Waterproof Socks: How to Use Them Correctly or Make Your Own

There are plenty of half-truths and myths surrounding waterproof socks. Many people use them completely wrong, because they are not primarily rain clothing. Today let's explain how they work, how to use them effectively, and even how to make a free pair with nothing more than an ordinary bag.

🧦 What types are available?

Waterproof socks are made by several brands (e.g. SealSkinz or Dexshell) and the principle is similar across all of them. Rather than focusing on brand, it's more important to look at the specifications of individual models.

You can primarily choose from three heights:

• ankle length
• mid-calf length
• knee-high

From personal experience I don't recommend the shortest ones. You save a few grams, but the sock loses some of its most important properties. For reliable water protection, go for at least mid-calf length.

All models consist of three layers:

• Outer layer: provides durability and abrasion resistance.
• Inner layer: provides comfort.
• Membrane (in the middle): protects against water from outside.

They also come in different thicknesses. There are thin summer models and thicker versions with merino wool that are excellent in winter inside summer shoes, keeping your feet warm even in cold conditions.

Mind your shoe size

Your shoes should be slightly roomier than usual. On long rides or a full day in the saddle, your feet swell and expand. If there's too little room in the shoe with a thick sock on:

• It will squeeze your foot, reducing blood flow (making your feet even colder).
• The shoe pressure will push water through the membrane from the outside in.

🌧️ Why not to wear them in heavy rain, and how to prevent water ingress

The main downside of waterproof socks is that once water gets in from the top, it can never get back out. The membrane creates a small puddle that stays there.

If it rains hard or you ride through deep water and it enters from above, the sock won't dry out until you take it off and pour the water out. There are several ways to at least partially limit ingress from above:

• Silicone bands: Some models (e.g. SealSkinz) have a silicone strip that grips the leg. These do wear out over time.
• Gaiter-style covers: Specialised gaiters such as those from GripGrab can wrap around your leg and slow down water entry.

In genuinely heavy and sustained rain, nothing will completely stop water getting in eventually. The one option that really works is waterproof trousers: put them on over taller socks when it rains. Always wear the sock directly on your skin, with the trouser leg over it. If the trouser goes under the sock, it soaks up water and channels it directly into the sock.

🚵‍♂️ When and how to actually use them?

If they're not suited to rain, what are they actually for? They are absolutely brilliant in the aftermath of rain or in demanding wet terrain.

• Mud and bogs: They protect your feet from mud. If mud reached your sole it would act like sandpaper and you'd have blisters in no time.
• River and stream crossings: Perfect for bikepacking races or off-road adventures. You can ride straight through a ford in your shoes — keeping your footing on slippery rocks — while keeping your feet dry. Knee-high socks are ideal here so you don't lose time changing shoes before every stream. I thought a lot about knee-high waterproof socks during the Silk Road Mountain Race 2025.
• Protection from cold and wind: They insulate excellently. If your shoes got soaked the previous day and are still cold and damp in the morning, pull on waterproof socks and your feet will stay warm.

Waterproof socks are hard to dry. When you need to, always turn them inside out and dry them somewhere during the day — draped over your bike works well.

🛠️ How to make free waterproof socks

Waterproof socks are not cheap. If you want to try the concept or need a temporary fix, a simple plastic bag will do:

• Put on a thin regular sock (this absorbs sweat).
• Pull a thin plastic bag over it (e.g. from a bakery or supermarket).
• Pull a second, thicker sock over the bag (as an insulating layer).
• Put your shoes on over everything.

A plastic bag doesn't breathe at all, so your feet will sweat, but as a cheap temporary solution it works surprisingly well. Don't expect it to last for days on end.

⚖️ Summary

In my view, waterproof socks are an excellent piece of kit for off-road bikepacking where you're dealing with lots of mud and water on the ground. For road or gravel riding where you're less likely to be walking around, waterproof shoe covers might be a better fit. But if you can prevent water from entering from the top, they will reliably keep your feet dry and warm even in the nastiest conditions.

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