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review
Socks
Northwave Access Pois SocksNorthwave SS18 Pois Socks

Northwave Access Pois Socks

8
by Jim Cotton
UPDATED Tue, Sep 25, 2018 19:46

First Published Sep 25, 2018

0
£13.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A nice looking pair of socks that perform well in warm-to-mild temperatures
Weight: 
36g
Contact: 
www.i-ride.co.uk
How we test

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Northwave's Access Pois Socks are a well-performing, nattily designed pair for warmer seasons.

  • Pros: Nice design, keep your feet cool and dry, 'on trend' length, reasonable pricepoint
  • Cons: Not cheap

Socks. You may despair when you get them for Christmas, but we all love a pair of jazzy socks. Northwave has hit the nail on the head with this design, striking a nice balance between stylish and unusual, yet reasonably sophisticated and not over the top.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy these online here

The polypropylene material is pretty standard in most socks, yet these feel quite lush on the feet; luxurious and cosy. However, they never make your feet hot and tacky, with the fabric quickly wicking and drying sweat. As such, I'd say they're a great option for spring through to autumn.

On my September test rides at around 12-18°C, my feet never felt either hot or cold; and that concept of 'not knowing they're on' is just what you want. They also handled a few rather sweaty turbo sessions very well. However, I wouldn't want to wear them in deep winter as they're not particularly thick.

The socks are the de rigueur 16cm length, so you won't get caught out by the fashion police. And, unlike some socks, the length is well maintained by a nicely grippy double cuff around the top.

At £13.99 a pair they're not exactly a bargain, but it's pretty much on-par for specialist socks nowadays. The socks perform well and so seem worth the money, though you can get cheaper.

All in all, a great pair of socks at an acceptable price.

Verdict

A nice looking pair of socks that perform well in warm-to-mild temperatures

road.cc test report

Make and model: Northwave Access SS18 Pois Socks

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for

As Northwave says: 'The Access Pois Socks from Northwave are the perfect choice to keep your feet happy and comfortable over any distance. These technical socks are great to wear when things are going to be particularly intense, as the sumptuous polypropylene yarn wicks sweat away from your skin and dries at the surface at astonishing speed. The construction of the double cuff also keeps the socks in place at all times.'

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

From Northwave:

* Fast-drying polypropylene yarn

* Double cuff

* Height: 16 cm

* Weight: 17 g

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

The material feels good to wear and the socks were well made.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

They are comfortable, and good at regulating your foot's temperature and moistness.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

So far so good. The socks have gone through 4-5 washes with no issues.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

The size medium, for 40-43 feet, works well for me and I'm typically a 43.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

£13.99 is pretty much on-par for specialist socks nowadays, and these perform well and so seem worth the money.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Fine.

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

The socks are comfortable and wick sweat well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The design, and the socks are comfortable.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not much.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Cheaper than the Neon Velo KOM socks, more expensive than Saikel's.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The socks get a solid 8. They perform well in all areas, with no particular downsides. There's nothing about them that's mind-glowingly brilliant however, hence not a 9.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 6ft 1in  Weight: 61kg

I usually ride: Giant TCR / Cannondale Supersix  My best bike is: Giant TCR

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

Northwave Access Pois Socks 2018
Northwave Access Pois Socks
Northwave 2018
Northwave

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