Specification

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This is a little higher than some competitors, although perhaps not immediately obvious. The outer is a Polyamide/Elastane mix- durable and easy to care for. Since we’re discussing the exterior, I like its black with pink/grey detailing. Now, obviously, (or hopefully) you’re not going to be showing off your toe box, but the rear pink lightning graphics and retro reflective tops are very eye-catching. Particularly on murky days, especially at a moderate cadence. 

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The polyester lining is recycled, and the waterproof PU membrane has a reassuringly high waterproof/breathability rating of 12000g/m2, accentuated by breathable mesh panelling. Seamless construction is another thing we’d expect as standard and a contoured arch compression rib helps keep everything in place, while simultaneously supplying support to this area. Theoretically, this also offers some protection from fatigue.

 

Sizing/Fit 3.75/5

 

There are only two sizes. 39-42 (6-8) and 43-46 (9-11), which some have suggested is geared more to male audiences. A 4-6 would certainly improve their appeal and is a missed opportunity, given the overall spec and performance. More about that later. Moan over, our 43-46 graced my size 9s perfectly. No bunching, bagginess- just slip ‘em on and park them in your chosen shoes.

 

Now, I’ve found other socks, including the Gecko Ankle Length Waterproof Socks GECKO ANKLE LENGTH WATERPROOF SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) that have played nicely with narrower fitting road/gravel shoes, such as these Shimano RX6 Shimano SH RX600 Gravel Cycling Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) along with more obvious hosts such as the Shimano MT701 GTX SPD Shoes Shimano MT701 GTX SPD Shoes | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and The FLR Rexton Active Touring/Trail Shoe FLR REXSTON ACTIVE TOURING/TRAIL SHOE | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com).

 

However, the Muc Off proved a notch better, at least on the narrower models. That said, some pure race slippers, such as the FLR F70Pro MTB M250FLR F70 Pro MTB M250 Shoe | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) proved non-starters.  Talking of MTB, no issues with booties, including the FLR Defender MTB Thermal Dry S-Tex Boot FLR DEFENDER MTB DRY BOOT | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com). Either way, worth checking your shoe choice before committing your money.

 

Performance 4/5

 

One of the biggest surprises is how well they’ve performed in warmer weather. Even during heavy summer rain, with the mercury hitting the mid-20s, there’s been only trace clamminess before the fabric took over and began spiriting it away. Traditionally, and in common with gloves, impervious liners have kept the elements out but made feet sweatier than a microwave-ready meal, resulting in athlete’s foot and similar infections.

 

Feet immersed to the ankles; bone dry-as you’d expect, but I've not felt that strange pressure of water sloshing around the shoe and being blocked by the lining. The outer doesn’t turn overly soggy either. It will become wet, but doesn’t saturate, or find its way inside, so assuming you haven’t been through boggy bridlepath or green lanes you can just pop them on the horse clothes when you get home. Drying times in this context are around the three-hour mark.

 

Immersed to their cuff lines, there’s a familiar build-up of pressure and the comfort of knowing water won’t find a way inside. Thanks to the cuff’s firm but tactile tenure, I’ve yet to find anything soggy or slimy creeping inside. Again, this helps protect shins from thistles, brambles and those small but extremely painful stones. No hint of branding either.

Continuing the comfort narrative, the thicker heel, arch, toe box and seamless construction are recipes for uninterrupted comfort. No hint of hot spots or similar nagging interruptions, regardless of whether I’ve been out for 1 or 5 hours. Same goes for those occasions where I’ve needed to shoulder the bike and run ‘cross stylee.    

 

Durability/Care 3.75/5

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I’ve washed and worn ours regularly and even pottered around sans shoes-outdoors, on concrete, grass, mud etc. Nine months on, no signs of wear, save for some very light crazing of the graphics. Like most technical garments, they’re intended to be machine (or hand) washed at 30 degrees using minimal detergent. I attribute the very minor deterioration to a few accidental 40-degree washes-they'd been caught up in the domestic bundle. From the machine, bargain on 3-4 hours on the clothes horse, two hours line drying at 15-20 degrees, aided by a moderate breeze.

 

Value 3.5/5

 

£40 (full rrp) is on paper, a little steep for a pair of socks, no matter how competent. Seal Skinz Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Sock with Hydrostop are also £40 and cite a waterproof/breathability rating of 20,000mm. However, Seal Skinz say “Some people may experience minor skin irritation due to the Hydrostop™ barrier rubbing against the skin”

 

The Dexshell Pro Visibility Waterproof Cycling Socks DEXSHELL PRO VISIBILTY CYCLING SOCKS | cycling-not-racing (sevendaycyclist.com) and Geckowear Calf Length Classic All Action Waterproof Socks are considerably cheaper.

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The Dexshell comes in at £25 and the Geckowear are presently reduced from £29.99 to £14.99. Steve found the Dexshell a little on the toasty side, though not sweaty. I’ve found the Geckowear a better fit, figuratively and literally with narrower cycling shoes, compared with the Dexshell, and indeed, the Bridgedale Stormsocks StormSock Midweight Knee | Bridgedale, which are not cycling specific (now £29). However, the Muc-Off beat the  Geckowear by a nose and rival their comfort for walking/hiking duties, or working outside with industrial footwear. 

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Summary

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The Muc-Off Waterproof Socks play nicely with sportier gravel and mountain bike shoes, offer excellent protection from the elements and without turning clammy when temperatures climb. Qualities that mean  I’d still choose them over cheaper rivals, even at full rrp let alone at their discounted price. However, more limited sizes could alienate some riders, especially women with smaller feet.   

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Michael Stenning

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Verdict: 3.75/5 The best waterproof cycling socks I’ve tested to date, but a wider range of sizes would be welcomed.

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Muc-Off UK | Bicycle & Motorcycle Cleaning | Lube | Tubeless