The Assos R Socks S11, reviewed here in a twin pack, are standard cotton cycling socks from the stylish Swiss manufacturer that claim to offer “targeted support for high-intensity riding in warmer climates”. They’re pretty straightforward, but they fit nicely and are surprisingly decent value.
I tested the white socks in size II – which is Assos’ large and spans a size range of EU 43 to 46. I usually wear an EU 44 cycling shoe, and these fit perfectly.
They offered a good amount of compression around the mid-foot without feeling restrictive at all, and include some lighter panelling around the ankle to increase breathability and airflow.
The cuffs are 18cm tall, and aren’t so tight that your calves are spilling over the top, but aren’t so loose that they don’t keep the socks in place. The fit across the whole sock was pretty much spot-on with no slack areas and no unnecessary tightness.
The socks are as standard as it’s possible for an Assos garment to be. No aero cues, no special ribbed fabric of air cheating textures – just a good old fashioned pair of socks. They have a clean aesthetic, bar the large black Assos ‘A’ on the calf. The socks are labelled left and right, so this is obviously designed to be worn facing outwards. Whilst it isn’t too in-your-face, it does spoil the otherwise all-white aesthetic, which I imagine will put some people off. It’s a shame the socks are only offered in black (with a white logo) or white (with a black logo). I’m sure a lot of riders would prefer something more subtle and clean.
Value is where these socks really shine. At £30 for two pairs, they compare favourably with some other high performance socks we’ve tested. The Q36.5 Clima, Fizik Performance and Castelli Espresso 15 are all between £3 and £5 more expensive per pair.
> Best cycling socks — treat your feet and turn up the style on your bike rides
Whilst these are only a pair of socks, Assos has got a lot of things right here. The fit is good, the cuffs stay in place, and they’re great value. The only thing I’d like to see is a clean all-white, as the Assos logo just doesn’t quite do it for me.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Ultrabreathable racing socks with targeted support for high-intensity riding in warmer climates, updated with a lighter construction for more breathability and cooling airflow.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
97% polyamide 3% elastane
“The cuff and foot are both updated with a new, lighter textile, and the 18cm (7in) cuff is universally applicable to turn every day into race day.”
Any further comments on quality?:
As with most Assos products, these are very high quality.
Any further comments on performance?:
Breathable socks that stay in place – what more can you ask for?
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
At £15 (£30 for a twin pack), these are actually priced really competitively
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Overall, the Assos R Socks S11 fit the bill for lightweight socks that fit well, offering good breathability, and decent value – but the large Assos logo ruins an otherwise clean aesthetic and may put some people off.
About the tester
Age: 30Height: 175cmWeight: 67kg
I usually ride: Road (Tarmac SL7)My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: Road racing, Time trialling, Cyclocross, Commuting, Mountain bike XC, Mountain bike Enduro, Mountain bike downhill/freeride
