Shin injuries after slipping on the pedals or hitting rocks are annoying and painful. Knee protectors usually don't go far enough down to protect against this, or are often too bulky as a combination version. An alternative to this is the Riot sock from TSG. This also has numerous advantages. Especially in winter, they also fit under tight-fitting long pants, as they are less bulky than classic shin protectors. What's more, they also protect the ankles, which only very few knee shin guards can do.

We have been riding with the TSG sock for the last three months. The ideal item for biking in winter. After all, shin protection is essential in these conditions, as you're often out and about on flat pedals. If you slip off the pedals in the snow despite the grippy pins, your shins remain intact. They also keep you nice and warm, are not bulky and can even be worn under long bib shorts. The ankle protection in particular was helpful a few times when grazing the crank.

In summer temperatures, the pads naturally squeeze the sweat out of your pores. But this is also more than enough the case with other protectors. In comparison, the Riot sock is still comfortable to wear. However, the footwear does need to be washed regularly. After around ten washes, the edges of the sewn-in pads became slightly worn. It is therefore advisable to throw the socks into the washing drum in a laundry bag - just like the other protectors.

Effective protection that is comfortable to wear: the Riot socks from TSG.

Conclusion: Knee-high socks are certainly not everyone's cup of tea for stylistic reasons. But if you're tired of pedal and stone-ridden shins, TSG's Riot sock is a practical, comfortable and effective protection against the aforementioned ills. At 49 francs, they also don't cost much more than other super-functional bike socks without protectors.