Review: Pedal Mafia Core Sock 2.0

(2022) Over the past few years cycling apparel companies have used the product name ‘core’ to describe garments meant to last, which highlights many companies to avoid doing so to their flagship line. But not Pedal Mafia, who features unique advert socks without the flash. Having added their socks to our collection, we decided to dive deeper into Pedal Mafia’s sock styling to consider their submission to the footwear game. 

Made in Italy, Pedal Mafia’s Core sock 2.0 slips on easily and with side-specific directions. Pedal Mafia’s socks joined the upper echelon of accessories that are comfortable instead of scratchy. Sure there are socks on the market that look cool, but slip them on and they feel like tumbleweed inside the cycling shoe. Look cool but suffering? Nobody likes that.

We received the Pedal Mafia’s Core sock 2.0 in yellow and black, a combination that slightly mismatches our Artist Series jersey. No matter. The Core Sock series comes in nearly twenty-five colorways to close the gap of matchy-matchy. And since Pedal Mafia’s kits are designed for color blocking style, yellow/ black is an easy match. 

Riding in Pedal Mafia’s socks is comfortable with air flow. The Italian fabric allows circulation amongst the right shoes, promoting happy riding conditions on warmer days. As the northern hemisphere transitions to spring, many riders will be satisfied by the Core sock’s cooling properties when the outing heats up unexpectedly.

Then there’s the style. We’ve always been fans of tried-tested-and-true style. The Core sock can’t be beat when it comes to reliable style. These simple colorways will be in style today, tomorrow, and a decade from now. Those looking for pizzaz and flash will have to look elsewhere. The single color pattern with contrasting company name means these socks will match nearly any kit out there. That’s good news for riders rostered with unique kits looking for that last piece of flare to set them apart.

Pedal Mafia’s Core sock line features comfortable fabric with simple styling for riders looking to make a small statement. With a mid-level length, these socks broadcast an affinity for stylish comfortable garments with a healthy dose of airflow. With solid colors as well as a handful of striped socks, the Core line is poised to find its way to cyclists’ drawers as the luxury sock of the day. The only thing they don’t seem to do is make anyone ride faster. No worry. A slower ride is a longer ride, and a longer ride gives us more time to look down and admire the style of the Pedal Mafia Core sock.