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review

Solo Merino Wool sock

8
£14.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Not the cheapest, but your feet will thank you
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.alwaysriding.co.uk

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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Solo promise that their Merino sock will 'help you say goodbye to sweaty, smelly feet' and they're spot on: these are amongst the most comfortable cycling socks I've ever worn. All this performance comes at a price, but if you suffer at all in the foot department then it's a price worth paying.

The Solos are constructed in the main from New Zealand Merino wool, with a bit of nylon and Lycra thrown in to help them keep their shape. They feature a very loose knit on the top panel to help keep the foot cool, with denser material on the footbed for longevity. The logo and coloured bands lend them a slightly retro air, and the quality of construction is excellent.

Also excellent is the performance. These really are among the best socks I've tried. Even wearing them for days at a time in a heatwave they were supremely comfortable, doing a great job at regulating foot temperature and wicking moisture. I tried riding in my Winter boots in 25° heat, but even then my feet didn't complain. They wash and retain their shape pretty well, and are much better at controlling foot whiffs than nylon socks.

So a big thumbs up all round then, with the possible exception of the price. Still, you get what you pays for here: quality socks that will probably outlast cheaper alternatives.

Verdict

Your wallet/bank manager won't thank you, but your feet will

road.cc test report

Make and model: Solo Merino Wool sock

Size tested: L

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 190cm  Weight: 100kg

I usually ride: Schwinn Moab, urbanised with 700cs  My best bike is: Trek 1.5 with upgrades

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.

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4 comments

Avatar
DaSy | 15 years ago
0 likes

I've got 5 pairs of Rapha merino socks, some are about 3 years old, used and washed lots, and all still in very good condition.

I too would like to find some trainer style merino socks, but not to attampt a more normal sun tan, that really is a lost cause. My tan now is truly ludicrous, but to be honest I love it; the badge of honour of the cyclist.

Avatar
ourmaninthenorth | 15 years ago
0 likes

I have a pair of the Rapha socks, which came "free" with my first subscription to Rouleur.

I noticed the other day that, after fairly infrequent use, they have worn very thin (to the extent I tore one pulling it on).

Will the Solos go the same way?

Also, does anyone out there do a "trainer" cut sock made from merino? I like to maximise what little opportunity there is for as much of a normal person suntan as possible....

Avatar
Coodsta replied to ourmaninthenorth | 15 years ago
0 likes
ourmaninthenorth wrote:

Also, does anyone out there do a "trainer" cut sock made from merino? I like to maximise what little opportunity there is for as much of a normal person suntan as possible....

Smartwool do some, they are designed for running but work great for cycling. I've had a pair for three years that have been used for pretty much every run & ride I've done in that time. I've worn through the sole on them, but they are ace and I'd buy again. Got my from Cotswold Outdoors for about £11.

Avatar
TheHatter | 15 years ago
0 likes

I have the Rapha merino and love them. And the Rapha actually work out cheaper if you buy them in a 3 pack for 30 quid - still not cheap but probably the best value item Rapha make.

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