DeFeet MotoSox

If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t give much thought to your socks. In fact, until just recently, if my shoes weren’t falling apart, they were deemed good to go. So while I’ve managed to evolve and grasp the importance of quality footwear, socks are just socks, right?

Wrong.

Established in 1992, DeFeet International’s first socks were designed and manufactured for the serious, competitive bicycle rider. Through experimentation DeFeet’s founder, Shane Cooper revolutionized the knit athletic sock by taking traditional knitting methods and reversing them. His product, the Air•E•Ator® serves as a base feature that defines many of the firm’s products.

According to the DeFeet, the motorcycle racers training on bicycles using DeFeet socks, accessories and high-performance base layers transformed into requests for a motorcycle-specific sock. Coming from a range with twenty-six other specific applications are the MotoSox, which to my knowledge are the first socks designed and constructed for motorcycle rider.

Available in three heights (short, medium, and over the calf) DeFeet sent the regular and long styles to VMOL for testing. Thick and exhibiting the quality feel of a fine dress sock, the MotoSox’ generous cuff holds the garment in place while the very snug fit resists bunching; even when wearing close-fitting riding boots. Other features include Terry padding around toe box, a full length cushioned sole and a vented panel on top of each sock for cooling.

I wore the MotoSox on a chilly, 70-mile breakfast ride then tested the manufacture’s claim that the ‘CoolMax/FreshFX’ material on the soles and vents reduces odor while keeping the feet dry. During the ride my feet were noticeably warmer and dryer, and I reason less moisture should allow the interior of my boots to last longer too. I wore the socks for two more days, and only after the third day did they require laundering. For my feet, this is a minor miracle as they are usually soaked by lunchtime due to my shop’s cold, concrete floor.

Not cheap at $16.00 and $18.00 for the regular and long lengths respectively, Defeet’s MotoSox took my personal sock torture test in stride and came back for more. And while I had a hard time feeling any difference from the toe padding, the MotoSox' ability to keep my feet warm and dry (and thus, less offensive) seems to more than justify the price. On a tour, one could conceivably replace three pair of common tube socks with one pair of MotoSox; conserving space and gaining the benefit of substantially increased foot comfort.

A win-win.

Manufactured in the USA at DeFeet’s North Carolina facility, visit www.defeet.com to view their extensive selection of speciality undergarments, including a Custom Line for personal business logos. We’re convinced; there’s no agony in DeFeet! Nolan Woodbury

Defeet International
371 I-40 Access Rd
Hildebran, NC 28637
Toll Free: (800) 688-3067
Local: (828) 397-7025
Fax: (828) 397-2905
Customer Service email:
questions@defeet.com (General Questions)
customorders@defeet.com (Custom Sock Questions)
www.defeet.com