I have been sent some of SealSkinz’s waterpoof products, including Mautby Aquasealz™ Waterproof Warm Weather Ankle Length Socks, Thetford Waterproof All Weather Cycle Oversocks and Barwick Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Cycle Split Finger Gloves. Here are my thoughts.
SealSkinz Mautby Aquasealz™ Waterproof Socks
Features:
- 100% waterproof
- Ankle-length
- Breathable sock, with Hydrostop™
- Seamless
- Sizes: UK3 to5, UK 6 to 8, UK 9 to 11, UK 12 to 14
- Price: £32
- See SealSkinz Mautby
Sealskinz describe the socks as: Our lightest, thinnest, waterproof socks. The Aquasealz™ membrane releases body-generated heat and moisture, while denying the entry of water. Natural bamboo lining has strong moisture-wicking properties. Hydrostop™ prevents water trickling down leg into top of sock.
My thoughts on SealSkinz Mautby Aquasealz™ Waterproof Socks
The fit is very roomy so if you have narrow feet, I suggest you go down a size. The socks feel comfortable and I like the addition of the Hydrostop, which takes the form of a sort of gel seal inside the ankle of the sock. This stops water from rolling down the leg into the sock.
However, these socks are not 100% waterproof. I take issue with any outdoor brand that claims this unless they are talking about an item made of plastic, rubber or oil skin. If a product is 100% waterproof it doesn’t let water in – or out.
If you think of a waterproof phone case or a dry bag, these are 100% waterproof but then imagine trying to wear something made of this plastic or rubber. It would not be pleasant because while the water would not get in, you would most likely end up very sweaty and that damp and wet would not get out.
So, I am pleased the SealSkinz Mautby Aquasealz™ Waterproof Socks are not 100% waterproof. They offer some water resistance and if you wear the with cycling shoes and then a water-resistant shoe cover, the chances are your feet will stay quite dry. But they might end up wet or damp after many miles of torrential rain.
I wear so-called waterproof socks for all kinds of activities and I like them because they provide some water resistance and also a good layer of warmth.
In wet and cold weather, the SealSkinz Mautby Aquasealz™ Waterproof Socks keep my feet warm and fairly dry. I prefer these types of socks to ordinary socks because they give a layer or water resistance and warmth. They do offer some barrier to water but not if you are cycling in heavy rain.
SealSkinz Thetford Waterproof All Weather Cycle Oversock
Features:
- 100% waterproof
- Ankle length
- Cycle shoe over-sock
- Reflective details
- Outer – Nylon
- Mid-Section – 100% waterproof and breathable Aquasealz™ membrane
- Lining – Polyester and cotton lining
- Sizes: S, M/L, XL
- Price: £40
- See Thetford Waterproof All Weather Cycle Oversock
SealSkinz describes the product: “Signature Aquasealz™ technology combines waterproofness with breathability, letting perspiration escape.”
My thoughts: SealSkinz Thetford Waterproof All Weather Cycle Oversock
This product stretches and fits over your cycle shoes. There are holes in the base for the cleats and heel. It’s a good idea to put your cycle shoe on first and then pull the over-sock on top. You can roll down the ankle of the over-sock to reach the shoe closure mechanism to then get your shoes off.
The bright yellow colour is great for cyclists because this features aids your visibility to other rod users.
Again, I would not describe this product as 100% waterproof. It offers really good water-resistance and waterproofing to a degree but if you are cycling through a lot of rain for many hours, the water does penetrate.
The product is described as breathable but I am not entirely sure why you need a waterproof over sock to be breathable. I guess some people’s feet will get hot and sweaty and so you need that to escape the outer fabric. That’s if the sweat can escape the shoe in the first place, though.
The water also gets in under the sock and into the cycling shoes via the cleats.
I would rather my cycling over-socks were made fully 100% waterproof and so I am more likely to choose a product that is made of a more rubbery or sealed material.
I think the best use of the SealSkinz Thetford Waterproof All Weather Cycle Oversock is for cycling on days when it may, or may not, rain, or if you are out in rain for a short while. The oversocks do have the benefit of keeping your feet warm because they offer an extra wind resisting layer.
SealSkinz Barwick Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Cycle Split Finger Glove
Features:
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Split finger
- Three-layer Aquasealz™ technology
- Climashield® insulation fully waterproof and breathable, letting unwanted internal moisture escape.
- PU suede palm for grip
- Reflective detailing
- Extended cuff
- Inner Layer pf polyester microfleece
- Sizes: S, M , L, XL XXL
- £75
- SealSkinz Barwick Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Cycle Split Finger Glove
SealSkinz describes the gloves as fully waterproof and breathable, letting unwanted internal moisture escape. It’s said the Climashield® insulation offers warmth without the bulk because of “continuous filament fibres that replicate the feel of down’.
My thoughts: SealSkinz Barwick Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Cycle Split Finger Glove
I really like the fit and feel of these gloves. They are warming but not too bulky. The split finger design – two fingers in two “pockets” – offers warmth but dexterity for changing gears etc. The inside of the glove is soft and comfortable.
The palm grip is good and there is a it of extra cushioning in the palm where you hands rest on the handlebars.
It’s great to have longer cuffs, too, to keep out the cold on windy days.
These gloves do stay waterproof for a long time, even in heavy rain. I had a bit of water penetration via the palms but only after a long soaking.
I suffer with Raynaud’s Syndrome so good quality gloves are important to me. The warmth rating is fine for most conditions, except when it’s really cold in the winter. For the coldest conditions I use heated gloves.