Cycling socks fit your feet like a second skin that protects them from your shoes, dirt, rain, and cold. Just like the chamois in your bike shorts, bike socks provide comfort without creating painful pressure points.

Performance-focused cyclists (ones that shave their legs) might go with higher socks because of a slight aerodynamic advantage. If you're a mountain biker, then you'll probably want a pair of higher, more durable socks to help protect your ankles and lower legs from brush, gravel and dirt.