Motocross Sock Size Guide: S-M or L-XL?
"What size do I get?" is the question we get asked most, so here's the straight answer. Goatbrand MX knee brace socks come in two sizes, Small/Medium and Large/XL, and picking the right one comes down to your thigh and your leg length more than your boot size. Get it right and the sock sits flat under your brace all day. Get it wrong and you'll be fixing bunched fabric between motos.
Why MX socks only come in two sizes
Walk into any moto shop and you'll see most boot socks sold in two or three broad sizes rather than exact shoe sizes. That's normal for the industry, and there's a good reason for it. A knee brace sock has to do three jobs: sit snug in the boot, run smooth up the shin, and grip the thigh above the brace. The stretch in the fabric covers a range of feet, so the parts that really decide the fit are how long your leg is and how big your thigh is where the cuff sits.
Our socks are made from a polyester and lycra blend, which gives them that stretch, and they've got extra thick bottoms so the foot sits snug inside your boots without sliding around.
If the sock feels a bit bigger in the boot than a thin sock would, that's a feature, not a problem. MX boots have volume, and a proper MX sock fills the boot better than thin socks — less slop, better feel.
The Goatbrand MX size chart
Here's how the two sizes line up:
- Small/Medium: fits a thigh of roughly 40 to 50 cm, with a leg length of about 66 cm.
- Large/XL: fits a thigh of roughly 50 to 60 cm, with a leg length of about 70 cm.
The full chart is also on every sock page, like the Ice Cold Moto Kneebrace Socks, so you can check it right before you add to cart.
How to measure yourself
It takes two minutes with a soft tape measure. Do it standing up, in your riding shorts or undies, not jeans.
1. Thigh
Find where the top of the sock will sit, which is just above where the top strap of your knee brace goes. Wrap the tape around your thigh there. Keep it flat and snug but don't pull it tight. That number is the one that matters most.
2. Leg length
Measure from the floor (heel) up the back of your leg to that same spot on your thigh. This tells you whether the sock will finish above your brace or stop short of it.
3. Compare to the chart
Line both numbers up with the chart above. If both land in the same size, you're done.
What if I'm between sizes?
This is where most people get stuck, so here's how we'd think about it:
- Thigh near the top of S-M and you've got a longer leg: lean towards L-XL. A sock that's too short ends right at your brace strap, and that's where rubbing starts.
- Thigh near the bottom of L-XL but shorter legs: S-M will usually sit better. Extra length just bunches behind the knee.
- Big calves or a bigger thigh for your height (plenty of us who ride a lot or train legs): go by the thigh number first.
Still not sure? Flick us an email with your thigh and leg measurements and we'll tell you which one we'd go with.
The cuff feels tight. Is that normal?
Yep. The cuff (the top band) has a silicone grip and is meant to hold the sock up under a brace, so it can feel tight the first time you pull them on. It gives a bit after a few rides and settles in around your thigh. A brand new pair feeling firm isn't a reason to size up on its own. If the cuff is leaving deep marks or cutting in after a full day's riding, that's when the next size might suit you better.
How a good fit should feel on the bike
Once you're kitted up with braces and boots on, here's what you're after:
- No wrinkles under the brace hinges or straps.
- The cuff sits above the top strap, not under it.
- The foot doesn't bunch at the toes or heel inside the boot.
- Nothing has slid down by the end of the second moto.
If your socks keep dropping even when the size is right, have a read of why your knee brace socks keep slipping. And if you're getting sore spots from your brace, our guide on how to stop knee brace rubbing covers the usual causes.
Quick tips to keep the fit right
- Pull the sock all the way up and smooth it out before you put your brace on.
- Put your brace on over the sock, then do up your boots last.
- Wash them cold and skip the dryer if you can, so the stretch lasts longer. Our post on how long motocross socks should last goes into more detail.
FAQ
Do Goatbrand MX socks come in shoe sizes?
No. Like most MX boot socks, they come in two sizes, Small/Medium and Large/XL, based on thigh size and leg length.
Which measurement matters most?
Your thigh, measured where the top of the sock will sit above your brace.
My new socks feel tight at the top. Should I swap them?
Give them a few rides first. The cuff is designed to grip and loosens up a bit with use.
Can I return them if the size is wrong?
Yes. Unworn socks can be returned within 30 days. Just email us first and we'll sort it out.
Find your pair
Got your numbers? Have a look through the full range of Goatbrand MX knee brace socks, or grab two designs at once with one of our sock combos. Nothing generic, just socks that fit right under your braces. Welcome to the Herd.
