For cold-weather cycling, you need to keep your feet cosy, and these merino socks from dhb do just that.

Merino wool is a natural fibre that is very soft and comfortable. More important, merino has good insulation and moisture wicking properties better in some cases than synthetic base-layer materials. Its especially good for socks because feet (along with other extremities) dont sweat much when cycling – not compared to the upper body – but can get very cold.

Unlike many winter socks, these merino wool socks are not too thick – only very slightly more bulky than my usual dainty white summer cotton option – so they fit into my usual size cycling shoes without the toes feeling compressed.

Do they work? Absolutely. Ive worn these socks on a few long hard training rides in cold and damp conditions, inside normal cycling shoes. My feet have been significantly more dry and comfortable in these soft merino babies than in socks made from synthetic materials.

Ive also found that synthetic socks can get a bit wiffy, especially when shoes are combined with winter overshoes. But not so much with the merino wool – it seems to have a natural deodorant properties. Another advantage, especially for anyone you share a house with.

dhb is the in-house brand of online cycling superstore Wiggle, and these merino socks usually retail on their website for 10.99 – currently discounted to less than 9 – a price well worth paying to have warm and cosy feet all winter.

Verdict

Ideal socks for winter riding. Comfortable and warm, and very good value too.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: dhb Merino Sock 2011

Size tested: Black/Grey – 8-9.5

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?

The Wiggle website says The dhb Merino cycling sock has a slim and lightweight feel but offers exceptional warmth to weight ratio Merino has exceptional natural thermal regulation qualities meaning your feet will stay warmer for longer. Dark colours are low key for those grimey winter rides."

The first two claims are fair, and dark colours for winter riding make sense, although most sensible riders will use long tights and overshoes at this time of year, so the socks' colour won't actually show.

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

Technical aspects of the sock mentioned on the Wiggle website include:

Arch support zone

Reinforced toe

Reinforced heel

Volumised 'Y' heel

Flat toe construction

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

These socks have stood up well to some hard rides and several washes, but they obvioulst won't last for ever. However, construction quality seems good, so they should last a winter season.

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

For winter socks, these are surprisngly light, and therefore should comfortablty fit inside your normal-size cycling shoe.

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

Very good value indeed, especially at the current price discount

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: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 50  Height: 5ft 10 / 178cm  Weight: 11 stone / 70kg

I usually ride: an old Marin Alp   My best bike is: an old Giant Cadex

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,