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review
Socks
Giro Winter Wool socksGiro Winter Wool socks

Giro Winter Wool socks

7
by Mat Brett
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Oct 26, 2012

2
£19.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Mid-weight merino socks that provide a good level of warmth for autumn/winter riding
Weight: 
57g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk
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These Giro Winter Wool socks are warm merino wool socks for the winter, although I'd say they're a fiver overpriced.

They're actually 70% merino wool, the remainder being polyester, Lycra and elastic, and they're reasonably thick. At least the sole, the toe and the heel are thick, made from a toweling weave. The top of the foot is thinner although nothing like as thin as you'll find on a summer-weight sock

The cuff section is ribbed like that of many other sports socks and it's a generous 14cm high. It stays in place rather than slipping down as you pedal and that means there's no danger of any draughts getting in if the ankles of your tights ride up a bit.

I've used thicker cycling socks but these are reasonably warm. I'll find plenty of use for them through the autumn and into the winter. After several weeks' use there's a little bobbling of the wool around the heel, but not enough to worry about.

My only problem with these socks is that I think £20 is too steep. They're good but I still think they're £5 too expensive.

Verdict

Mid-weight merino socks that provide a good level of warmth for autumn/winter riding.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Giro Winter Wool socks

Size tested: Medium, grey

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?

Giro say:

- Winter weight Merino wool blend

- High-rise 5.5 inch (14cm) cuff fits with tights and warmers

- Made in Italy

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

Merino wool is naturally antibacterial and naturally good at wicking sweat away from your skin.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

You can't really go wrong with socks although an elasticated central band over the bridge of your foot and ribbed cuffs hold them in place well.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

You can find thicker, warmer full-on winter socks but these provide good insulation, especially considering that they're fairly low bulk.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

There's a small amount of bobbling around the heel after a few weeks of use, but nothing major.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

They're really comfy without any ridges or folds.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

I'd say these should be priced at more like £15.

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

They're good, although I'd say they're best for intermediate conditions - autumn and spring - rather than the depths of winter, although I guess it depends how cold your feet tend to get.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

They're very stretchy for a close, comfortable fit. The merino wool feels comfy too.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I reckon they're a bit overpriced.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly, although you can get cheaper merino socks.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? As above.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,

 

wool sock
merino wool socks
Merino
Giro Winter Wool socks
Mat Brett

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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2 comments

Avatar
rockfield | 12 years ago
0 likes

Bought a pair of the previous version of these in CRC sale for a more sensible price. Lovely and warm, but they already have a hole in the toe after being worn about 10 times. Not impressed.

Avatar
ALIHISGREAT | 12 years ago
0 likes

Woolie boolies can be had for almost £10 less... enough said.

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