DexShell Ultra Thin Waterproof Socks Review

DexShell is an English brand specializing in waterproof and breathable accessories for outdoor sports such as cycling, running, and hiking, practiced in challenging conditions. From their range of gloves, hats, and socks, we tested the Ultra Thin model designed to protect feet from rain. Let’s see if the promise of waterproofing holds up.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: @3bikes.fr / DR

DexShell offers about ten different pairs of socks in its range, whether specific for hiking, trail running, running, or cycling in the rain or mud, and in various temperatures, from approximately €27 to €45. These are relatively affordable prices, also found in the British firm’s glove range.

The Ultra Thin are DexShell’s “entry-level” socks, at €27.90, and are primarily intended for summer rains, as the indicated cold temperature protection range is 1 out of 5. Available in black or light gray, it’s immediately noticeable that they are relatively short at the ankle, lower than most popular socks currently. To the touch, the three superimposed layers of fabric are easily felt, but once on the feet, they prove surprisingly comfortable for this type of product. They are soft and fit the feet well. In shoes, they feel a bit like a slightly thick pair of winter socks, but without any particular discomfort.

Triple-layer construction

DexShell products are designed with three layers of fabric, featuring a durable outer layer of elastane / nylon / modal / polyester, a breathable inner layer of merino wool / acrylic / nylon / cotton / bamboo / drirelease / coolmax, and a waterproof and breathable intermediate layer of Porelle membrane. The latter is hydrophilic and microporous, which ensures its resistance to water droplets while allowing the evacuation of perspiration vapors.

In the inner layer, bamboo fibers are anti-static and anti-bacterial, and help retain warmth thanks to their hollow structure. They provide comfort by preventing blisters and regulating perspiration. It is a natural material that requires little water to grow quickly and is 100% biodegradable. These characteristics place DexShell at the forefront of eco-responsible development, with products that are gentle on the skin and also on the environment.

Waterproof but not watertight

A classic shower test shows that the Ultra Thin are indeed waterproof, as after a good soaking, the feet are still dry when the socks are removed. However, this summer model is sensitive to temperature changes, as the transition from hot to cold water is clearly felt.

Moreover, even if the skin remains dry, the outer layer absorbs water well, and a spongy effect is still felt with the rubbing of the different layers against each other.

On the road, the Ultra Thin socks do not work miracles below 7-8°C in wet conditions. Not only do they not really protect from the cold, but in addition, in case of heavy downpours, water always ends up penetrating through the top of the ankle.

Under equal conditions, they therefore do not really make a difference compared to winter socks, because the result is the same: you always end up with cold feet after a little over an hour of cycling. Of course, this sensitivity is personal, but for road use, they would undoubtedly be more effective if they went a little higher up the calf.

However, they stand out in off-road conditions, whether in cyclocross, gravel, or mountain biking, as it can be common for these types of activities to put a foot in a puddle or mud, and then get soaked. With DexShell Ultra Thin, this kind of inconvenience can no longer happen.

This is therefore an interesting product, but not necessarily suitable for road cycling in extreme conditions. Nevertheless, the technology used makes us want to test the brand’s gloves, which are probably less exposed to water penetration through the opening.

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