dhb Aeron Light Weight Merino Sock

The dhb Aeron Lightweight Merino Sock is the thinnest in dhb's three-option range, but it's still pretty warm, relatively thick and extremely comfortable. Sizing and fit are great, and those muted colours look good if matched with other dhb kit, though the super-messy stitching inside isn't impressive.

• Pros: Good fit, comfy shaping, happy to go unwashed...
• Cons: Slightly dull looks won't appeal to all, very scruffy stitching inside

Testing these in cool, wet, autumnal conditions puts them a little out of their comfort zone, but inside shoes with toe covers they did well in temperatures between 6 and 10°C (the Mid or Winter weights might be better options as things get colder).

> Buy these online here

The sizing is spot on, the fabric has just the right amount of stretch for security without any restriction, and the padded footbed stays comfy for hours. They're pretty warm for a short and skinny sock, too.

That stretch comes from the 35 per cent that isn't merino, but is instead a mix of – according to dhb – elastane, Lycra and nylon.

The nylon part reinforces the heel and toe, while the toebox is seamless and there's a mesh panel over your instep. None of it's particularly thin – you can certainly find lighter-weight options for high summer – but it breathes well in mild and humid conditions.

> How to keep your feet warm when cycling in winter

For the sake of science (science, I tell you!) I wore these repeatedly without washing them, and they took it without developing so much as a whiff. Useful if you're riding multiple days, and it fits with the claims of a naturally anti-microbial nature for merino wool.

Actual washing they seem less happy with, rapidly developing bobbles along the footbed seams and tiny pulls in the fabric under the ball of the foot. These may settle down with further use, but it leaves a question mark over durability that the huge mess of exposed threads inside don't do anything to assuage.

These threads don't affect comfort and, again, the sock may shed a bit initially and be fine for ever after. To be clear, the seams remain absolutely intact after around 150 miles.

Although the colours and designs will be a little muted for some tastes, they come alive when paired with matching dhb kit. It's a shame there aren't a few wilder options for non-brand loyalists, though.

> Read more road.cc reviews of socks here

Price-wise, at RRP they sit alongside plenty of others, such as Lusso's SoftAirs, the Teko Adrenalins or Saikel Chevrons. However, if you must have merino then the Aerons are still a great bet, especially as they're rarely if ever sold at RRP – Wiggle was punting these out at £6 at the time of writing.

While there's a question mark over exactly how well the dhb Aeron Lightweight Merino Sock will last, in all other respects it's a good, warm, comfortable item that performs well and comes at a good price.

Verdict

Warm, comfortable and low-key socks that wick well and resist smells, but inner stitching is a bit messy