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review
Socks
Galibier Pro One socksGalibier Pro One socks

Galibier Pro One socks

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

First Published May 3, 2013

1
£6.32

VERDICT:

7
10
Comfy socks with mesh uppers that let plenty of cool air in
Weight: 
62g
Contact: 
www.galibiervelo.com
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Galibier Pro One Ventoux socks are a very comfortable option for most riding conditions.

If you only like your socks short, you might as well stop reading here. These are longer than traditional-style ankle socks but not as long as Euro style mid-calf ones – they split the difference between the two. If you want to be precise about it, my old school ruler says they extend 11cm above the middle of my ankles.

They're 69% polyester, 22% CoolMax and 9% Lycra – so they're entirely synthetic. The upper part of the foot is an open weave a lot like a Defeet Aireators. Galibier call it Air Mesh and it certainly allows for plenty of breathability. In contrast, the terry sole is fairly thick and well cushioned. It has been treated to prevent the growth of bacteria and my sniff test says that seems to be working fine.

The heel and toe are reinforced and you get an elastic central foot band to support the arch. The ankle cuffs are single thickness, just double over at the top. They're ribbed and I found they'd stay put without feeling tight.

In use, you can't feel any of the seams – there's no rubbing whatsoever. These let plenty of cool air in through the uppers, assuming you have mesh panels on your shoes, while the thicker than normal soles don't really make much difference to your foot temperature and have the advantage of being abrasion resistant.

If you can't read it, that says 'Full Gas' across the top of the foot. That's one of Galibier's favourite phrases.

Verdict

Comfy socks with mesh uppers that let plenty of cool air in

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Galibier Pro One socks

Size tested: 42-46

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?

Galibier say, "A great pair of socks makes a big difference in foot comfort and so efficiency. So we divided out each element of the foot and designed a sock to compliment it. 9 different sections are seamlessly compiled to produce the Ventoux sock.

"The upper main foot part of the sock is constructed of Air Mesh to enhance breathability and regulate the whole foot's temperature. A triple elastic central foot band supports the arch. The ankle cuff is 9cm high for just the right length and features a top band that is doubled over so that the elastic will stay perfect over time. The Toe and heal are double reinforced for longevity and the lower sole contains Coolmax and treated terry so that bacteria will not grow in your shoes."

Seems fair. The soles are quite a bit thicker than some and I expected that to make a big difference to foot temperature, but it didn't. The mesh uppers let plenty of air in and wick well.

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

Being 22% CoolMax, these shift sweat away from your skin well.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

You can't feel the toe seam, which is a definite bonus.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

They're really comfortable and kept my feet all fresh and lovely. I might go down to something really lightweight for the hottest weather.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Plenty of airflow through the upper foot and good sole cushioning.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not a lot. The 'Full Gas' on the top of the foot just looks like one word to me – 'Fullgas' – which is a bit confusing, but that's really not an issue.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes, they've been doing a good job

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly

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,

 

Galibier Pro One socks
Galibier Velo
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. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. 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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