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review

SealSkinz Mid Weight Mid Length Socks

8
£30.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Useful extra weaponry in the fight for warm, dry feet this winter
Weight: 
107g

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Sealskinz Mid Weight Mid Length Socks are a good thing to have in the drawer once the cold and wet weather draws in. There are some UK conditions that will breach any foot fortifications, but these socks are a great last line of defence.

SealSkinz use a waterproof membrane in between inner and outer layers. In these socks the inner is a Merino mix, and the outer synthetic. They're totally waterproof, as SealSkinz are wont to demonstrate at trade shows by having an unlucky employee stand in a giant petri dish for the amusement of onlookers. They work though. Water doesn't get through. You can go out in the rain in these socks and trudge about on the lawn and your feet will stay toasty and dry.

The membrane stops the socks being anywhere near stretchy as normal socks, and there are two layers of fabric. That means two things. Firstly, it's important to get the right size. Specifically, make sure they're big enough because they can feel very constrictive if they're too small. Sizing information is available on the SealSkinz website. Secondly, there's more bulk than a normal sock. If your shoes are tight with your summer socks on, you may struggle to get them on wearing these.

Assuming that's all good, go out and ride in the rain and your feet will be dry even if your shoes are sopping wet. Well, up to a point. These socks suffer from the same Achilles heel that all fully waterproof footwear does: once water gets in – and there's a hole at the top – it doesn't have anywhere to go, so it stays in there. The trick is to make sure no water gets down the neck of the sock if you want your feet to stay dry.

My favoured approach is to pair them up with overshoes and make sure they're tucked right inside with the overshoes as tight as possible at the cuff. If you're wearing longs you can pull them over the top of the socks, then the overshoes up over the longs, creating a sort of labrynthine seal which is normally good for a few hours even in heavy rain.

The two layers of fabric mean they're warm, and even when they do inevitably get damp inside on the wettest rides the Merino mix inner remains comfortable and cosy. They're completely windproof, too, which is often as much of a boon on really cold days as the extra insulation. Thinner and thicker versions are available to suit your particular needs. They're certainly a useful thing to have around for bad conditions. £30 isn't cheap, but they'll definitely get some use.

Verdict

Useful extra weaponry in the fight for warm, dry feet this winter

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Sealskinz Mid Weight Mid Length Sock

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Mid weight, mid length sock, perfect for a multitude of activities & conditions.

Totally waterproof, breathable and windproof

Merino wool lining for moisture control & comfort

Elasticated ankle & insteps offer support and a comfortable fit

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Material composition:

91% Nylon, 9% Elastane

Hydrophilic Membrane

35% Merino Wool, 34% Acrylic, 28% Polyester, 2% Elastodiene, 1% Elastane

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Feet stay drier longer and they're nice and warm

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Waterproofing, warmth

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

They're bulky, getting the right size is crucial for comfort

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 190cm  Weight: 100kg

I usually ride: whatever I'm testing...  My best bike is: Kinesis Tripster ATR

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

 

Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.

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4 comments

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LondonDynaslow | 9 years ago
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Also.. MADE IN BRITAIN!

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truffy | 9 years ago
0 likes

The photos make them look like the big toe is separate. Perfect for flip-flops!

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nowasps | 9 years ago
0 likes

These really need to be higher. Up to the waist would be a start.

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Must be Mad | 9 years ago
0 likes

The good thing about these socks is that the waterproof membrane is also very effective at keeping the wind out too.

When its properly wet, water will always run down the leg and inside - and as the review says it cannot escape.

However where these socks really come into their own is for those days where its a little bit chilly and/or a chance of rain - and you are trying to decide if it worth pulling on the overshoes or not - these make a fantastic alternative - so much easier to get on than an overshoe, less bulk, and they give that bit of extra protection.

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