These oversocks – call them Belgian booties, if you like – are about as simple as they get, adding shoe protection and a little warmth on those days when a full overshoe would be excessive.
In common with other oversocks, these don’t offer a whole lot of insulation – they’re made from 100% knitted polyester (Meraklon) a lot like most cycle socks, so wind blows through fairly easily. They do provide an extra layer over your ankles, which can be handy on cool-weather rides, without messing up the fit of your shoes, and they keep grit and spray from the road off your expensive Sidis. And, unlike your shoes, these can go through the washing machine.
The Prendas oversocks come with a hole up front for your cleat and another at the heel, both of them stitched around to stop them fraying straightaway. There's no reinforcement so the fabric will eventually get tatty if you walk far in these so don’t see them as a long-term investment – they’ll last weeks or months (depending on how much you use them, obviously) rather than years.
The Meraklon fabric is stretchy and simple to get on and off, it’s breathable so your feet don’t get sweaty, and it’s quick to dry. These come in black, blue, red and white, in three different size options, and that’s about it. They do a straightforward job as well as any other oversocks and they’re about half the price of many.
Verdict
A little extra foot warmth and shoe protection at an excellent price
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Prendas Ciclismo Meraklon Oversocks
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?
Prendas say, "Ideal for damp and cool conditions, perfect intermediate solution when a full overshoe is too warm (keeps the crap off your shoes also)"
That sums it up. Essentially, they're normal socks worn over your shoes with cutouts for your cleat and heel. That's it. They don't offer the protection of neoprene overshoes but they're much more breathable.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
6/10
Rate the product for value:
10/10
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe
Age: 39 Height: 190cm Weight: 74kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding,
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