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Primal Neon Logo Socks Primal Neon Logo Socks
Primal Neon Logo Socks

Primal Neon Logo Socks

7
by Steve Williams
UPDATED Wed, Oct 17, 2018 15:45

First Published Oct 17, 2018

0
£8.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Comfy and usefully bright mid-length socks, but no match for sharp toenails
Weight: 
43g
Contact: 
www.primaleurope.com
How we test

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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Your rapidly spinning feet are a great place to add some attention-grabbing colour, and the Primal Neon Logo socks provide exactly that. The price is good and the stretchy fit is great, but there's a catch – the fabric at the toe is simply too soft.

  • Pros: Good length, good for safety, very comfy
  • Cons: Toes could be stronger

They're also available in black or white, but these neon yellow versions pull off the neat trick of being high-vis without looking like something a nervous commuter might wear. That's mainly thanks to the large logo running down each heel and adding some shape.

Primal Neon Logo Socks - ankles.jpg

The mid-length cuff (around 15cm above the shoe) is ribbed for a stretchy, secure fit that doesn't constrict – they're easier to get on and off than many. The top of the foot is mesh for cooling, and the sole is smooth for cushioning.

If the black bits at the heel, toe and the ball of your foot are supposed to be protective, they're only partially successful. While the heel and sole is fine, the nails of my big toes have badly chafed one sock and actually sliced threads in the other. While my toenails are the kind that require bolt croppers – and trimming them stopped further damage – I've never seen this occur so rapidly. Keep your nails short.

> How to keep your feet warm while cycling in winter

With much of the competition asking double figures, the price is good, comparing well with dhb's £7 Classic Thermal Sock and Galibier's similarly eye-inflaming Pro Lite Socks at the same price.

Verdict

Comfy and usefully bright mid-length socks, but no match for sharp toenails

road.cc test report

Make and model: Primal Neon Logo Socks

Size tested: L/G

Tell us what the product is for

Primal says: "The Primal Icon Tall Socks are perfect for the classic Pro look. The design comes in 3 colours - White, Black & Neon."

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

Primal claims an "Advanced Air Transfer System Fabric Composition of 50% Acrylic, 25% Nylon, 15% Spandex and 10% Lycra®."

It also lists these features, among others:

* Mesh Top

* Moisture Wicking

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

They're comfy, deal well with sweat and stay put without constricting.

Rate the product for durability:
 
4/10

Stretchy toe box is easily worn or even sliced by unruly toenails.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

Very good.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

As expected.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10

Soft, stretchy and very comfy.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Great comfort and performance at a good price – but if you don't keep your big toenails trimmed, they might not last.

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

Came up bright and clean each time.

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

Keep your lower calves warm without adding excess heat or bulk inside your shoes. They also add visibility without looking cheap or basic, thanks to the large, stylish logo down the heels.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfy, stylish and bright enough to help safety.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The toe box is no match for sharp nails.

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

Price is at the lower end of the market, competing strongly with value brands such as dhb – you can easily spend twice this amount.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes (along with some toenail clippers).

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Primal Neons are really nice to wear, but if you're not careful you'll go through the toes pretty rapidly. It's avoidable but you shouldn't have to avoid it, hence a score that's 'good' rather than anything higher.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 183cm  Weight: 78kg

I usually ride: GT GTR Series 3  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: general fitness riding, mountain biking

Primal Neon Logo Socks 2018
Primal Neon Logo Socks
Primal 2018
Primal

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