Moose.eu Road Master sock

Made from a 100% synthetic fibres mix, the Road Master are the entry level cycling specific socks of technical sock specialists Moose. Designed with the needs of the road rider in mind, they are lightweight, non-bulky and with specially zoned padding.

For just £5.50 you're actually getting a lot for your money with these socks. The fibre combination is highly technical, maximizing moisture wicking and speed of drying, at the same time as using silver ion technology in the 80% Climawell component to kill off bacteria and odour causing nasties, helping to maintain a sweet smelling foot against all odds. There's a little extra padding just where you need it, across the forefoot (under straps or laces area) and at the toe, but the majority of the sock is low volume and slips easily under a snug race shoe. There are highly ventilated mesh panels across the whole forefoot, while a stretch panel at the middle keeps the sock secure on the foot. The ankle band is soft, comfortable and quite high. The toe box area uses low profile seams to avoid irritation and rubbing and each pair has a specific left and right foot option (cunningly marked in the ankle cuff to avoid early morning mishaps) to maximize comfort.

In wear, they are unobtrusive and comfortable, keeping the feet at a reasonably steady temperature. They don't bunch up or move around on your foot, but the toe box is quite roomy, so unless you have a fairly broad forefoot, there may be a little extraneous fabric there. I tried a size M which was equivalent to EU40-41. The fabric moves moisture away from the foot quickly and effectively, but the 100% synthetic yarn does mean there's a certain stickiness of the skin. In the long term the silver ion treatment stops the socks getting ever increasingly stinky, despite washing, but in the short term, they still end up a bit pongy.

Verdict

A really good value for money, highly technical, synthetic riding sock.