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review
£14.99
VERDICT:
Very good socks that match up to other Kalf kit well
Weight:
35g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
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We don't review many socks on road.cc, but the Kalf Tall socks are worth a mention. They complement the Kalf Flux jersey and bib shorts very well, matching up with the little fluoro-orange/pink highlights and completing the look, and they also have some nice little touches.
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The reflective dotted pattern in a chevron design at the rear offers clear advantages for safety, with the length of the sock providing plenty of space for the full impact of the design. The XLs on test reach just to the base of the soleus muscle on the calf, and fit my UK size 11.5 feet well.
They're also very comfortable, with a 'Meryl Skinlife' fabric that not only ensures your feet stay odour-free, but also keeps the socks soft after multiple washes.
There's not much in the way of extra padding around the sock – it's pretty much all one thickness – but that makes them really suitable for hot summer riding where extra padding and insulation are not what you need.
The only negative thing I can find with them is that, if you do happen to wear them on a hot day in new shoes, the orange/pink colour can easily absorb dye from the soles of new shoes. Although that could be down to the shoes themselves, it's worth noting that the bright colour of these particular socks means any discolouration shows up easily when you take your shoes off.
Other than that, these are a nice pair of socks that I'd happily wear to accompany the rest of the Kalf range, and recommend them to you too.
Verdict
Very good socks that match up to other Kalf kit well
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Kalf Tall Sock
Size tested: X 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?
Kalf says: "Kalf Tall Socks stay odour-free for longer thanks to the Meryl Skinlife yarn, which incorporates silver micro-particles to keep bacteria at bay for more than 100 washes. The three chevrons on the back of the sock are reflective."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Features:
- Meryl Skinlife yarn
- Reflective nodule chevron design
- Summer weight
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Lightweight and comfortable – what more can you ask?
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Some colour has absorbed into the bottom of the sock, but that could be down to the sole of the new test shoes I was using at the time.
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
Follow fitting instructions and you'll be fine.
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
I found them particularly comfortable.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
£15 isn't exactly 'great' value, but these are very good socks, and go well with other Kalf kit.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Fine.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Really well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The design, colour and comfort.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing, except possibly the ease at which the bottoms absorb dye.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
Very good summer socks that complement the rest of the Kalf range.
About the tester
Age: 27
I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016) My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
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