I originally purchased a pair of Capricorn mohair socks (Leicestershire style - knee length) for my wife for those times when she goes horse riding in the cold and damp (who would do such a thing for fun?), then she gave them such a glowing review that a pair appeared for me along with some for a friend who was off on a trip to Iceland in the winter (fun?). And I can report, much as it might pain me to admit it, that the wife and the company are right. They are ideal for motorcyclists. Never mind the horsey lot - these knee length socks are seriously cosy and comfortable. I only resorted to wearing another pair of socks underneath on a few of the very coldest days from Christmas through to the end of winter (May) this year. My feet remained warm and comfortable and below the knee was equally cosy.

At £13.95 a pair (plus p&p) these are not cheap socks, but seem to be well made and tough. My wife has had some serious wear out of hers as she wears them to work in the winter as well as for riding and if they can survive her idea of normal wear and tear and still keep going then that could be taken as a recommendation on it's own. But given the price of some of these "miracle" material socks that I've bought in the past only to be disappointed with when my toes go numb with cold and/or damp and maybe they don't look bad value. They do not get smelly easily (I'll not say how often I have washed mine but let's just say not every week, but then I only wear them when out on the bike. Or walking in snow. Or out if frosty. Or having to stand around when taking the kids tobogganing - you get my drift....) and that for me (and my family) is a major plus.... They also seem to keep your feet warm even if damp (useful with sweaty feet or leaky boots), cushion the sole of the foot nicely and have enough elasticity to stay up without cutting off circulation. They wash easily and dry relatively quickly - all good plus points. In fact, the only downsides are the choice of colours which can be limited and the fact that they are very popular pre-Christmas when some colours and varieties can have limited availability. And that they can be too warm to wear inside unless you get really cold feet.

And the friend came back from Iceland with toes intact after trudging across a glacier or snowfield - cold anyway. And damp.

Capricorn socks can be found online at www.capricornsocks.co.uk