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review
Socks
Solo Merino Wool sockSolo merino socks

Solo Merino Wool sock

8
by dave atkinson
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 7, 2009

4
£14.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Not the cheapest, but your feet will thank you
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.alwaysriding.co.uk
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Solo promise that their Merino sock will 'help you say goodbye to sweaty, smelly feet' and they're spot on: these are amongst the most comfortable cycling socks I've ever worn. All this performance comes at a price, but if you suffer at all in the foot department then it's a price worth paying.

The Solos are constructed in the main from New Zealand Merino wool, with a bit of nylon and Lycra thrown in to help them keep their shape. They feature a very loose knit on the top panel to help keep the foot cool, with denser material on the footbed for longevity. The logo and coloured bands lend them a slightly retro air, and the quality of construction is excellent.

Also excellent is the performance. These really are among the best socks I've tried. Even wearing them for days at a time in a heatwave they were supremely comfortable, doing a great job at regulating foot temperature and wicking moisture. I tried riding in my Winter boots in 25° heat, but even then my feet didn't complain. They wash and retain their shape pretty well, and are much better at controlling foot whiffs than nylon socks.

So a big thumbs up all round then, with the possible exception of the price. Still, you get what you pays for here: quality socks that will probably outlast cheaper alternatives.

Verdict

Your wallet/bank manager won't thank you, but your feet will

road.cc test report

Make and model: Solo Merino Wool sock

Size tested: L

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 190cm  Weight: 100kg

I usually ride: Schwinn Moab, urbanised with 700cs  My best bike is: Trek 1.5 with upgrades

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

Solo Merino Wool sock
Socks
Merino wool
Cycling socks
Dave Atkinson

Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.

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4 comments

Avatar
DaSy | 15 years ago
0 likes

I've got 5 pairs of Rapha merino socks, some are about 3 years old, used and washed lots, and all still in very good condition.

I too would like to find some trainer style merino socks, but not to attampt a more normal sun tan, that really is a lost cause. My tan now is truly ludicrous, but to be honest I love it; the badge of honour of the cyclist.

Avatar
ourmaninthenorth | 15 years ago
0 likes

I have a pair of the Rapha socks, which came "free" with my first subscription to Rouleur.

I noticed the other day that, after fairly infrequent use, they have worn very thin (to the extent I tore one pulling it on).

Will the Solos go the same way?

Also, does anyone out there do a "trainer" cut sock made from merino? I like to maximise what little opportunity there is for as much of a normal person suntan as possible....

Avatar
Coodsta replied to ourmaninthenorth | 15 years ago
0 likes
ourmaninthenorth wrote:

Also, does anyone out there do a "trainer" cut sock made from merino? I like to maximise what little opportunity there is for as much of a normal person suntan as possible....

Smartwool do some, they are designed for running but work great for cycling. I've had a pair for three years that have been used for pretty much every run & ride I've done in that time. I've worn through the sole on them, but they are ace and I'd buy again. Got my from Cotswold Outdoors for about £11.

Avatar
TheHatter | 15 years ago
0 likes

I have the Rapha merino and love them. And the Rapha actually work out cheaper if you buy them in a 3 pack for 30 quid - still not cheap but probably the best value item Rapha make.

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