Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Socks
Castelli Rosso Corsa 9 SocksCastelli Rosso Corsa 9 Socks

Castelli Rosso Corsa 9 Socks

7
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Aug 10, 2013

6
£14.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Expensive but very nice performance cycling socks.
Weight: 
30g
Contact: 
www.saddleback.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Castelli's Rosso Corsa 9 socks are lovely, soft high-performance socks in a traditional length.

How important is sock length? That depends on who you ask, and how closely you follow the 'rules'. For some it is the final detail in a well coordinated cycling outfit. Fortunately Castelli recognise this as its Rosso Corsa sock range is available in a choice of lengths.

I've previously tested Rosso Corsa 13 socks, and these Rosso Corsa 9 socks are identical, they're just 4cm shorter. Traditionally, the fashion was for short socks, but the trend these days, in the pro and amateur ranks, is for longer socks. It's not unusual to see socks sitting just below the calf muscle. If you are a traditionalist then, these are the socks for you.

They're made from Meryl Skinlife fabric. It's lovely and soft, your feet feel fantastic in them. Better still, the fabric has a silver ion treatment that prevents the growth of bacteria, you appreciate that on long rides in the heat when feet can get very hot and sweaty. They're very breathable too, with the main part of the sock featuring Air Mesh to further enhance their cooling effects.

Extra mid-foot support is provided by an area of high-density elastic. That's harder to quantify than their breathability performance, but they do feel very comfortable especially on longer rides and during bouts of hard pedalling. There's a flat seam at the toe to keep comfort high.

They're available in a raft of sizes and in white and, if you really must, black.

Verdict

Expensive but very nice performance cycling socks.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Castelli Rosso Corsa 9 Socks

Size tested: n/a

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?

A great pair of socks makes a big difference in foot comfort. The Castelli Rosso Corsa 6,9,13 sock is our perennial favorite. We've made the main foot part of the sock in our Air Mesh to enhance breathability and given it a central foot band for support. The ankle cuff is 9 cm high for a bit more length and features a top band that is doubled over so that the elastic will stay perfect over time. The Meryl Skinlife® fibers contain naturally bacteria-static silver ions to keep your feet and shoes fresh. The Castelli Rosso Corsa Sock available in 6-9-13 cm lenghts whatever your preference we have you covered. - See more at: http://www.castellicafe.co.uk/castelli-rosso-corsa-9-sock?var=656#sthash...

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

Meryl® Skinlife antibacterial fibers. To keep things fresh

Diaphanous web on top of foot. To keep things cool

High-density elastic mid-foot support band.

Flat-seam toe.

9 cm ankle cuff.

Comfort range 10-30c

Sizes S-M / L-XL / 2XL

- See more at: http://www.castellicafe.co.uk/castelli-rosso-corsa-9-sock?var=656#sthash...

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

Yes they're expensive, but if you really want to look smart on the bike then a nice pair of socks is the final, and very important, detail.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The soft fabric, and good length.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Apart from the price, nothing really

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: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

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

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

 

Socks
Castelli Rosso Corsa 9 Socks
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

Add new comment

6 comments

Avatar
Castelli Cafe | 11 years ago
0 likes

You will struggle to get the colour back once they have turned, prevention as always is better than cure. But you could try a household wash in stain remover (stain devil or the like) if you put them in an all white wash but I am only speculating.

Avatar
5th | 11 years ago
0 likes

Maybe that's where I've been going wrong - they've only been through the 30 degree wash with the rest of the Lycra. Cheers for the tip!

Avatar
Castelli Cafe | 11 years ago
0 likes

Castelli also do an even shorter 6cm length to maximise your tan/cooling. You should wash your (white) socks in a white wash at 40c (wash all other Castelli Apparel at 30c inside out)

Avatar
Colin Peyresourde replied to Castelli Cafe | 11 years ago
0 likes
Castelli Cafe wrote:

Castelli also do an even shorter 6cm length to maximise your tan/cooling. You should wash your (white) socks in a white wash at 40c (wash all other Castelli Apparel at 30c inside out)

Do they turn back to true white if you wash them at the higher temperature. Both my pairs are starting to turn 2

Great socks otherwise.

Avatar
bendertherobot | 11 years ago
0 likes

Oddly, I've been using mine at least 3 times a week, often on the MTB as well, and they are as good as new. Honest, best socks I've bought

Avatar
5th | 11 years ago
0 likes

I have two pairs and love the fit and feel, the only problem is keeping them clean. The bright white is turning to grubby off white despite only using them on nice days and washing after every ride.

Latest Comments