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review
Socks
Moose NordKapp socksMoose NordKapp socks

Moose NordKapp socks

7
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Nov 23, 2012

0
£11.29

VERDICT:

7
10
A very good sock for keeping your feet warm in the winter
Weight: 
69g
Contact: 
www.moose.eu
How we test

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Keeping your feet warm at this time of year can be a challenge (more so for some people) but technical sports sock specialists Moose offer the NordKapp in their cycling socks range, and they're designed to protect your feet from the cold.

The Nordkapp is designed for those days when the temperature is hovering in the low single digits. Their chunky construction consists mostly of something called SilverWool, a fine merino wool enhanced with silver ions that helps kill off bacteria and odour-causing nasties. It works too; I finished a four and a half hour ride at the weekend and my feet didn't smell bad when I pulled the socks off.

There's also 10% polyamide in there for added durability and 5% elastane which gives the socks a stretchiness that ensures they fit very well. They're anatomically shaped and are left and right foot specific. Flat seams avoid any discomfort and there's reinforcement in key areas like the heel to boost durability where there's high wear.

Slipping them on reveals luxuriously soft socks. They're a little thicker than regular summer weight socks but there's still enough toe wiggle room and no issue with fit in my shoes. They feel very supportive around the foot and they're soft under toe. They're a generous length so there's plenty of overlap with tights.

On cold rides they do well to keep the feet warm. I suffer from very poor circulation in my feet and hands and struggle every winter to find products that keep the cold out, especially on the longer winter rides. The NordKapps have proved themselves to be excellent insulators.

I first tried these without overshoes or oversocks on a cold but dry day and I was able to ride longer before I could feel the cold, compared to the previous day with regular socks. So they clearly do better than lightweight socks at keeping the cold out. They're not impenetrable and it will eventually seep through. Worn with overshoes/oversocks as an extra barrier, they contribute to a warm set of toes.

Verdict

A very good sock for keeping your feet warm in the winter.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Moose NordKapp socks

Size tested: 42-43

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?

Nordkapp is a special winter cycling sock. Anatomical design and these design elements provide a comfortable and soft seat for the foot and among other things, protection against a head wind.

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

Overall, the sock is increased to be well protected by the transition between the shoe and pants. Very warm and comfortable feeling when wearing SilverWool socks, which consists mainly of fine merino wool enriched with silver ions. Like all MOOSE socks, they have the anatomical design, Left / Right flat seam and reinforcement in vulnerable areas

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Well made with flat seams and a supportive and comfortable fit.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

They're impressive winter socks that while not the warmest I've tested are far better than regular summer socks at keeping the cold at bay.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

The areas prone to high wear, like the heel, are reinforced so should last well.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

They're not bulky or heavy feeling at all, such is their good fit.

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

Supremely comfortable, soft next to the skin and supportive around the feet.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

They're not cheap for a pair of socks.

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

A winter sock has a tough job, it has to insulate the feet but they can't be so bulky that you can't get your shoes on. The Nordkapps balance these demands well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Very comfortable and snug.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing really.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Impressive winter socks - those with poor circulation should take a closer look.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

winter socks
Socks
Moose NordKapp socks
Moose
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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