Review: Funkier Apparel Copper-Infused Socks

While socks are definitely not the blingiest piece of cycling gear, almost every cyclist in the world wears them, so they are pretty important. One of the biggest issues with socks is the stench after sweating in them for hours (or days) on end. Several brands have tried different techniques for stink mitigation, with bamboo threads …

By Corey Maddocks
May 29, 2013 Last Updated: August 11, 2024

10 comments

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While socks are definitely not the blingiest piece of cycling gear, almost every cyclist in the world wears them, so they are pretty important.

One of the biggest issues with socks is the stench after sweating in them for hours (or days) on end. Several brands have tried different techniques for stink mitigation, with bamboo threads being the most popular, but Funkier has gone a totally different direction by weaving copper threads into their sock fabric. The socks are created in collaboration with another Israeli company, Cupron, and you can read about the science behind copper vs stinky germs here.

For a somewhat unscientific approach, I decided to wear the socks on every ride for about three months. Oh, and I didn’t wash them in between. I don’t have the stinkiest feet in the world, but I fully expected this shameless abuse to overwhelm the copper anti-stink. Nope. They were still fine even after all that.

Smell aside, these are also nicely-fitted, very comfortable cycling socks for the frequent rider. As with all Funkier gear, the stitching and seams are flat and unobtrusive. Additionally, these socks feature reinforced padding under the foot and thinner, ventilated fabric on top. They are similar in construction to running socks and are well-suited to long days on the pedals.

These have been washed once since last December.

While at $20 these are double the price of some other sock brands, they are definitely a solid investment in the gear department. The durability and construction are top notch. The extra padding and vented top add to the value, and the infused copper threads aren’t just hype, but really do work as advertised.

Thanks to the folks at Funkier for sending over the Copper Knitted Socks for review.

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10 Comments

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AUTHOR

Corey Maddocks Colorado // 2008
May 29, 2013

*Usually* I wash my stuff, but I specifically abused these .. for science.

As an aside, all the new gloves that allow smartphone use, they also have metal fibers woven into the fabric to make that work.

0 reply

Bubblehead10MM Minnesota // 2012
May 30, 2013

Cool and all. (Love all things niffty for bikes) and thanjs f ok r going above and beyond. If I oay $20 for 1 pair I want wool. And that I keep for cold w ess ather, poo articullarly when they may get wet.

Dustin Gaddis South Carolina // 2007
May 29, 2013

Ewwwwwww. Wash your clothes man! LOL All done in the name of testing I'm sure.

Only time I wear bike clothes multiple times without washing is when I commute to work.

I've heard of silver threads being used for anti-stink, but never copper.

schwim Virginia // 2011
May 29, 2013

I buy my Sock Guy socks when someone has them on sale for $3 a pair.

Although not the strongest sock on the market, I can go through 7 pair of them before I exceed the cost of this pair of socks.

To combat any offensive smells, I wash them.

MarcS 2012
May 29, 2013

I can't afford to spend twenty bucks on a pair of socks, so I'm just going to put a couple of pennies in the ones I've already got. That ought to do the trick.

2012
May 30, 2013

I've always stuck with the Darn Tough bike socks, lifetime warranty and made out of merino wool! Merino wool contains lanolin which is a natural antimicrobial. Like everyone else, I've heard of using the silver fibers integrated into air mattresses so the humidity from your breath doesn't start growing cultures inside your pad. The only copper I've heard being used prior to these socks is in some of the Smith Optics snow helmets. Otherwise, I'm pretty set on the Darn Tough. I am definitely curious of these socks, need to find a vendor and try them out!

Ginny_Tory 2013
May 29, 2013

Isn't there a general copper scarcity on Earth? I think we have better uses for copper than socks. I mean, jeez, just wash them. Still an interesting and great idea though. But a luxury that is bit much?

Syd Patricio Ontario // 2008
May 29, 2013

Not even I would go to that extent...Eww is right...YES wash your clothing.. I have heard about silver...In fact a few of my DH lids have that..Just not socks....Pretty interesting though..

Bamboo fibers are the norm. I have some of those and they also work. But again, I don't have particularly stinky feet to begin with.

gar29 California // 2004
May 29, 2013

Sounds like this is one for the rider who has everything, including stinky feet!

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