6 MTB socks for the cold season put to the test

Stefan Frey

 · 05.09.2016

6 MTB socks for the cold season put to the testPhoto: Daniel Simon
6 MTB socks for the cold season put to the test
Grandma's home-knitted stockings used to be enough for us, even on icy days. Today, we only dare to go out in high-tech knits. Here you go: six socks for winter.

Craft Keep Warm Bike Socks

The lightweight Craft sock fits like a skin over a sausage, perfectly and without creases. The toes and heels are thickened with a little wool, but this does not provide the desired warmth in winter conditions. The short Keep Warm sock is more like a classic cycling sock and is more suitable for the transition period than for winter rides.


Info/price/sizes www.craft.se/19.95 Euro/34-48 in increments of 3
Length/material 9 cm/wool/synthetic fibre mix
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points
Heat level 2 out of 6 points

  Craft Keep Warm Bike SocksPhoto: Daniel Simon Craft Keep Warm Bike Socks

Endura Baabaa Merino Winter Sock

For a winter sock, Endura's blousy model is almost a little short. However, the entire sole area from the toes to the heel is padded with soft merino wool. The fit is great, the sock feels almost like a fluffy sheepskin. The top of the Baabaa sock is made of airier pique material and allows the feet to breathe better.


Info/price/sizes www.endurasport.com/14.99 Euro/S-M/L-XL
Length/material 13 cm/merino wool/synthetic fibre mix
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points
Heat level 5 out of 6 points

  Endura Baabaa Merino Winter SockPhoto: Daniel Simon Endura Baabaa Merino Winter Sock

Sportful Merino 16 Sock

The mid-length sock from Sportful not only covers the toe and heel area, but also the instep and lower shin in soft merino fabric. This is particularly helpful when the top of the shoe is a little airier. The upper stays nicely in place, yet the sock does not constrict or cut in.

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Info/price/sizes www.sportful.com/17.90 Euro/S-M/L-XL/2XL
Length/material 16 cm/merino wool/synthetic fibre mix
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points
Heat level 5 out of 6 points

  Sportful Merino 16 SockPhoto: Daniel Simon Sportful Merino 16 Sock

Engelbert & Strauss E.S. all-round socks Function warm/high

We ordered a pair of calf-high socks from the workwear specialist. They are not only inexpensive, but also robust. The wool in the toe and heel area warms well and the long shaft reliably blocks the wind on the shin. The socks fit more like granny's home-knitted socks, a little loose but still very comfortable.


Info/price/sizes www.engelbert-strauss.de/11.78 Euro/36-49 in increments of 3
Length/material 20 cm/wool/synthetic fibre mix
Wearing comfort 3 out of 6 points
Heat level 5 out of 6 points

  Engelbert & Strauss E.S. all-round socks Function warm/highPhoto: Daniel Simon Engelbert & Strauss E.S. all-round socks Function warm/high

BBB Ergoplus

The Ergoplus sock appears to be a true technological marvel. Far Infrared technology is not only supposed to keep your feet warm, but also boost your metabolism. Our toes didn't really feel any fresher, but they did feel nice and warmly wrapped. The fit is rather short, but good. The sock pulls strings quickly.


Info/price/sizes www.bbbparts.com/17.95 Euro/35-49 in increments of 4
Length/material 13 cm/synthetic fibre mix
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points
Heat level 4 out of 6 points

  BBB ErgoplusPhoto: Daniel Simon BBB Ergoplus

Castelli Venti Sock

A whole sheep probably had to give up its precious merino wool for the Venti sock. They have a high cut and, in typical Italian style, a tight, sporty fit. The cuff is almost a little too tight. The sole and toes are thicker padded. They can be scratchy on sensitive skin. The sock frays quickly.


Info/price/sizes www.castelli-cycling.com/17.95 Euro/S-M/L-XL/2XL
Length/material 20 cm/100 % merino wool
Wearing comfort 4 out of 6 points
Heat level 4 out of 6 points

  Castelli Venti SockPhoto: Daniel Simon Castelli Venti Sock


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Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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