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.
Lightweight socks that keep your feet feeling cool in hot weather.
road.cc test report
Make and model: DeFeet Levitator Lite Socks
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
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,
I regularly see them on the commute alongside the Serpentine. It's quite odd because on a typical ride in the country if I see a horse it's dead...
That's not how it's commonly understood. Primary is usually used to describe centre of your lane. Secondary is somewhere to the left of there (but...
random use of the word responsibility -Responsibility refers to the duty of having authority or control over something or someone. If you are...
Then why do they all own cars, if the infrastructure to use them is not there? ...
I've been carrying the big heavy butyl for over five years...
I have a Shazam mini and love wizard works, but it's a bit chicken and egg - the Shazam does look quite a lot like the bags Carradice have been...
But then why would an otherwise law abiding driver need to react to a speed camera, real or imitation?...
I too wondered why Giant want to recruit 4 highly paid with bullshit-speak sales & marketing experience, not real hands-on R&D knowledge ...
100% agree, it's nothing to do with them, how public opinion is split.
Whilst EV cars are an improvement over ICE cars, I think they're a distraction from the possibilities of e-bikes, e-scooters and e-cargo-bikes etc....