That's right, in a recent blog post, SAL talked passionately about shoes.
Everyone, please make sure to rotate your shoes!
And what I'm introducing this time is something you'll likely rotate every single day without me even having to ask: socks.
As mentioned on SAL’s blog, your feet sweat whether it’s cold or hot.
This is especially true if you are exercising, and not just when cycling.
Socks, therefore, really need to be moisture-wicking and quick-drying.
Plus, fit is important; it’s unacceptable for socks to slip inside your shoes, and it’s hard to even imagine the stress of trying to exercise like that for a long time.
Socks are one of the most important items, whether you're riding a bike or just going about your daily life.
So, let me introduce a few items that we carry here at Circles.
First, this pair that I just bought recently.
I wore them when I went out for a ride the other day.
This is our first time carrying socks here at Circles, and they are from the brand KEEN, which you all know for their shoes.
The ones I am wearing are the MEN Siesta Lite Crew, a daily-use model.
On that day, I climbed the Ama-sawa Pass for the first time in a while and continued all the way to the summit of Mt. Mikuni.
Nori-san, Shige, and I rode around here and there, and
as you’d expect from a manufacturer that makes so many outdoor shoes,
the socks were very comfortable, and I didn't feel any discomfort after finishing the ride.
KEEN
MEN Siesta Lite Crew ¥1,990
COLOR : Charcoal/Grey, Loden
WOMEN Victoria Crew Socks ¥1,990
COLOR : Black, Grey
The one on the right in the photo is the women's daily-use model.
I'm sure many men would want these colors too, but unfortunately, they are only available for women, so please keep that in mind.
The fabric is a merino wool blend, so it has high moisture absorption and feels amazing on the skin.
They are durable and also have odor-resistant properties.
The construction is on a different level than your average sock.
As with other models, KEEN socks are asymmetrical (left and right specific).
You see this more and more these days, but when you consider the shape of your feet, it might be an inevitable design choice.
It improves the fit, reduces stress on the fabric, and leads to greater durability.
The arch support isn't too tight; it has a very nice fit.
The cushioning at the toe and heel is just the right thickness.
Oh, and KEEN socks are seamless and knit completely in one piece, so there is no irritation at the toes, which is common in other socks.
Also, the knitting is specially designed to prevent the heel from slipping.
Since that day, I have rotated them into my everyday wear, and they are truly as comfortable as they come!
Please take a look at the other KEEN socks as well.
KEEN
WOMEN Burlington Crew Lite ¥1,990
COLOR : Beet Red/Iguana, Charcoal/Black, Grey/Charcoal
This is also a women's model for daily use.
It really is a shame that there aren't many men's models with colorways like this.
Moving on to this one.
KEEN
MEN Zip Hyperlite Low Cut ¥1,890
COLOR : Charcoal/StrongBlue, Grey/BikingRed, SoftGrey/Natural
WOMEN Zip Hyperlite Low Cut ¥1,890
COLOR : Charcoal/Purple Heart, Lt Sea Foam/Soft Grey/Dusty, Soft Grey/Natural
This is a low-cut model for sports.
It is thinner and lighter than the daily-use models.
It uses a mesh-like knit fabric, so it has excellent breathability.
Of course, the sole of the foot is also carefully crafted.
Oh, I mentioned earlier that they are designed so the heel doesn't slip...
You can see that even more clearly in this model.
The knitting pattern changes from the grey heel section to the area up to the blue line, and then again outside the line.
It's called a heel pocket, and it keeps the heel from slipping while providing a much better fit.
And finally, this one.
KEEN
MEN & WOMEN 3″Cat 6 ¥1,780
COLOR : Black, White
This is a model released by KEEN for cycling.
All the socks introduced so far were merino wool blends, but this one is made entirely of synthetic fibers, prioritizing breathability more than others, and is lighter than the "Zip Hyperlite Low Cut" mentioned earlier.
It has toe and heel cushioning, although thinner than the other models, and possesses all the same functional features as the previously mentioned models.
We often tell people at the shop that base layers are important when exercising, but people tend to neglect socks. Since they are something that touches your skin directly, you should definitely pay attention to your feet as well.
While I’m at it, since we're on the subject of base layers—or rather, underwear—let me introduce this as well.
Rapha
Merino Boxers ¥4,000
COLOR : Pink, Black
As the name suggests, these are boxer briefs made from merino wool, and they are incredible!
You don't need a "big event" to wear good underwear; just wear them every day! haha
Anyway, hope you'll check these out, too.
yanakku