SealSkinz Thin Socklet

SealSkinz Thin Socklets bring waterproof practicality to snug-fitting cycling footwear, whether you're running through muddied streams, shouldering the 'crosser, bombing along with the chain-gang or on a week's tour. However, while they're genuinely waterproof to their elasticated cuff-lines, being completely sealed in can still leave feet feeling a bit rank after a few hours in synthetic footwear.

The Think Socklets are built in three layers. A protective outer shell surrounds a waterproof membrane to lock the elements out, while a mixture of Merino wool, Nylon and Elastane inside evicts moisture and helps retain an odour-free climate as the internal temperature rises.

This works like clockwork in milder, wetter weathers with street style commuter/touring shoes. An unexpected, heavy cloud burst quickly saturated my courier knickers. Rain droplets cascaded from the bottoms and funnelled along the tongue bellows to infiltrate my shoes. Smug in the knowledge of dry feet and humming 'Singing in the Rain', I raced along a relatively deserted causeway for a quick paddle in the North Sea.

Univega safely tethered to some street furniture and shoes decanted into its pannier, I sprinted across the sand and into the freezing waters. Despite a few curious glances and the attentions of a somewhat puzzled collie, I stood for ten minutes in complete comfort. The feeling of a soggy outer and dry inner is a little disconcerting to begin with though.

It's much the same story in all but the closest-fitting race slippers. Typical road and mountain bike shoes with acres of mesh were similarly compatible, with no trace of chafing over the course of a seventy-mile day ride.

However, the technology has limitations which become apparent on longer rides on warmer days. When it gets to around 20°C, there's not enough difference between inside and outside temperature to pump water vapour out and your feet get sweaty.

Should you return from a ride with soggy feet, purchase on laminate and similarly slippery floorings is reassuringly good. We're notoriously hard on socks, but our Thin Socklets still show no signs of wear after several weeks's use, despite being a smaller-than-ideal medium. They've even tolerated with the odd cross country run for good measure.

Verdict

Effective waterproof socks for those who don't like overshoes in chilly to moderate conditions but efficiency wanes when the temperature rises.