Rockay Running & Cycling Socks Review – Environmental clothing for athletes. Read our review of this ethical environmentally focused brand with two of our favourite test associates testing these fab products. This double review provides the most in-depth insight into both the brand and product you will find anywhere.
Introduction to Rockay
We connected with Rockay and were immediately drawn to their mission. They are a truly eco-friendly brand with a focus on making a change to the environment through their product range. How do they deliver on this promise? Through sourcing fabrics that can be recycled and by turning plastic into fabrics with sustainability at the core.
Rockay was created by the founder – Daniel Chabert and his passion for running. He realised that the world needs sustainable textile production and how this could have a positive impact on fitness clothing. Every year over 80 million tons of plastic is thrown into the oceans and the textile industry can help clean this up by turning it into clothing. Learn more on the products themselves clear that they can help you Go Faster but also are good to the planet. Love it.
About the Author
I am Vicky McKinnon, coach, sports nutrition student and triathlon enthusiast. I have participated in GB age group duathlon events in the past, but I now focus on both keeping fit and coaching others. I spend my time studying, coaching athletes. Mostly virtually at the moment, and home schooling. I exercise every day, usually two or three times. But I would say I ‘train’ twice a week for running and cycling, plus some strength training.
Unpacking the Products
I was delighted when my parcel arrived from Rockay. It arrived in a very inconspicuous brown packet which housed the socks in biodegradable plastic packets.
The heavy duty paper that hold the socks is recycled and kept the socks secure in transit, without any plastic tag attaching the socks to it.
First Impressions of the Rockay Socks
My first impression was it was an environmentally friendly company and a high quality product. The packaging on the outside is subtle and I am not sure it would stand out on the shelf. But the ethos of the company and the information on the inside of the packaging is very informative and appealing to the conscientious athlete. The option to register for a lifetime guarantee is a really nice touch and very appealing to athletes who get through a lot of socks!
Running Socks Review
The run socks feel really comfortable and felt like they are sculpting your feet. Different types of fabric are used in different areas providing tougher coverage across your toes and a tighter band across the arch which feels very supportive. The material is really smooth and quite thin. The thin material is great in road shoes and would be good to wear in a road race. They felt a little too thin for my personal preference when wearing with trail shoes. However, despite getting very wet and muddy I didn’t feel like bits of grit had got into the socks and the socks did not move at all.
Running Socks Durability and Comfort
Throughout all my runs with the socks they stayed in place with no slipping or scrunching up. The information states that the Polygiene’s Stay Fresh Technology is anti-odour control so you can wear more often in between washes. This was a bit outside my comfort zone. But I did test it and was pleasantly surprised. I have worn and washed the socks numerous times and they are still in really good condition with all the positive features still functioning.
Cycling Socks Review
The cycle socks have all the same great features as the running socks. They cover your ankle. Going higher up the leg than the running socks. They are made with the same material, have the same smooth and supportive feel and are very comfortable. I am a little unsure about the colour. They are off white, but look a bit grey. I thought these would be too cold for cycling outside at this time of year, but I have no complaints. The socks didn’t move at all during any of the rides I completed when wearing them. It was also really pleasing to note that although the socks felt like a firm fit. They did not leave sock marks or any indentations on my skin.
Summary of the Rockay Running & Cycling Socks Review
I really enjoyed trialling these products. The washability of the products is impressive as despite being put through their paces they still feel like new(ish) socks and there is no hint of odour. They do feel really nice and smooth and although I thought they felt very thin, they didn’t feel like this when running or cycling.
I would buy this product in the future and would recommend it to other athletes.
Video review of Rockay Socks - Vicky's view
Buy the Rockay Running & Cycling Socks
Introduction to Emily
Review by Dr Emily Kate Walton, farm vet and triathlete. Socks or no socks is an ongoing debate in the triathlon world. Personally I will always train in socks and will race in socks if the race is long enough to warrant the extra transition time. If you are team socks like me I would highly recommend giving Rockay a go!
Sustainability and Durability
The first thing I noticed on receiving the package is that Rockay are making good on their promise of a more sustainable activewear brand. Gone are the annoying plastic tags, these socks came with recycled cardboard packaging in biodegradable bags.
Even the socks themselves are made from regenerated yarn and working with Resea to remove plastic from our oceans. As athletes we create a lot of smelly washing (or at least I know I do!) meaning we use a lot of energy and water to clean these clothes. Rockay products claim to be anti odour, reducing the number of washes needed. .
One aspect I couldn’t test during this review was their durability. Both pairs of socks survived my testing as well as a sports cycling in the washing machine with ease. Rockay claims their products are built to last and have enough confidence in them that they come with a lifetime guarantee!
Flare Quarter Running Socks Review
UK size 6 wearing medium Flare Quarter Running Socks in black/red
First up these socks fit well and I would say they are true to size (I have size 6 feet and wore a M).They are very comfortable to wear and the arch support is a lovely addition. Both on the road and off road these socks kept my feet comfortable. They are quarter length and stay nicely in place even over tricky terrain without slipping down. The reflective detail on the back is subtle but stands out in the dark. After an hour of running my feet didn’t feel sweaty and there was no rubbing. True to their claims the socks didn’t smell after use but since I like the muddy trails they needed a wash anyway (oops).
Ignite Cycling Socks Review
UK size 6 wearing medium Rockay Ignite Cycling Socks in black/lime
As with the running socks the cycling socks fit beautifully (wearing size M with UK size 6 feet) and the height is perfect. I tested them both outside and on the turbo in a range of temperatures from -4 to 25 degrees celsius. Even on longer rides the socks stayed up nicely without digging in and didn’t rub in any of my cycling shoes. The support in the socks is not as noticeable as in the running socks but they feel supportive and nicely minimise pressure points when cycling.
Summary of Rockay Socks Review
Pros
- True to size
- Comfortable with no rubbing
- Nice addition of arch support in running socks
- Look smart and are a nice length
- Better for the environment with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Higher price (£15-20)
- No jazzy designs
- (Honestly struggling here these socks are fab!)
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