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review
Socks
DeFeet Levitator Lite 6DeFeet Levitator Lite 6

DeFeet Levitator Lite 6

8
by Liam Cahill
UPDATED Fri, Dec 13, 2019 19:46

First Published Dec 13, 2019

0
£16.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Comfy, look good and work well – great socks
Weight: 
45g
Contact: 
www.i-ride.co.uk
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DeFeet's Levitator Lite 6in socks are comfortable and look great. The classy, simple socks comes in a wide range of colours and designs. They handle washes well and have remained soft on the skin.

  • Pros: Comfortable; excellent fit; good height
  • Cons: A bit pricey

I was expecting the socks to cause slightly sweaty feet, being constructed using nylon, recycled polyester and a bit of Lycra (in a 60%, 37%, 3% mix), but on my later summer and autumn rides this wasn't the case. They breathe well and performed well in the warm early-season cyclo-cross races.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The construction includes thicker reinforced areas under the heel and toe. This both extends the life of the socks and adds to the comfort. These are lovely socks to wear on longer rides.

DeFeet recommends them for running and hiking along with the on-bike use and I was more than happy to wear these to work.

With 37% of the material used to make these socks coming from recycled water bottles, they also have some eco-credentials.

For washing, it's probably best to stick to the recommended 30°C. I've had zero issues with shrinking: sizing has remained spot on with a compressive fit that isn't constrictive. (I've also used a low heat tumble.)

> Read more road.cc sock reviews here

At £16.99 these are pricey and you can easily pick up something cheaper – Cycology's for £10, Sportful's BodyFit Team 15 for £12, Le Col's for £14 and dhb's Aeron Labs for £15. That said, you're getting what you pay for here and, having already purchased DeFeet socks previously, I'd be happy to buy more.

Verdict

Comfy, look good and work well – great socks

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: DeFeet Levitator Lite 6

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the product is for

DeFeet says:

"The lightest weight sock in the DeFeet line

DeFeet Aireator mesh for superior breathability and comfort

No feel toe seam for added comfort inside the shoe

Reinforced heel & toe for durability in high stress abrasion areas

Great for running, hiking, and on the bike"

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

DeFeet lists:

Eco-friendly: Made from recycled water bottles in North Carolina, USA

Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. No bleach, softeners or harsh detergents.

60% Nylon, 37% Recycled Polyester, 3% Lycra

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight:
 
5/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

You can certainly buy cheaper socks, but these are very good.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Didn't shrink when washed at 30 and tumbled on low or line dried.

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

They breathe well, ensuring un-sweaty feet. Very good performance.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The comfort on and off the bike.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Have done and will do again.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

Very good socks. You pay for it, but I think they're well worth it.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 24  Height: 177cm  Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Di2  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!

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