Sportful Merino medium-weight socks

These medium-weight merino wool socks from Sportful with a padded sole boast good winter comfort and warmth, but they're rather pricey. They do though provide plenty of insulation for colder days with a generous length to keep more of the lower leg area wrapped up.

They're made from Merino wool with 40% nylon which they say is to avoid shrinkage. I've worn other merino wool socks and can't say I've ever experienced issues with them shrinking through the wash. These held up just fine, half a dozen washes so far and they're still as good as new.

Slip them over your feet and there's the usual softness we've come to expect from merino, but they're far from the most luxurious-feeling socks I've pulled onto my feet. They do provide good insulation on colder rides, and stepping up from summer socks to these as this time of year you really notice the difference during a ride. The sole is slightly padded for extra warmth but maintains a thin weave over the top of the foot to ensure good breathability. You want your feet to be kept warm, but you want to avoid overheating.

The price puts them at the top end of what we'd expect to pay for a winter sock.They're a pound more than Rapha's winter socks, and quite a bit more than the excellent Moose NordKapp socks tested last winter, which makes these, as good as they are, hard to recommend. Shopping around reveals you can get them at lower prices, at which point they start to look a bit more attractive.

They're available in three colours and three sizes.

Verdict

Really good winter socks but the high price works against them.