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Socks
DeFeet Levitator Lite SocksDeFeet Levitator Lite Socks

DeFeet Levitator Lite Socks

7
by Mat Brett
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 26, 2013

0
£12.25

VERDICT:

7
10
Lightweight socks that keep your feet feeling cool in hot weather.
Weight: 
35g
Contact: 
www.i-ride.co.uk
How we test

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The DeFeet Levitator Lite socks, as the name suggests, are a lightweight option for the summer weather, helping to keep your feet cool when the temperature is high.

These are single thickness throughout, including the cuff section that lets a little more air through than a double-layer alternative. The upper section of the foot is quite an open weave so it's highly breathable and there's a lot of elasticity around the arch to keep the sock in place. The toe seam sits on the underside rather than on top of the foot, but I didn't feel it at all in use.

The Levitator Lites are made from 51 percent nylon with 47 percent Coolmax Eco-made and 2 percent Lycra. That lot shifts sweat well so your feet stay pretty fresh-feeling even when you're riding hard in hot summer conditions.

Verdict

Lightweight socks that keep your feet feeling cool in hot weather.

road.cc test report

Make and model: DeFeet Levitator Lite Socks

Size tested: Large

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?

Here's what DeFeet say, "On the heel of the successful Levitator comes the Levitator Lite. Fitting into the thin category Levitator Lite has all the incredible features of the Levitator without the padded forefoot and with a single layer cuff. Levitator Lite is the new leader of the DeFeet Thin sock category. Runners and cyclists who are fans of ultra-lite and thin love this sock because it takes comfort and durability to a shocking new level.

51% Nylon, 47% Coolmax Eco-made, 2% Lycra"

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

This is the write-up on Coolmax Ecomade: "Coolmax Ecomade fiber and fabric is made from recycled resources such as plastic bottles. The resulting environmental benefits include efficient use of resources and reduction of waste to landfill and incineration.

"Coolmax Ecomade fiber has four-channel cross-sections that give it the same moisture management properties as virgin polyester fibers used for Coolmax fabrics.

"With sophisticated recycling technology, plastic bottles are transformed into high-quality polyester fiber that qualifies for use in apparel as Coolmax Ecomade fabric, and which meet Invista quality standards for moisture management. Now consumers can keep their cool while reducing the impact upon the environment."

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

I think that Defeet's Levitators offer better value for money.

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

They perform well in helping your feet to stay cool and reasonably fresh.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The coolness.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yeah

Would you consider buying the product? I'd stick with standard Levitators

Would you recommend the product to a friend? As above

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

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,

 

DeFeet Levitator Lite Socks
Mat Brett

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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