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Socks
Polaris PDT Socks - 3 PackPolaris PDT Socks - 3 Pack

Polaris PDT Socks - 3 Pack

6
by John Whittington
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 22, 2012

0
£21.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Not cycling-specific, but well cushioned and hard-wearing
Weight: 
200g
Contact: 
www.polaris-apparel.co.uk
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Polaris PDT socks come as a trio of sport specific socks; designed with plenty of cushioning and breathability in mind. Not specific to cycling but also for running, are they capable as a jack of all trades or would you be better off just getting some cycling socks?

The pack consists of three different pairs of Polaris's 'active' socks: Ultra Tec, Ultra Roc and Ultra 3. Without any supporting blurb, I must say I had trouble discerning the differences, other than the embroidery of the second word. Having tested their Ultra Tec compression sock, the sport sock bearing the same name does indeed have a similar attention to detail with regards to the stitching: bubbled cushioning on the top, thinner density panels for airflow and elastic cuff - although it does not offer compression. The Ultra Roc is similar but with slightly less upper padding and ventilation; intended for cooler conditions. Finally, the Ultra 3 seems to combine to form an all-rounder.

These aren't cycling specific socks and with a low cuff and plenty of cushioning (both top and bottom), actually seem more suited to running. The cushioning intended to soften foot fall worn in soft trainer can feel a bit cumbersome in a carbon soled race cycling shoe. If you have especially well fitting shoes (vacuum moulded for example) you might find these socks a little constraining; a bit like transitioning from summer to winter socks.

All the cushioning does make for a good pair of socks (or three!), they lasted well, surviving my razor blade toe nails too - high material density makes them hard wearing. As I mentioned, these socks have a low cuff and I like a taller cuff to my cycling sock - obviously a personal taste thing.

An RRP of £21.11, works out at just over £7 per sock, fairly competitive for sport socks. However, the socks don't appear to be listed separately so it is all or nothing.

If you are someone who is multi-sport, the PDT pack could be just the thing for you; a trio of excellent quality socks, especially for running. For someone looking solely (pun intended) for cycling socks, I'd go for something else. I found the amount of material to be too heavy for a race shoe, but of course, if you go for a looser fit you might be fine.

Verdict

Not cycling-specific, but well cushioned and hard-wearing.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Polaris PDT Socks - 3 Pack

Size tested: Uk size 10-12

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

3 pack of active socks; Ultra Tec, Ultra Roc and Ultra 3 socks (one pair of each is included in each pack)

Great for a wide range of sports including running & cycling

Quick drying with fast moisture transport; keeping your feet comfortable

Hardwearing nylon/polyester stretch mix

Yep, pretty sound description and in line with what I found.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

As above really. A composite nylon/polyester. Technical stitching for optimum air flow and cushioning.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10

I find them a bit too running oriented.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No problems here during the test.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Middle marks here. Plenty of cushioning certainly means they should be comfortable but that cushioning can make them a bit tight in a well fitting race shoe.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

You have to buy a pack of three at £22, working out at a competitive ~£7 per sock.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

As intended. Wicked moisture well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Technical stitching, not your average pair of socks

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Short cuff and too much cushioning for my tastes.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Not me no, since I only really cycle.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes - a multi-sport one.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 23  Height: 184cm  Weight: 66kg

I usually ride: Orbea Onix (Carbon) - Summer, Orbea Asphalt (Alu) - Winter  My best bike is: Orbea Alma G10

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Semi pro

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, club rides, mtb,

 

Socks
Polaris
multisport socks
Cycling socks

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