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review
Socks
Condor Race sockCondor Race Sock 2

Condor Race sock

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

First Published Jun 14, 2012

0
£8.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Cool and comfortable race socks with classy looks
Weight: 
40g
Contact: 
www.condorcycles.com
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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As well as looking cool, Condor's Race socks will keep your feet feeling cool in the hot weather.

They're made from a soft micro-fibre yarn and the upper section is a light mesh that's very breathable. It's open enough to let loads of cool air through and moisture out so your feet don't feel sticky and slimy in summer heat.

The centre section of the sole is almost as light with the more vulnerable heel and toe areas in a heavier weave. The cuff is double thickness and it's a generous 7cm tall, so pull these up and they sit a little higher than most ankle socks but not as high as mid-calf Euro-style options.

The red stripe and Condor logo running up the back look neat. The edges of the stripe on mine have gone a bit bobbly where they've been rubbed by the top of my shoes but it's hard to notice.

Verdict

Cool and comfortable race socks with classy looks.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Condor Race sock

Size tested: Red/White, L-XL

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?

Condor say:

"The new Condor Race Sock offers a great balance of comfort and performance with an original racing style. Cleverly placed soft weightless mesh aids moisture transfer and allows air to circulate keeping your feet cool and comfortable. Heavier strategically placed material at the toe and heel offer added cushioning and durability. The generous length soft cuff makes the grip around the ankle gentle, while the double wall construction limits stretch and thus holds onto your ankle reducing sock twist that can lead to abrasion.

*Designed to offer comfort and performance with racing style

* High performance microfibre yarn with an incredibly soft touch

* 3 inch (7cm) contoured cuff holds sock in place around the ankle

* Weightless mesh features around centre of the foot

* Heavier weight material at heel and toe box

* Condor logo detail along the back of the ankle, Condor logo on the outside of the foot

* Sizing: S-M (UK 5-8, EU 39-43), L-XL (UK 9-12, 43-46)"

That all sounds fair enough.

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

Not that being lightweight is a benefit in terms of speed, but it is in terms of comfort when it comes to summer socks.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Most Defeets are £7.99 and other brand names tend to be more expensive, so £8.99 is a pretty good price.

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

Well. To me, summer socks need to keep your feet cool and hopefully look pretty neat too - these do both.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The coolness.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

They've gone a little bobbly around the heel.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yeah, they do a good job.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

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,

 

summer socks
Socks
short socks
race socks
Condor
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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