Review: Sealskinz MTB Mid Sock

The waterproof sock as designed by John Logie Baird, has been around for over 100 years, originally designed for the army to prevent trench foot, and more recently used by mountain bikers to brave the winter months and endless bogs without freezing their toes off.

The Sealskinz MTB Mid with Hydrostop, as the name suggests, is aimed specifically at the mountain bike market. Sealskinz has focused more on the breathability of the sock, and less on the insulating properties. This makes for a much slimmer sock than previous versions of the Sealskinz. So if it was the bulkiness or the sheer size of some of the previous socks that may have put you off, these stripped back, mid length socks could be worth considering.

I have to admit to never previously having owned a pair of Sealskinz Waterproof socks. It wasn’t through any prejudice against them, although I wasn’t sold on the knee length designs, I just somehow never got around to getting some, so when I got these through the post I was excited to give them a shot.

British weather being the untameable beast that it is, it decided to give us the first dry week of the year so their first outing was a dusty one – never the less they were a comfy bit of kit. As you pull them on they have a tight, but snug and secure fit, delivered by the elasticated ankle and instep. The silicone free elasticated taping at the cuff means they stayed pulled up for the whole ride. This secure fitting cuff came into its element when I finally got to give them a proper run out on the next rainy day, and stopped any water getting inside regardless of how many puddles and bogs I intentionally aimed for.

The MTB Mid sock is hailed as Sealskinz’ lightest waterproof sock, and recommended for warm wet days. The month or so testing time I had with these it was still pretty wintery conditions. With snow on the ground and frosty grass, and icy bogs and puddles to match I found them plenty warm enough (although it could be due to my reference point of sometimes wearing an extra pair of socks for warmth) and was never uncomfortable, as I have been in the past in similar conditions.

The excellent protection is brought to you by Sealskinz proprietary Stretchdry waterproof, breathable and windproof technology, which in simplified terms means you stay dry from the inside and out and there’s no breeze. They are also merino wool lined, which those in the know will be aware is mother nature’s answer to regulating temperature and moisture, the perfect finish to a simple yet tech piece of kit.

Overall: I don’t know how I got this far without a pair, I’ve worn these day in and day out for the last month or so and they’re still comfy, leak free and going strong. Even the simple things like day two riding on a wet week, putting on your soggy half dried shoes, is made so much less of a miserable experience. For the price of a good quality set of gloves, this is a game changing bit of kit.