Socks are traditionally up there with ties and underwear as a dreaded holiday gift.
However, the same cannot be said about waterproof socks, especially for cyclists who spend their falls in the mud and ruts and springs grinding gravel roads. No cyclocrosser or gravel rider will say no to socks that help their feet stay warm and dry in messy weather.
We have reviewed waterproof socks several times in the past and found them helpful for keeping our feet warm and dry. After using them for several years now, we think they are de rigueur for cyclocross and gravel when the weather turns ugly.
Current offerings from Showers Pass and SealSkinz with HydraStop fit like thick normal socks albeit with a slightly stiffer hand to the knit fabric.
Showers Pass Crosspoint
The Showers Pass Crosspoint socks have a three-layer construction A knit outside makes it look like a regular sock and an Artex waterproof layer does the work of keeping water out. The third layer is the company’s Coolmax FX water-wicking material.
The socks come in a mid-calf crew length.
The Showers Pass Crosspoint is a mid-calf waterproof sock option. Waterproof socks, 2018 gift guide. © Cyclocross Magazine
SealSkinz
SealSkinz makes several socks useful for cyclocross and gravel. The MTB Mid, Super Thin and Road Thin models come in several lengths. We have come to prefer the mid-calf models of both.
Each of the socks has several layers. The socks have a rubbery gasket the company calls HydroStop at the top of the liner to hold the sock up tight and prevent water from leaking down into the sock. We found that it kept our feet dry for up to an hour in big downpours, which is about what you want for cyclocross.
The SealSkinz socks have a HydroStop gasket to keep feet dry. SealSkinz waterproof socks. © Cyclocross Magazine
The option from SealSkinz that impressed the most for cyclocross was the Road Thin model with bamboo fibers instead of merino wool in the liner. The socks fit in your shoes more like regular socks, and even though they make shoes a bit more snug, they kept our feet drier and warmer longer.
We liked the Road Thin model for ‘cross. Waterproof socks, 2018 gift guide. © Cyclocross Magazine
Although socks are a dreaded Christmas gift for most, your favorite cyclocross or gravel rider will not be disappointed by the warmth and dryness provided by the Showers Pass and SealSkinz waterproof socks.
The Showers Pass Crosspoint socks cost $36 USD and the SealSkinz with HydroStop are $50-55.
More Info, Showers Pass: showerspass.com
More Info, SealSkinz: sealskinzusa.com
For more gift ideas, see our 2018 Gift Guide.
