Active Life Wall Street Ultra Light Crew Sock from Point6
Point6 is a company dedicated to making technical socks for cycling as well as other outdoor sport endeavors. Based in Steamboat Springs, their line of socks focuses on utilizing merino wool at the heart of their designs for a superior alternative to socks made using synthetic fabrics. Both Inga and I were given the opportunity to test out a few pairs, and being rather fond of technical socks, we were looking forward to trying them out.
There was a time when I avoided wool products. They were scratchy and offered questionable durability. Development in recent years have addressed these issues; the wool blends utilized by Point6 were created by weaving merino wool with elastane for elasticity and nylon fibers for durability. The end result is a sock that is much more comfortable and durable than the wool socks of yesterday.
Cycling Rider Ultra Light 3/4 crew socks by Point 6.
Features
I’ve been wearing two models: the Cycling Rider Ultra Light 3/4 sock, ($17.95) and the Active Life Wall Street Ultra Light Crew sock.($16.95) The fiber content in the two socks are slightly different; the Cycling Rider is 44% wool, 5% spandex and 51% nylon. The Active Life Wall Street Ultra Light Crew sock is made up of a 67% wool, 2 % spandex, 31% nylon blend.
On the Trail
I’ve been wearing the Point6 socks for months now, and they’ve proved to be quite durable, despite the constant use. I used to have a preference for lighter weight cycling socks for comfort, but on rides with a large temperature range, the middle weight is ideal. Point6’s blend of wool, nylon and spandex has made a durable sock with an appropriate amount of stretch, and as promised, they do an excellent job regulating temperature.
Stream crossings: wet socks.
More importantly, when wet they still retain warmth, and dry quickly. On a ride with a rather wet stream crossing, I removed both shoes and socks and after removing as much water as possible, continued the ride in relative comfort.
After a full season of use, I’m convinced it’s worth spending a few bucks more for the Point6 socks. I have yet to see visible wear, and they feel like they’ll last significantly longer than many of my other cycling socks. Their neutral gray colors mean they go with anything, and they’re some of the nicest foot coverings I own.
A good pair of socks is an investment, as a quality sock can last a long time and enhance the experience of riding. Many of the socks in my drawer are polyester/ spandex blends, and while they’re comfortable, they usually reek at the end of a day of hard riding. Socks with wool content generally fair much better. They also do a better job of keeping your feet warm once wet. Whether its sweat or rain, after a few hours on the bike, socks often end up damp; its even worse on road trips. The Point6 socks are the first things packed on any extended trip.
Though both the Point6 socks tested are considered ultra light on the Point6 scale, the weight of the sock is a bit more dense than most of the other cycling socks in my drawer. After blowing so many socks out just pulling them on, the added weight is reassuring.
Definitely worth adding to your holiday/ birthday want list, they even feature a Lifetime Guarantee and are made in the USA. My only beef with the Point6 socks? I don’t own enough of them. You know you’re a fan when you save a pair of socks for the week’s big ride.
Check them out at Point6.com:
Active Life Wall Street Crew Sock
Cycling Rider Ultra Light 3/4 Crew Sock
