Riding With Wet Feet Is Horrible – Are Dexshell Bamboo Waterproof Socks The Answer?

I’ve worn the thicker, acrylic lined, Dexshell socks before, in knee length form, and while they are warm, I have found them most comfortable when worn with a thin liner sock as they’re less sweaty that way. Consequently I’ve struggled to fit them in quite a few of my shoes – limiting when I can wear them.

These lighter Dexshell Ultralite Bamboo socks have proven to be more versatile, and both Wil and I have been using them a lot. Waterproof and lined with bamboo, I’ve found these to be much less sweaty and more comfortable against my skin. I’ve often worn them on damp days with mixed forecasts ‘just in case’ when hitting the shops or just out for a stroll – they feel much more like normal socks. They’re not as thick as the other Dexshells, and not being knee high makes them a little more every-day-wear suitable.

I’ve found the waterproofing to be similarly effective/ineffective – ie, they’re good for splashes, but prolonged friction inside a sodden shoe will eventually lead to water penetration, and therefore wet feet. Also, the short length of these socks means that the splashes can get in over the top more easily. I do like the short length for summer wear, but given the increased comfort/decreased sweatiness, I’d quite like to see a long version of these Bamboo Ultralites for autumn days when you don’t want your legs exposed and splashes are more prevalent.

As with other waterproof socks I’ve tried, I find that you get wet eventually, but it’s a more gradual process than the sudden soaking that takes your breath away when you hit a crank deep puddle with standard socks. Doubled up with ‘waterproof’ boots gives a better level of protection again, although the shortness of these socks doesn’t sit well with boots taller than a hi-top – another reason I’d like to see a longer version.

The striped design is appealing to me – why should socks be boring? – and I quite like wearing them with jeans and trainers. I have plenty of trainers that aren’t waterproof, I hate having cold wet feet, so these are a good solution. Also, parents may wish to note that these are available in children’s sizes, something I haven’t seen in other waterproof sock offerings, and possibly a handy option (children being prone to splashing in puddles in inappropriate footwear, in my experience).

Overall

These socks are handy for summer splashes, or street sauntering, but a longer version would be welcome for wetter rides. You won’t stay dry, but they will postpone the misery of wet feet, and they’re comfortable in their own right.

Review Info

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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