They're made from a mixture of Coolmax, nylon, Lycra and elastane and they're very stretchy for a close fit without wrinkles.
These aren't as light as some summer socks but the top of the foot section is a mesh weave that lets in quite a bit of cool air if you have ventilated shoe uppers. Plus, the Coolmax certainly does work to move moisture away from your feet quickly, and it dries very fast.
The sole, the heel and the toe sections are thicker for a bit of comfort while the tops are ribbed and so stay in place well. The cuff section is 9cm high. That means these are a little longer than classic cycling ankle socks but nowhere near the mid-calf Euro-style socks that are everywhere at the moment.
They're standing up well to repeated use. I've had this pair for several weeks so they've been through the washing machine lots of times and there's no bobbling. None of the red dye has run into the white sections either. They look pretty good considering the amount of use they've had.
As well as this red/white version, black/white and orange/white models are available.
Good summer-weight socks that are comfortable and breathe well.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Sportful Max Sock
Size tested: Medium/Large
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
These socks are 45% Coolmax. The manufacturer says:
"Why choose COOLMAX fabric? For the simple reason of staying dry and comfortable when you start to perspire.
"Sweating is one of the body's natural mechanisms to stay cool. Engineered with special technology to wick moisture and enhance drying, COOLMAX fabric helps you stay dry and energized - exactly what you need to feel comfortable not only during the day, but also through your toughest workouts.
How it works
- COOLMAX fabric pulls moisture away from your skin.
- COOLMAX fabric absorbs and spreads moisture out across fabric to enhance evaporative drying rate.
- Air moves in to keep your body cool and dry.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Well made - no annoying loose threads.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
You can get some cycle-specific socks a couple of quid cheaper but these are good value.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well in a variety of warm to hot conditions.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Very good fit and all-round comfort.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yeah, I'd consider these.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Age: 41 Height: 190cm Weight: 75kg
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, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,
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