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DeFeet Aireator Tall Hi-Vis SocksDeFeet Aireator Tall Hi-Vis Sock

DeFeet Aireator Tall Hi-Vis Socks

8
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 1, 2014

5
£8.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Great-looking socks backed up with great performance
Weight: 
50g
Contact: 
www.i-ride.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.

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DeFeet has made a name for itself with the Aireator socks. They're nicely constructed from materials that make them smooth, stretchy and very breathable. They're available in a wide range of colours, designs and cuff lengths, of which this fluoro edition is one of the latest.

Hi-vis garb is all the fashion in cycling right now and these socks tap right into that. There are other colours and designs to choose from in the company's new range, but these quite literally stand out.

The blue and yellow colour scheme won't be to everyone's taste, but I really like them. There's nothing like adding a splash of colour to your outfit to brighten your day. They do present a bit of a problem if you like to roll out looking coordinated; they're unlikely to match any kit you might already have, so you're liable to clash badly. I found that all-black jersey and shorts set them off well. [For a wide range of values of 'well' '' Ed].

Underneath the bright madcap colours they're the same classic 100% synthetic construction of the regular Aireator socks that we've reviewed previously on road.cc. They're made from 60% Nylon, 39% Coolmax EcoMade, and 1% Lycra. There's no padding like you get in some socks, but the key areas are reinforced. This ensures they last ages.

They're stupendously breathable, so much so that if you wear them on a cool day with no overshoes or oversocks you'll feel the chill breeze floating right between your toes. On warm and hot days though that translates into stunning breathability, preventing hot feet. And who likes hot and clammy feet when they're cycling? Not me.

They have a 'Double-Cuff' to provide extra compression in the ankle area and that ensures they don't ever slip down your ankles when you're cycling. They're a good length as well at 5in, which I found meant they sat just clear of my calf muscles.

Verdict

Great looking socks backed up with great performance.

road.cc test report

Make and model: DeFeet Aireator Tall Hi-Vis Sock

Size tested: Large, Neon Blue

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?

The original Aireator® Double Cuff is built by cyclists for cyclists. Born in 1992, the Aireator® is the first product that launched DeFeet® and today its still the workhorse of the DeFeet® line. The Aireator® is the undisputed, original airflow design and first sock with a open mesh-weave instep (hence the name). It was also the first design sock that was customized with a logo, colors, and text. Before the Aireator®, that simply wasn't done. It has been worn to victory in nearly every International cycle race. The Aireator® still leads in lightweight, durability, moisture wicking and air permeability. The original Aireator® features a 'Double-Cuff' which provides additional compression in the ankle zone. It's what we call 'Stay-Fast', meaning, it will not slip from the moment you pull them on, to the end of a long day in the saddle. The double-cuff also gives ample ankle coverage and feels slightly tighter compared to our single layer cuff design. Made from COOLMAX® EcoMade™, the eco-friendly polyester that comes from recycled plastic bottles.

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

60% Nylon, 39% Coolmax EcoMade, 1% Lycra

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Solid construction; they're bombproof.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

They feel great on, the fit well and have a seamless comfort.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No problems there at all.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Extremely impressive.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

This is where they fall down a little, it's a lot of money for a single pair of socks, but they're par for the course really.

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

Great performance, especially on warmer days.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

They look bloody great.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Bit pricey.

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: 8/10

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,

 

DeFeet Aireator Tall Hi-Vis Socks
Defeet
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

5 comments

Avatar
andyp | 10 years ago
0 likes

'how can these be called hi-vis when the only bright bit will be inside your shoes?'

the *yellow* bit is inside your shoes. The blue looks equally eye-catching! Hi-viz does not automatically equal yellow...

Avatar
Miles253 | 10 years ago
0 likes

Colours are cool, bright is cool in cycling

Avatar
offshore_dave | 10 years ago
0 likes

Steve

There are other colours in the range so maybe that's the explanation...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/defeet-aireator-tall-hi-vis-socks/#gallery

Certainly the orange and yellow socks seem bright enough.

Avatar
SteveAustin | 10 years ago
0 likes

Just saying, but how can these be called hi-vis when the only bright bit will be inside your shoes?

I guess DeFeet Aireator Tall Blue Socks just doesn't sound so good 1

Avatar
Cheesyclimber replied to SteveAustin | 10 years ago
0 likes

I think these are so bright that they actually glow from within your shoes.

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