The Assos R Socks S9 are designed for summer riding and high-intensity efforts, offering excellent comfort and breathability, though the 20cm cuff length won’t be for everyone.
Assos describes the R Socks S9 as ‘ultrabreathable, super-tall racing socks’, designed for high-intensity riding in hot conditions, and they deliver solid performance when it comes to breathability and comfort. They aren’t quite as featherlight as the Pas Normal Studios Solitude Socks I’ve also tested (19g vs 40g per pair), but they still performed well. My feet stayed cool and the fabric wicked moisture effectively in temperatures around 24°C.
The fit offers light compression without feeling restrictive, and the socks stayed in place securely. However, the 20cm cuff height is longer than I personally prefer, and the stretchy fabric means it can sit even higher on the leg.
The twin pack consists of either two white or two black pairs – I would have preferred the option of one of each for more versatility. For sizing, 0, I, and II correlate to EU sizes 35-38, 39-42, and 43-46, and they are true to size.
While you can’t buy the R Socks S9 individually on the Assos website, the twin pack offers extra value. Its Racing Socks S11, for example, are £18 a pair, and the RS Socks S11 are £21.
Pas Normal Studios’ Solitude Socks are a great pair of summer socks, but they come in at £18 a pair. You can check out more options in our guide to the best cycling socks.
Overall, the R Socks S9 are a comfortable, breathable choice for summer riding. They may not be the lightest or most aerodynamic socks for road racing, but they are a good option for training or gravel racing in warm conditions.
Verdict
Breathable and comfortable summer socks, though the cuff height won’t appeal to everyone
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Assos R Socks S9 – twin pack
Size tested: II
Tell us what the product is for and who it’s aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it?
Assos says:
“R Socks S9 are engineered for high-intensity riding and daily utility. Their ultralight bodies breathe, wick, and promote cooling airflow suitable for hot conditions, and the lightly compressive hold maintains a secure, slump-free fit.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product
From Assos:
Composition: 95% Polyamide 5% Elastane
Cuff height: 20cm (8in)
No exposed seams
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Breathable socks that wick moisture effectively for summer riding. My feet didn’t get too hot and the socks stayed up well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Comfort and breathability.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The cuff height.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Buying as a two-pack offers some value at £15.50 per pair, which is similar to other socks but also less than some – Pas Normal Studios’ Solitude Socks are a great pair of summer socks, but they come in at £18 a pair.
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 overall score
Very comfortable and breathable socks that stayed in place well, though the cuff height is longer than I personally prefer.
About the tester
Age: 25 Height: 175 Weight: 64
I usually ride: specialised tarmac sl6 My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
