Eighteen-centimeter cuffs put the Espresso sock firmly in the tall camp, which is where sock fashion has landed for road cyclists who care about how their kit looks as a complete package. Castelli's Espresso 18 Sock commits to this aesthetic while building in the comfort features that matter once you're actually pedaling—a merino wool blend that regulates temperature better than pure synthetic, mesh ventilation panels that prevent the heat buildup tall socks can trap, and a compression fit through the arch that keeps the sock in place without cutting off circulation.

The merino content addresses the comfort gap that catches riders off guard with tall synthetic socks. Pure polyester works fine for short efforts, but longer rides reveal the limitations—heat builds under the cuff, moisture sits against skin rather than dissipating, and by hour three you're wishing you'd grabbed a different pair. Merino's natural temperature regulation handles the variable conditions that define most rides, staying comfortable whether you're grinding up a climb or descending into cooler air. The blend construction maintains durability that pure merino can't match, resisting the wear patterns that develop at heel and toe contact points.

Castelli positions the Espresso as their everyday tall sock option, and the details support that role. The mesh panel placement targets the top of the foot where heat concentrates during hard efforts. The 18cm cuff height coordinates with current bib short lengths without leaving an awkward gap or overlapping onto the chamois line. The compression through the midfoot provides structure without the tourniquet feel that cheaper compression socks create.... Read More