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happy feet

prendas cordura oversocks

nowadays, there's a cogent argument for keeping one's cleated feet free from waterproof overshoes. that might seem an odd statement from one whose prevailing weather conditions feature an annual rainfall of around 1200mm, but bear with me on this.

i recall an e-mail reply from a company representative for whom i had just reviewed a pair of neoprene, waterproof overshoes. while the fabric made an excellent job of fending off precipitation from on high, as well as that engendered by splashy roads, my contention was that these items could not truly be considered 100% waterproof, due to the two holes in the soles for the cleats and the heels. the e-mail laid out how the fabric in question had been extensively tested to hitherto un-thought of depths and were thus several points above the competition. my continually pointing out that the two large holes rather mitigated against 100% waterproofing, seemed not to curry any favour or, indeed, recognition.

prendas cordura oversocks

but in hindsight, any pair of waterproof overshoes are actually possessed of three holes, if you include the one into which one places those cleated feet. it can hardly have escaped your notice that, in perpetual rain, eventually, that water will run down both calves and shins, ending up in socks and shoes. even when wearing bibtights, once they receive a thorough soaking, gravity will eventually relieve the overflow, once again, into both socks and shoes. but then, you already knew that.

therefore, over the past two seasons, i have taken to wearing waterproof socks, items, the veracity of which i can competently vouch. while out riding in wet weather, once the rain has poured inside, the socks are sufficiently waterproof to prevent the rain getting back out again. in short, if it's raining heavily, there's not much that will keep your feet dry, no matter the protestations of company representatives.

prendas cordura oversocks

however, pragmatism is not all it's cracked up to be, which is presumably why many of us keep alive the belgian tradition of wearing what can only be referred to as oversocks. the latter nomenclature can, of course, be somewhat misleading; having presented number one son with a pair, so that he too could join the heritage trail, he mistakenly attempted to wear them as socks, unsurprisingly confused when his feet appeared through the large, frontmost hole. you live and learn.

the original versions of such footwear apparel, were originally bereft of any pre-made holes to accommodate cleats and heels. in truth, they were indeed, simply thick woollen socks. the intrepid belgian had to rely on the kitchen scissors to cut the necessary openings. nowadays, we don't know we're born, given that the majority of oversock purveyors, such as the esteemed folks at prendas ciclismo, offer their foot garmentage with holes pre-cut. with prendas' reputation for alarmingly speedy delivery (next day, even to the hebrides), becoming belgian is simply a matter of awaiting delivery, removing from the cellophane packing and immediately impersonating tom boonen or johan museeuw.

prendas cordura oversocks

having eschewed the original wool construction, the prendas editions (in this case, in bordeaux-paris guise) are fashioned from sturdier cordura, a material that offers not only a decent level of breathability, but is relatively quick to dry, should it happen to rain while practising your boonen persona. the prendas versions offer a higher ankle than usual to obviate the potential sartorial faux pas of showing the tops of your regular socks in the heat of battle. while many of you may not have need of such items, purely to prevent subsequently scraping of mud from leather footwear, with the advent of hydraulic disc brakes and electronic gear systems, keeping cycling's rich heritage alive and kicking (quite literally, in this case) is one surely not to be avoided?

should my current persuasions outlined above be insufficient to persuade you, not only is the prendas range made in italy, but also subject to their famous multi-saver offer: buy three and save almost £3. my own enticement consists of a yellow oversock featuring the lion of flanders; by now, everyone knows that hebrideans are the flandriens of the west.

prendas oversocks retail at £8.99 per pair (or £24 for three) and are available in small, medium or large in six different designs.

prendas cordura oversocks

monday 10 june 2019

twmp ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................