GripGrab Thin Merino Wool Socks

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?

GripGrab says:

"The Thin Merino Wool sock is made from 50% merino wool and designed for active use. A featherweight construction combined with a high degree of insulation makes it ideal for a variety of different conditions and activities.

"The Thin Merino Wool sock offers a perfect fit, and is designed for optimal comfort and durability"

As part of the GripGrab Winter line-up it was something of a surprise to find the Thin Merino Wool socks didn't quite manage to keep my feet warm on particularly cold rides. They are thin and light so perhaps it isn't so much of a surprise despite the merino content. They would be suitable for more of a Spring/Autumn rides when the temperatures are more on the mild side.

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

As the name suggests the main ingredient is Merino, forming 52% of the socks. The remaining materials used are 25% nylon, 20% polyester and 3% elastane.

GripGrab have used the materials in the socks to create a stretch arch support and breathable open mesh zones to prevent a build up of heat. The soles of the sock are smooth to avoid any rough or unevenness on the bottom of the sock. The cuff on the ankle is secure without being too tight. The socks aren't heavy, the lightweight materials ensure this. They are priced at the cheaper end of the scale, especially for winter socks which is borne out by their performance.

The GripGrab Thin Merino Wool socks are certainly well made, with flat seams that do not press on the foot or dig in. The thin merino provides a smooth feel which is soft on the foot.

As part of the GripGrab Winter line-up the Thin Merino Wool socks don't really deliver. Even with overshoes, the socks struggle to keep enough heat in to avoid that dreaded feeling when your toes start to complain. Despite the merino content the socks don't provide enough insulation to feel warm enough and if they get wet they struggle further to retain the heat. The sock is breathable but this does mean the cold is able to get in too.

There is no doubt the socks are well made as you'd expect from a company that has been in the business for 15 years. There is quality without a doubt but the sock doesn't seem appropriate as a winter sock. GribGrab already have a fall sock in their line-up and this appears to offer the same qualities.

The socks are light as the name states, they are thin merino wool socks so you won't suffer through wearing them.

There is no doubting the comfort of the GripGrab socks. They fit well with the ankle cuff holding the sock in place but there is no pressure on the ankle or the foot, just a re-assuring firm fit.

At just under a tenner the socks are certainly not expensive but there is a lot of competition in the humble sock category. There are others that provide more warmth than the Thin Merino Wool socks.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Designed to keep your feet comfortable in a variety of wintry conditions but not quite man enough for the job when it counts. More of a spring/autumn feel about them.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfort and fit are very good but it doesn't provide the warmth.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

As above, if you were to buy these as a winter sock you'd have cold feet.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Well made and comfortable merino socks that are nice on the feet but they get unpleasant when the temperatures drop which takes plenty away from an otherwise decent pair of socks.