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Socks
DeFeet Aireator High Top D-Logo White socksDeFeet Aireator socks

DeFeet Aireator High Top D-Logo White socks

8
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 8, 2014

0
£8.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Extremely comfortable socks with a good length and a crisp white finish
Weight: 
55g
Contact: 
www.i-ride.co.uk
How we test

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A socks a sock right? Not when they're as comfortable and breathy as DeFeet's Aireator socks. Expensive they may be, but you won't get socks like these down at your local sports shop.

They're made from a stretchy and very thin fabric, 60% nylon, 39% Coolmax and 1% Lycra, with a single layer cuff, so they're almost seamless against the leg. That mesh-like fabric means they almost feel like they're not there, and the upshot is well ventilated feet - there's no chance of overheating in these, making them ideal for long rides on warm sunny days.

The length is just right, 5.5in tall, so they sit just below the calf muscle. They're close-fitting and virtually seamless, and feel very supportive of your feet even though that's not what they set out to do. That's a result of the stretchy fabric and smooth feel. Defeet do short lengths socks if you prefer, and they also do plenty of colours, which are worth checking out.

For most cyclists though socks have to be white, and these are a top performer. They also last well, an important consideration especially when you're spending this sort of money on cycling socks. I've been wearing them for about six months, getting plenty of miles in on them when it's warm enough, and they show no sign of wearing out yet. They're still retaining their crisp white finish, they haven't dulled since they were first pulled from their packet.

They also dry out really quickly which means you can get more use out of them.

Verdict

DeFeet Aireator socks are extremely comfortable socks with a good length and a crisp white finish.

road.cc test report

Make and model: DeFeet Aireator High Top D-Logo White socks

Size tested: White, 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?

As the 'original air-flow design sock', the Aireator is the sock that kicked off the air-flow rage years ago. Today, the Aireator still leads in durability, wicking, drying, and air permeability. The Hi-Top version features a taller, ultra-light single layer cuff design.

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

60% Nylon, 39% COOLMAX® EcoMade, 1% Lycra®

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Smooth and seamless socks, soft next to the skin and supportive too.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Perfect length and crisp whiteness.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Still look like new 6 months down the line.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Yup very comfortable indeed. Ideal when it's warm as the material if very airy.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Pricey, but if you care about how you look on the bike (and don't care you don't), and want high performance socks, then these are worth the money.

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

Fantastic socks.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good length and soft to the skin.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Just the price really, I'd wear them on every ride if I could.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

DeFeet Aireator High Top D-Logo White socks
Defeet
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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