Ion BD 2.0 Protection Socks review: thanks for the memory (foam)

These Ion BD 2.0 Protection knee socks have HD memory foam sewn into the shins and ankles to give you protection from all the usual things that attack you where you’re on the bike: cranks, rocks, pedals… For me, these things are usually just a source of pain, and occasional steri-stripping. My partner, however, seems to have ruined the structure of his skin over the years. The merest whiff of a pedal pin will have his leg opening up in some giant gash. For him, a pedal strike often results in professional medical treatment, a lot of blood on the sheets, and a chunk of time off the bike. So when these came my way for me to test, I thought I’d give them a go – in the hope of harmony at home, and the prospect of sheets that don’t look like a crime scene.

I had the size 39-42, and they’re available for size from 35 up to 46 (which is unfortunate, as my partner is a 47). I am usually around a size 40, and these fitted me neatly, sitting the right length on my legs too. They’re neat enough that I’m not convinced my partner would be able to squeeze his flippers into the size 43-46. The shin padding is made up of two sections, so they can articulate and aren’t stiff like a football shin pad. They don’t come that far down the shin however, so if you’re unlucky you might get a strike in the front lower part of your leg/upper ankle. Looking at the scars on my leg however, most of them look like they would have been prevented by the position of the padded area on these socks.

The two ankle pads sit on the upper side of my ankle bones – I guess if they sat lower they would clash with the edge of my shoes. The ankle pads are simple circles and do sit a little proud of my bones – flexible or shaped discs that sat closer to my ankles might be more protective still. The fabric of the socks themselves is cotton rich, so they’re comfortable and not synthetic and sweaty. In fact, once you’ve got them on, you don’t really notice that they’re anything other than normal socks (unless something hits you). This is quite a contrast to other shin pads/kneepad extensions I’ve tried, that have invariably felt sticky and sweaty.

For trail riding – especially in winter – I usually wear waterproof socks and kneepads, and for most rides I’d likely stick to the same combination if not testing these socks – I value my warm and dry feet too much. However, these socks are great if you’re setting out to deliberately push your limits. As such, I’ve worn these on trail rides when trying a bit harder, and for trips with my BMX to the foam pit.

Especially at the foam pit, I had a number of instances where had I not been wearing the pads I’m certain I would have drawn blood. Probably more that would have brought tears to my eyes. As it was, the socks let me have one of the most pain free foam pit sessions I’ve ever had (for extra protection, I also wore my knee pads and impact shorts, as usual). Even after washing, I do have a lot of bits of foam pit crumbs stuck to the socks, but it’s not like it affects their performance – it just looks bobbly.

Overall

Of course, it’s the law of sod that you’ll whack yourself just where the pads aren’t, and a crank did find its way into the gap between shoe and ankle pad. Ouch. Out on the trail, it was my flat pedals that penetrated my armour – the classic back of the calf pedal scrape, acquired while pushing, for added insult.

I’ve been on the look out for shin protection, and while the Ion BD 2.0 Protection Socks don’t cover everywhere, they do cover a reasonable amount while being much more comfortable than other shin protection options I’ve tried. Being comfortable means you’ll actually wear them, so they’re much more likely to be there when you need them.