MAAP Merino Socks

Simon Tuck

A review of MAAP Merino Socks.

MAAP Merino socks combine Australian design flair with Italian manufacturing know-how, and are designed to last.

MAAP Merino Socks make for great spring riding socks

A merino blend is used in these MAAP Merino socks, which means they aren’t 100% merino. This is done to make the socks more user friendly. There’s nylon in there to give some protection against wear, and elastane to reduce the amount of natural stretch in the material. The heel is reinforced and there’s an elasticated arch to provide support and help keep the socks in place.

In use this merino blend is a comfortable, soft material that doesn’t sag, and resists odours due to merino’s natural anti-bacterial properties. The socks are made in Italy where they know a thing or two about merino.

MAAP merino for Spring time warmth and grey for mucky roads!

The cuff of the sock is seven inches, this relates to the part of the sock above the heel. The cuff also has a waffle knit to help with ventilation. The elasticated fold at the top of the cuff is tight enough to stop the socks slipping down, but not tight enough to be uncomfortable. Merino is quite a stretchy material, even though it’s been blended to help reduce stretch, so a bit of care needs to be taken so the material doesn’t bunch up when you put your shoes on. I found once my shoes were on they didn’t tend to move about as I rode, but a few times I put my shoes on in a rush and then had to adjust them to get rid of a rumple. The seam at the back of the ankle is flat on the inside of the sock, and I found it quite handy to be able to line up the design straight.

Merino wool traps air, this means that although these socks are technically a winter sock they still perform quite well in warmer temperatures. Also Merino is a good insulator and can provide warmth even when wet. The changeable Spring weather is a great time to wear merino socks.

The Type socks come in sombre charcoal, but the pink toes add a little cheer

The designs on these MAAP socks are quite subdued. This is partly due to their intended use as a Winter sock, but the more traditional cyclist might appreciate the understated colours. The charcoal ‘Type’ pattern has a big light blue MAAP logo across the back of the calf. The rest of the colours aren’t visible when you have your shoes on, so nobody can see the light grey heel, or pink toes. Our little secret.

The grey ‘Dot’ design has small aquamarine spots on the grey background with a small white MAAP logo on the back of the calf. The Dot design has hi-vis yellow toes that nobody will see either.

Merino Dot and Type socks from MAAP adding an Antipodean flavour to your sock game!

What always worries me about merino items is the washing of them. Although they don’t tend to get as smelly as man-made materials can get over time, they still need washing, and wool shrinks if you aren’t careful right? I’ve washed these socks with the rest of my cycling kit on both 30’ and 40’ washes with non-bio powder and some anti-bac sports wash with no sign of shrinkage or colour change. I’m not sure I’d throw them in with the regular washing or let my wife anywhere near them, but they don’t need to be treated any differently than the care you should be using on the rest of your kit to prevent odours and prolong its life.

Basically, socks are socks, and it’s incredibly difficult to write about such a simple part of cycling kit. If you are doing long mileages, cycling outside in different weather conditions, or putting some hard efforts in, it’s worth buying socks that are designed with features that make them suitable for cycling. Your feet are one of the three contact areas you have with your bike, and those areas are the most likely points of discomfort.

These MAAP merino socks are designed with the pressures of cycling in mind and do a good job of becoming one less thing to worry about whilst you ride. They’re quality socks that are comfortable and useful year round. Now you can worry about your hands, or your saddle instead.

MAAP Merino Socks

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