Purchasing guide: less high socks & Legs (Special knee pads and orthotics)

In Enduro and Motocross, there is an invisible accessory that changes all the comforts of your day: the sock. But not just any. If you drive with knee pads or orthotics (Knee Braces), you know the problem: the straps that saw the back of the knee, the orthosis that glides with sweat and irritation after 3 hours of rolling.

The solution? The so-called “Jambière” high sock (Knee Brace Sock). Like a tight, the leggings go up to the top of the thigh and fall back on your protections to stay in position. No more rubbing, no more slipping. Here is our selection of the 6 best high-end socks on the market for enduro or motocross.

Why choose a “Knee Brace” sock?

Unlike a football or ski sock, the specific ‘Knee Brace’ motorcycle sock has three key areas:

• The extreme height: It goes up to the groin. The sock is put on, the orthosis is put on and the top of the sock is folded down PAR-DESSUS the orthosis.
• Silicone Maintenance: The right models (like the ones from our selection) have a silicone band on the thigh to never slip even in whoops.
• The ‘Coolmax’ area: The foot is kept dry, while the leg is protected by a thin fabric (Lycra/Mesh) to prevent the lining of the trousers from hanging.

SELECTION: The 6 best pairs of leggings on the market

1. The Reference (Finesse & Feeling): Fox Flexair Fracture Leggings

What is it? Fox's bestseller, designed to be forgotten.

The Freeenduro opinion: This is the choice of pilots who hate being warm in their feet and want maximum feeling in the boot. The Flexair is incredibly thin and lightweight. It rises very high and its wide silicone band fits perfectly on the thigh or folds down on the orthosis.

2. The Challenger (Look & Maintenance): leggings 100% Rev Knee Brace

What is it? The response of the US trade mark “100%” with a high-end finish.

The Freeenduro opinion: If your socks tend to slip and end up in a ‘plug’ at the bottom of the boot, this is the one for you. It has a very effective silicone print at the top of the thigh for absolute support. CoolMax fabric does a great job of keeping the foot dry and the design is often neater than the competition.

3. The Safe Value (Robustesse): Alpinestars Knee Brace

What is it? The robust alternative. Less transparent mesh, more technical fabric.

The Freeenduro opinion: Alpinestars has prioritised sustainability. The sock is a little thicker than the Fox, with reinforcements on the heels and ankles, while keeping the famous silicone band essential for maintenance. This is the best compromise if you ride a lot and use your socks quickly by rubbing.

4. The Expert (Targeted Protection): Acerbis X-Leg Pro Legs

What is it? A technical sock that incorporates protective pads.

The Freeenduro opinion: Acerbis has designed this model to solve pressure points. In addition to a compressive fabric, it incorporates specific reinforcement areas (tibias, malleoles) in the exact places where rigid orthotics hurt. A must for heavy rollers who suffer from irritation.

5. The Expert (Health & Recovery): Forma Compression Legs

What is it? A real medical compression handle suitable for the motorcycle.

The Freeenduro opinion: It is the most “technological” product in our selection. Forma uses a tubular construction (without seams) with silver threads (natural anti-bacterial). Gradual compression promotes venous return: concretely, you will have less heavy legs at the end of the day. It obviously has the silicone support at the top of the thigh.

6. The Budget (Canon Prize): Shot Interceptor 2.0 Lobsters

What is it? The pair accessible to complete his outfit without breaking the bank.

The Freeenduro opinion: Shot knows how to make accessible material with a nice look. No space technologies here, but a high sock that does the job, protects against friction and allows you to buy two or three pairs for the price of a single high-end pair.

The Freeenduro Council:
If you invest $300 or more in orthotics or articulated knee pads, don't mess it up with tennis socks. A specific pair (Fox, Forma or Alpinestars) will prolong the life of your knee pad foams and save your skin from rubbing burns.

Our special purchase guide for motocross/enduro orthotics

Our special purchase guide for enduro knee pads