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Best winter thermal socks/liner?

by Leviathan
Tue, Oct 15, 2013 14:23
9

I am looking for some winter over-sock-socks (not to be confused with over-socks, which go over shoes.)
It is getting cooler and the prospect of some freezing morning commutes is looming large. When it is that cold, normal socks and winter overshoes just isn't a warm enough combination even though they might keep the feet dry.
So I am considering two thermal over sock solutions, Assos and Castelli:
http://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/thermic-socks-black-1651.html
http://www.bobshop.de/Castelli/Herren/Fahrradsocken/CASTELLI-Radsocken-D...

Has anyone hear of this assosfactory outlet? Genuine stuff? I also wonder about Assos very vague sizes. They just make 0, I, II, and I seem to fall into a II(2) as I have size ten feet. Can anyone comment on Assos kit, expensive but worth it? I also have my eye on winter after snow overshoes:
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/45295/Assos_S7_After_Snow_Over...
riddick expensive but perhaps a piece of fantasy kit to keep me working hard.

Please save my tootsies! [insert freezing smiley here]

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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9 comments

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PJ McNally | 11 years ago
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winter - shimano boots, merino socks, and overshoes. Warm (enough, just) even in the worst british winter.

The on one / planet x merino socks are great, i wear them all the time.

As for Assos sizes - are those just euro sizes? Where 2 is s, 1 is xs, 0 is xxs?

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Leviathan replied to PJ McNally | 11 years ago
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PJ McNally wrote:

As for Assos sizes - are those just euro sizes? Where 2 is s, 1 is xs, 0 is xxs?

No, seems Assos has its own unique sizing system. As it seems everyone has their own solution that doesn't involve any assos socks I will just have to find out the hard way; pay for them, try them and keep them or sell them on ebay if I don't like, then try again.

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oddbydefault | 11 years ago
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Toasty bargain: http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CLOOTKMS3P/on_one_thicky_merino_socks_(3_pack)

Or winter boots. I use both simultaneously.

Socks wise, Sealskinz are also pretty good, though not as comfortable or cheap.

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velodromerocket | 11 years ago
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There's an offer on winter accessories this week at the Assos Factory Outlet, a coupon gets sent out to all new supersale subscribers for an additional 10% discount. Includes the thermic socks.

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Simon E | 11 years ago
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TBH having a good overshoe/boot is half the battle. No point having summer shoes then trying to keep the cold out in the winter.
http://road.cc/content/review/52286-northwave-celsius-gtx-boots

I wouldn't have thought oversocks would be as warm as a decent waterproof overshoe.

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Jack Osbourne snr replied to Simon E | 11 years ago
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Winter boots and merino socks. I have Gaerne Artix.

Failing that, merino socks, usual shoes, toe warmers, neoprene overshoes. Warm, but very sweaty.

You can also improvise with bits of carrier bag inside or outside your shoes.

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Meaulnes | 11 years ago
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Seconded. I've had a pair of Northwave winter boots for years and they're great. Just a pair of merino socks underneath and you stay warm and dry.

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bashthebox | 11 years ago
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Winter cycling boots! They work better and save you a lot of faff. And considering the amount of socks and overshoes you're looking at, wouldn't cost any more.

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paulsimongill | 11 years ago
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My solution for cold toes (tested down to about -5c earlier this year as my 17mi commute is rural) is:

* Thick merino socks - I use a standard walking type. Cost £8.99
* Over those, I wear Seal Skins waterproof socks (the waterproofing is also really good at keeping out the cold wind). Cost £20 but these are great for the wet too.
* I then have a pair of oversized cycling shoes - one size larger than my normal pair. This allows me to wear the two pairs of socks. Cost £10 (off Ebay, but new!).
* Over all that goes a pair of neoprene overshoes (I use Planet-X's that cost £10).

The Assos ones that you link to just look like standard thermal socks - probably a nicer fit than the merino walking socks I have. The Castelli are more like the Seal Skinz.

The Assos winter overshoes seem stupidly expensive.

I'm not sure what temperature you will be out in, but you'll need more than one pair when it gets close to (and below) freezing, with overshoes too.

Paul.

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