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review
£11.48
VERDICT:
Very comfortable socks with a reflective bonus – keep them clean though
Impressive levels of reflectivity
Soft material
No irritating seams
Yellow colour gets grubby quickly
Weight:
53g
Contact:
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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The ReflecToes may look like a bit of a gimmick with their reflective detailing, but they are a great idea if you find yourself exercising after dark. They are really comfortable too, perfect for long days in the saddle.
I've ridden thousands of miles in standard socks with very little issue, but when you pull on a pair of socks like the ReflecToes it highlights how much more comfortable a pair of sport-specific socks are for the job.
First off, there are no irritating seams near the toes, guaranteeing comfort on those really long rides (and runs or walks, they aren't cycling specific) and the cuff stays in place with mild compression, creating no pressure points. The yarn used is super soft and feels great against your skin.
ReflecToes uses differing knitting patterns over various areas of the socks, like around the arch of the foot where it says the pattern gives stability, plus there are mesh sections for breathability, which help keep your feet dry on warmer days.
Alongside black they are available in this bright yellow or pink, which'll certainly get your feet noticed in daylight. I did find that the yellow got dirty quickly, and that has led to some staining even after a fair few washes.
> 15 of the best cycling reflectives — get seen after dark
The key thing about the ReflecToes is, obviously, the reflective elements, and they are very effective. The small diamond detailing covers the upper part of the sock virtually all the way around, bouncing light back towards following drivers, with just a sewn-in ReflecToes logo breaking it up at the side.
Priced at £11.48, the Reflectoes are nearly double the price of the Galibier Ardennes, which are some of the most comfortable socks I have ever worn. But if you look through our reviews of socks you'll see the majority of them range in price between £10 and £20, so the ReflecToes are pretty good value.
They are well made and, as I've said, very comfortable. If you want some added reflectivity for your warm but dark rides, they are definitely worth considering.
Verdict
Very comfortable socks with a reflective bonus – keep them clean though
road.cc test report
Make and model: Reflectoes Highly Reflective Night Safety Socks
Size tested: XL
Tell us what the product is for
ReflecToes says, "ReflecToes are Hi Viz technical sports socks that utilize modern HTL technology to reflect oncoming light. Designed to keep you safe when walking, running or cycling in low light or complete darkness, ReflecToes are light-weight, durable sports socks that feature built-in visibility reflectors and make you instantly visible to nearby motorists.
"ReflecToes visibility reflectors are 10 to 50 times brighter than simple reflective yarns. Incorporating thousands of directionally oriented, mirrored spheres around the ankles, they ensure your visibility to drivers in any and all low-light conditions. With ReflecToes Technical Sports Socks, drivers will immediately know to share the road.
"Comparable in design, fit, and quality of leading cycling and running socks!"
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From the website:
Hi-Reflective, Technical, Breathable
HTL Technology (Directionally Oriented Mirrored Spheres)
Durable Material
Moisture Wicking Yarns
Heel Locking
Arch Support
Weather Compatibility
Available in Multiple Sizes
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 fit:
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
9/10
Tallies with ReflecToes' size guide.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
I've washed them probably 30 times so far and all of the reflective detailing has remained in place. Dirty marks can be stubborn to get out though.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
They are comfortable socks and the reflective element works well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Comfortable material.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Starting to look a bit grubby, despite following washing instructions.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
They are at the lower end of the price scale we see many socks at. The Galibier Ardennes mentioned in the review are half the price while delivering excellent quality and comfort, but many cost a fair bit more.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
They're very good: good quality, very comfortable and the reflective detailing works really well, though this yellow colour does mark easily.
About the tester
Age: 42
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!
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7 comments
Trouble is that riding in the dark is much more common in the winter months, and it also tends to be colder at night, so ideally these socks should be heavyweight for cold weather, but it seems like they are only warm enough for milder weather.
Do they have thicker (winter) version?
Yes Stu, but comparing them with the Galibiers' isn't like for like. The Ardennes are certainly hi-viz, but they're not 'hi-reflective' (as ReflecToes describes their own).
However, I see in the sizing that the XL ReflecToes are EU43-46, whereas the L Ardennes are EU44-48. I would consider the RTs, they seem a good design. Alas, too small for my big feet
Stu was pretty clear he was comparing solely on price - not features. The Ardennes are a steal for what they are. I have 3 pairs, I liked the first pair so much.
I agree that the Ardennes are a steal. However, the reviewed socks' USP is their 'hi-reflectiveness'.
How do the reflective patches hold up to repeated wear (especially flexing, stretching and abrasion) and washing?
from their amazon page
"DURABILITY GUARANTEED - Our NEW and IMPROVED socks last over 50 wash cycles. No other reflective socks with HIGH reflective (>300 lux/m2) have this much reflective surface that withstands over 50 washes without cracking or peeling. If you are wearing the right size sock and have any issues, contact us and we'll send a free replacement or refund."
He mentions washing them 30 times with no ill effect...