Tried mine properly for the first time today, dry conditions but a couple of stream crossings and didn’t let any water in. Feet were nice and cosy too. Grip seemed fine, had to move my foot position a little further out as the heel is a little wider than my other 5:10 older Freeriders, newer Freerider Pros or Sleuths.
Interesting comments about the new Freerider Pro Mid. How do they fare with some showers and mud (not being submerged)?
They have perforations on the toes, so aren’t waterproof. Only have the round treads as well, so not mud pushing friendly, just like all the freeriders. Great to not have wet muddy laces to deal with though, and the “sock” helps keep rain and mud out just fine.
I’ll mostly be riding with trousers through winter so sock soak shouldn’t be an issue.
It happened to me, ymmv. The cuffs of my Fox Flexair trousers fit tight over the top of the top of the shoe, but the shoe is only waterproof up to the bottom of the velcro closure, and also when pedalling it rides up to expose a small gap. Half my socks were wet through wicking on a dry ride over slightly wet ground.
but for me not warm at all even with a decent woolie boolie sock
Nothing special about the warmth, but for me they're fine on normal parts of an MTB ride. Today was 6deg, not windy, I wore them with trousers and All Weather Sealszkinz mids. After a 5km road descent in 15mins, my toes were cold.
@bikesandboots interesting that they list those socks you have as against frostbite, but they aren't the "cold weather" model?
I prefer Dexshell. I used to have Sealskins but they didn't stretch well and felt too rubbery. My Dexshell DS663 feel loads better, almost, but not quite like "normal" thick socks, but are really summer socks (1/5).
Going into winter in a much colder region (relocated) I'm now going to have to buy the correct rated socks. Looking at the DS634 model, but not sure if they'll be too warm for riding (5/5 rating, sweaty feet issues). DS636 and DS625 are 4/5. Price varies between £25-40, gotta shop around.
Note: For sizing, add half a size. I think they're at least half a size under. Here in China I am size CN48.5(UK13//US14), and the XL (47-49) only just fits.