I always want to buy theose pretty cashmere sweaters at the mall, but just can't wear them without breaking out. I do hear that the merino wool is different. Might work. It makes me feel better to know I'm not alone on cycling socks not working so well. That's the first thing a sales person at the lbs usually says when I tell them I have sock issues..."well, why don't you wear cycling specific socks?"... but buddy, I am!

[Miranda]

I used to buy more expensive socks. I used to get hot foot.

Yesterday I went to (oh-no!) Wally World and snuck a pack of 6 for $5 socks in my cart. Medium thickness, almost-disposable socks.

Yes, my dirty little secret is out.

I can stand them...can't do the others. You know, the high dollar ones, shrunk vs. non-shrunk. Snazzy vs plain. Big ones are too big. Mediums (at least after they go through the drier) are too small. Ones with the compression band around the instep are too wrong. Wool vs cotton vs blend = wrong

I am approaching 50...my feet are, let's face it, deformed, they are so wide--way worse than yours. I have to take extra shoes to work with me and change about halfway through the workday because: I can't take it, no matter what I 'm wearing. And the older I get, the worse feet widen.

I wear a Nike shoe, men's, size 41. It's a carbon road shoe and the bottom is so slick, it scares me (I've been thinking of putting skateboard grip tape on it). The shoe is comfy and I'm okay if I get cheap socks. I hate trying to walk more than a couple of feet in the shoe. But they (and cheap socks) work on the bike, no matter how much anything else hurts. I ain't changin' shoes. My everyday shoes should be so comfortable.

Yesterday, I could literally barely walk when I finished my work day. Tonight I rode in (expensive) shoes and very, very cheap socks. It worked.

You do have a wide-looking foot (not as bad as mine!). I have on occasions ssat down in the shoe department of stores and CRIED. Bawled. Because I can't find women's (often men's) that fit me.

I FEEL YOUR PAIN. BTW, nice color on the polish! Your footsies don't look bad.

Have you tried Wal Mart?

I like WallyWorld . No shame in that. I NEVER paid more than the disposable sock price (since I hate socks generally in life anyway) until I started cycling. I looked at the price $10+ for socks I thought... WHAT??? Are they jet propelled and gonna make me pedal faster? For me, it's normally the right foot, right side anything, that's the biggest problem. I have sat in shoe department and said MANY times to the sales girl "why can't you make both these shoes hurt? I don't just want one to hurt, that makes the buying decision more difficult". My feet have definately spread post kids and with age. I had to upgrade sizes. I'm narrow heeled though. I've thought about going to the foot doctor, but thought I'd try some other things first. btw, thanks about the polish... I decided I could take a pic since I touched it up that morning.

[Miranda]

Have you tried Smartwool socks? I have extremely narrow feet (size 8.5 AA) but I also have trouble with extra sock around the toes and heel that ends up bunching or pinching. Smartwool women's mediums fit me great...the fit is snug and sort of form fitting to the foot. They wick away sweat and stay very cool. It seems counter-intuitive to wear wool socks in summer, but I finally gave it a try and I won't go back. They aren't scratchy or anything either. Now I only wear my cute synthetic socks on short rides.

Check out Sierra Trading Post...try searching "Smartwool Women". I have their cycling socks but I also have their running socks and these:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...For-Women.html

Looks like they're currently out of mediums in the cute striped ones though The online REI outlet often has a decent selection too.

I have Sidis Zetas too, but I have Crankbrothers Quattro pedals. I still sometimes get "hot spots" on longer rides, but in general I'm very happy with the shoe and pedal combo. I absolutely LOVE my Sidis and the Quattros have a nice large pedal platform and a good amount of float. However, take my opinion on this with a grain of salt as I've never tried any other pedals!

Thx for that info. I'm normally allergic to wool and can't wear those pretty cashmere sweaters, but hear merino is different. Wool is a natural fiber and it would make sense for it to form fit better. It sure would be wonderful to have to work.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I hearitly second the vote for Smartwool thin merino socks. They will stretch to fit your foot and will not be too hot in the summer if they are thin. They also help prevent blisters, unlike cotton socks.
Try this link too:
more smartwool socks

[SouthernBelle]

Your feet look a lot like mine (except for the nice pedi). You and I have short toes.

I like smartwool too. Try buying them in children's sizes. REI usually has them. Often on sale. They are quite stretchy and will fit snugly. And they generally muchly cheaper.

[KnottedYet]

I have the short toes, too. Got me some nice size 10 feet, but size 8 toes.

I really really REALLY like Injinji toe socks. Even the pinky toe on the Injinjis fit my squinky little pinky toes. No funny sock creases. (I tend to get them on the outside edge of my foot, under my last two toes.)

I tend to have pretty good luck with Smartwool socks, and have a ton of them. Injinjis are more expensive, and I only have a couple pair. I wouldn't bother buying Injinji wool socks, as they fall apart quickly. But their other socks are great! http://www.injinji.com/

[OakLeaf]

Try before you buy - rub them on your skin or something - if you're allergic to goat wool (cashmere) as well as ordinary sheep wool, I'd be surprised if you weren't allergic to merino.

Otherwise I'd +3 on SmartWool, I love the stuff. (but not in the dryer!!! of course they shrink and forget what the label says, no cycling clothes go in the dryer! even if they could take the heat, they can't take fabric softener, and if you put that kind of fabrics in the dryer without fabric softener, you could probably power Chicago for a week with the static)

[SouthernBelle]

I put all my stuff in the dryer including the smartwool. Always have.

[tc1]

For my women's size 11 feet, I like Hot Sox. Many department stores sell them. They come in wild patterns and colors and are a thin cotton. The toe seam is minimal, and if it starts to bother me I wear them inside out. They conform well to one's feet because they are so thin. I wear these under workboots and with all my shoes. Department stores also have various cheap socks of the same style, I buy those too. My experience with biking socks is that they are too narrow, too tight, and too short, and the toe seam is very abrasive. That is, smaller in every measurement than regular socks. I tried a few pairs, and had to make a scissor cut in the cuff.

Hot Sox aren't perfect, they are a bit short. If only they made them 2 inches longer they would be better, but they are still better on a bike than anything else I have tried. Thin wool socks are available but I can't wear wool next to my body.

[Kano]

You could learn to knit and do custom socks -- might take a few tries to figure out just how to shape the toes just right to make your feet happy, but you could do it!

Karen in Boise

[malkin]

Love my smartwool socks.

My husband has even converted, and now wears them exclusively.