Need a new pair of high-quality hiking socks, but don’t know what type will be right for you? Bridgedale’s top-rated Merino Performance range is a great place to start. Here’s everything you need to know.
Wool from the Merino breed of sheep is one of nature’s miracle products. Finer and softer than regular sheep wool, this material has some remarkable natural qualities that make it perfect for hiking clothing – including socks.
Why is Merino such a perfect fibre? There are several reasons – let’s go through them. First and foremost, Merino is brilliant at temperature regulation, keeping you both warm and cool at the same time, and it also retains warmth even when wet.
It has superb anti-odour properties, meaning it can be worn for longer without smelling, and it’s incredibly fast-wicking and breathable, too. If that’s not enough, it’s also soft, natural, biodegradeable and fire-resistant – a truly miraculous natural fibre, as we said earlier.
This is partly why sock supremos Bridgedale are so confident in their Merino Performance range of socks. This extensive collection is available in all shapes and sizes, from heavyweight, fully-cushioned behemoths for hardcore winter missions to ultralight, super-breathable and low-cut pairs for sun-drenched adventures, and everything in-between.
All of these socks harness the natural properties of Merino, but blend the wool with a polyamide fibre – using Bridgedale’s innovative Fusion Technology – to provide a “perfect combination of durability and breathability”, keeping you comfortable, protected and cushioned all day long.
Every pair comes with a whole host of technical features, too, from the flat toe seam through to the arch support and Y-heel – meaning you can be sure your socks will stay in place no matter how much you put them through.
But which Bridgedale Merino Performance pair is right for you? It all depends on the terrain, weather and activities you’ll be encountering. To help you along the way with the buying process, here’s everything you need to know about five of the best options.
5 of the best: Bridgedale’s Merino Performance socks
1. Explorer Heavyweight Merino Performance Boot - £29
Tested by explorers in the coldest, most extreme places on this planet, this is the ultimate sock for top-of-the-mountain adventures, designed to be worn with technical mountaineering footwear during cold weather activities.
Full, densely packed cushioning throughout will keep your feet warm and protected on even the toughest terrain, while Bridgedale’s Fusion Technology will provide excellent breathability and moisture management to keep you dry. Also available in a knee length cut (£34).
2. Hike Midweight Merino Performance Boot - £24
Billed as the go-to, all-season sock for outdoor enthusiasts, the Midweight Merino Performance Boot should be an essential part of your kit in just about every situation.
The whole foot area is cushioned for superb protection, while technical features like the flex zone and flat toe seam ensure there is no chance of rubbing or blisters, keeping you snug and comfortable all day long.
There's both a women's version and a men's version.
3. Hike Lightweight Merino Performance ¾ Crew - £22
Lightweight by name, but not in performance! This sock is designed to provide all of the comfort you need, just with less padding, so it’s more suited to warm weather conditions.
Underfoot cushioning keeps you protected with every step, and the non-padded upper keeps your feet cool. Added arch support and a Y-heel ensure the sock stays in place no matter how hard you’re working on the hill. Also available in a boot length (£23).
Get the men's version here or find the women's version here.
4. Ultra Light Merino Performance Crew - £23
The genius design of the Ultra Light sock range is that you get the best of both worlds – Bridgedale’s trademarked levels of top-tier comfort, but all in an exceptionally lightweight package. It’s ultralight and super comfortable at the same time – a win-win scenario.
Perfect for balmy summer days on the trails, this sock features zoned cushioning only where you need it and nowhere else. Consequently, you get impact protection when required, alongside lots of mesh ventilation to keep you cool, calm and collected on even the hottest days. The women’s version is available in a ¾ crew cut.
Want to know more? Take a look at the men's version or pop over to the women's version.
5. Ultra Light T2 Merino Performance Low - £20
A low-cut version of the Ultra Light sock, this product is perfect for when you’re wearing low-on-the-ankle trainers or trail shoes, rather than boots.
Designed for tackling trails in the warmer climes of spring and summer, you still get the comfort and protection you expect from Bridgedale, but with no telltale tan lines when the sun’s out!
Here's the men's version and click here for the women's model.