dhb Aeron Lab Sock

The difference between good socks and good cycling-specific socks is quite marked, and dhb's new Aeron Lab socks are very good indeed. They're very soft, offer plenty of comfort and a little bit of compressive support, but they are a bit pricey.

• Pros: Very breathable, high levels of comfort
• Cons: A few threads poking out here and there, at the upper end of the price point

Lab is dhb's new top-end range focusing on technical fabrics for performance, lightness and comfort, with these socks using Meryl Hydrogen yarns. According to Nylstar, the manufacturer, it is, 'A premium microfiber that possesses superb volume and irresistible peach touch while hydrating your skin.'

It does feel great against the skin, really plush, and creates an excellent layer between your foot and the stiff carbon soles of race shoes. The fabric itself is thicker than quite a few summer socks I've worn, but it doesn't feel it when the socks are on.

The main part of the sock exposed to the elements uses a diagonal mesh knit which allows plenty of breathability as the wind blows past. You get the same knit on the top of the foot, beneath where the tongue of your shoe will sit and above the toes to allow airflow here too.

The top of the 13cm cuff uses a more supportive, compressive knit which keeps them in place without any slippage. You get the same around the mid foot for a bit of support.

To reduce wear and tear, the area under the toes and the heel are reinforced.

Quality-wise the Labs aren't too bad, although there are some thread ends poking out here and there which looks a little bit untidy.

Sizing covers UK 2.5 through to 12, and there are seven different colourways including black and various hues with a couple of fluoro options in there for a bit of brightness.

> How to keep your feet warm while cycling in winter

If you aren't entitled to any of Wiggle's gold or platinum discounts then they will set you back £15, which isn't the most expensive we've tested on road.cc, but there is a lot of cheaper competition. Primal's Apparel Basalt socks are just £8 and they scored pretty well too.

The Saikel Chevrons scored even better and they'll set you back a tenner.

Even Assos manage to undercut these with its EquipeSock_evo7 at £14, who'd have thought it?

On the whole I really liked wearing the Labs as they are impressively comfortable, which is the most important thing, after all.

Are they worth the money? Well, just, I reckon; if you can get them with a discount, which is probably most of the time, then they are worth the investment, especially if you have other Lab kit to match.

Verdict

Very comfortable socks but they're at the upper end of the price spectrum