dhb Classic Thermal Sock - Breton

I'm not the most susceptible to cold, but I'm pleased to report that dhb's Classic Thermal socks have kept my feet comfortable on some long and occasionally bitterly chill rides. They're decent value too.

• Pros: Warm, lightweight, nicely padded/reinforced
• Cons: Not quite as quick wicking as merino

The recent cold snap has proved a perfect environment and I've shunned winter booties for summer-weight sportive/training shoes with generous helpings of mesh to really test the socks' prowess.

Merino weaves do crop up at this end of the market, but these lightweight winter designs are 50% polyester, 25% polypropylene, 20% elastane and 5% polyamide. According to dhb, their hollow-core fibres are engineered so they'll trap air to provide warmth and comfort without additional weight or, crucially, density, which can spoil the snug fit of your shoes.

Performance

Even with temperatures wheezing up to just 1 or 2°C, I've been surprised by just how well they've regulated temperature, keeping my feet warm and enabling me to focus on enjoying the ride.

I tend to alternate between fixed gear and tubby tourer when winter hits, and to some extent the one-cog scenario tends to compel a continuous and relatively high cadence, maintaining good blood flow through to the feet. Suffice to say, I've never felt chill, even after several hours and brisk northerly breezes.

> Buyer's Guide: How to keep your feet warm while cycling in winter

Sensible padding around the heel and toe help, while also providing some additional cushioning on longer day-ride-typical distances too. The subtle reinforcement around the toe, mid and heel sections also minimise premature wear.

When the mercury has crept to double figures, or I've been doing sessions on the indoor trainer, there's been some very slight traces of dampness. These don't linger more than a few minutes before the hollow fibres start drying.

Fit & sizing

The socks come in gender-specific versions, but I wasn't surprised to discover they're not a biometric left/right design. Great when you're a bit bleary eyed and in auto-pilot mode first thing in the morning.

That's not to say the fit is anything less than exacting, hugging the contours of my size 9 feet perfectly. A 16cm cuff also provides some additional warmth – and protection from prickly foliage, small stones and grit.

They also come in dark grey/grey and navy/blue if our navy/red pattern isn't to your liking, though I thought it was classic enough to go with everything without feeling bland.

Care & durability

To keep them clean, just pop them in the machine at 30 degrees and they will emerge looking and smelling fresh, drying in around 45 minutes at room temperature.

It's early days, but they're standing up well to wear, with no signs of wear/deterioration in a month of testing with plenty of washing.

They might not be the most exciting of kit but they do what they promise and with minimal compromise.

Verdict

High-performing cool weather sock at a keen price