Rapha Oversocks

Rapha’s Oversocks are just one of the options in the off-season battle for warm feet. Others include waterproof socks inside your normal riding shoes (like Sealskinz), windproof and water resistant overshoes, and standalone winter boots. These options all work, and it’s really a question of personal preference and finances as to which you go for. But to a greater or lesser degree, the non-oversock options add bulk and weight, and so better suit training rides or the very coldest conditions. The oversock option works for any chilly weather, year round, and is also suitable for racing.

The first thing I’ll say about Rapha’s Oversocks is that unless you want to look like you’ve been involved in some horrific foot-mangling incident, avoid the bandage-like white version. Even those telltale pink and blank bands don’t banish the ‘hospital dressings’ vibe. And, of course, there’s no way they’re staying white for any length of time. Go for black.

The oversocks are made from stretchy, windproof yarn, and are genuinely effective at keeping the worst of the cold out, whilst still being breathable enough to keep foot perspiration to a minimum. They also dry quickly. Even as someone who really suffers from cold feet, I found these to be warm and comfortable. The high ankle cuff was stretchy and snug, and kept the worst of the road grot out too.

Fitting the socks is a slightly traumatic experience, due to the design. You have to cut along the line scored at the sole of the foot, to customise the oversocks to your cleats. The result is a snug fit, however, with little in the way of gaps. Machine washing is possible on a cold cycle, but you’d not want to do that too often as the socks will probably start to fray where they’ve been cut (although these haven’t done so yet). As with any oversocks, they’ll also suffer wear and tear from any waking. With careful use they should nevertheless last at least a season, and possibly a year. They are available in two sizes – medium and large – covering UK sizes 4 ½-12.

Although around twice the price of similar oversocks, such as those by Prendas Ciclismo, the Rapha ones are well made and should last reasonably well. But it would be hard to claim that they were over twice as good.

Verdict

A pricy but well made and effective option for keeping out the chill and protecting your shoes