Finding Your Fit as a Cyclist

Finding Your Fit as a Cyclist - FITS®

December 20, 2018

When it comes to biking (or cycling), there are specific socks that work well depending on where, what, and when you ride. Recently, we had the chance to peddle around with Nick D’Allesandro, and chat more in depth about all things cycling! Nick is an avid biker and owner of D’Allesandro’s Pizza in Charleston, SC, which has been open for over 13 years!

mountain biker looking up

FITS: Nick, how did you get involved in cycling after starting off your career in the hospitality industry?

Nick: I got my start in cycling when two of my employees invited me out for a ride on Isle of Palms (on the coast of Charleston, SC). I had ridden a lot on my own but never with a group, so I really didn't know what to expect with these guys. As we started to ride, they kept trying to leave me in the dust as often as they could, and for some reason the thrill of trying to keep up and always improve got me hooked on cycling.

FITS: What do you look for in a pair of socks when you’re mountain biking versus when you’re on a road bike?

Nick: Whether I’m on a flat road in the city or a rough trail in the mountains, the most important quality of a sock is that it fits snug to my feet and doesn’t sag or lose its form. In the summer I prefer thin socks that are durable, like the Light Performance Trail sock or any of the socks in the Light Hiker series. In the winter, I prefer a thicker sock, like the Performance Trail or the Medium Hiker. Regardless, the snug fit is key though because too much sock can cause major discomfort.

FITS: Which type of biking do you prefer?

Nick: I really don’t have a preference of one or the other, I really just enjoy whatever is most available at the moment. When I’m at home in Charleston, it's so easy to ride from my house to work, or even go for a casual ride on my road bike. When I'm in Greenville, SC, I prefer riding my mountain bike or gravel bike on a trail with some dirt.

FITS: When you tried on FITS socks for the first time, what was your impression?

Nick: My initial impression after trying them on was how comfortable they were and how well they formed to my foot. They felt like they were really well made. I like that the socks have a simple design, because that communicates to me that FITS really puts their energy into the quality of the sock and how they feel on your feet.

Check out our full cycling lineup and make sure you’re prepared for your next ride!

Sock Sizing

The Perfect Fit Starts With the Right Size.

Your sock size shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our socks range from small to double XL, but the best way to know the perfect fit for you is to match your shoe size to the chart on the left. That way, you’ll know the size you select will give you the fit and feel you expect.

Between sizes? Go with your gut, but rest assured that your socks will still fit great. If you receive your order and find yourself wishing you’d gone up or down a size, just let us know. We’ll happily send you replacements for your preferred size.

Concerned about laundry mix-ups? All FITS® socks are coordinated by color and size, based on the colors you see on the size chart. So, you won’t have to worry about mixing up your sizes with the other FITS® wearers in your home. (But stray socks mysteriously going missing in the dryer? Unfortunately, we can’t help with that.)

The Light Hiker is perfect for everything from big adventures to everyday wear.

How Do You Determine Sock Size?

Sock sizes are typically measured in inches, not by your shoe size. So, a sock size 6-8 will comfortably fit someone whose feet are between six and eight inches long. However, at FITS®, we make it easy for you to choose the ideal sock size without having to measure your foot. Simply use our sock size conversion chart based on your shoe size to select the right fit for you.

How Do You Measure Your Foot for Socks?

To measure your foot for socks, measure the length from the heel of your foot to the tip of your longest toe. The measurement in inches correlates to your sock size. For example, if your foot is 10 inches long, a sock size 9-11 should fit you comfortably. At FITS®, you can skip this step and find your sock size based on your shoe size using our conversion chart.

What Is the Sock Size Conversion?

The sock size conversion refers to sock size compared to shoe size. While all companies may vary slightly on which size socks to purchase based on your shoe size, you can always measure your foot to find the right fit for you.

What is Sock Size to Shoe Size?

Because sock sizes are determined by the length of your foot in inches vs. your shoe size, shoe and sock sizes differ. The FITS® sock size to shoe size conversion is as follows:

FITS® Sock Size Small = Shoe Size 3½ - 5½ men’s and 5 - 7 women’s
FITS® Sock Size Medium = Shoe Size 6 - 8 men’s and 7½ - 9½ women’s
FITS® Sock Size Large = Shoe Size 8½ - 10 men’s and 10 - 11½ women’s
FITS® Sock Size Extra Large = Shoe Size 10½ - 12½ men’s and 12 - 14 women’s
FITS® Sock Size Double-Extra Large = 13 - 15½ men’s and 14½ - 16½ women’s

Knowing this makes it easy to choose the ideal sock size based on your shoe size without measuring your foot.

What Age is Sock Size 9-12?

Sock sizes typically don’t correlate with age. For kids, age can be a general indicator of what size sock they’ll need, but everyone is different. An adult sock size 9-12 fits anyone whose feet are approximately nine to twelve inches long. For kids’ sock sizing, check with the company to find exact details to ensure your little one gets the perfect fit.

Got more questions about finding the perfect sock size for you? Let’s talk.

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