Did you know that your feet produce about half a pint of sweat every day? And that there are typically around 250,000 sweat glands on each person’s feet? That’s a lot, right? Yet, if you’re taking on some hikes in warm weather, you’ll sweat even more than that.
If you’ve ever experienced this with cotton socks on, you’ll know how uncomfortable this can be, and conventional wisdom suggests that overly damp feet can speed up the formation of blisters or fungal problems.
So, it pays to do everything in your power to keep your feet as dry and as comfortable as possible. Lightweight, non-waterproof shoes or boots are one way to go, but picking the right socks is also key.
Bridgedale, based in Northern Ireland, has been making socks for over 40 years and, as you’ll probably know, are they’re a common sight on trails across the UK.
The brand’s range covers many categories, including running, cycling, skiing, winter hiking and, vitally in this case, walking in summer.
The power of FusionTech
Bridgedale’s FusionTech is a unique system that twists together a natural yarn, such as merino, wool with a synthetic yarn, such as polyamide, to give you the best properties of both yarns.
Merino wool is fantastic at absorbing sweat, while polyamide is great at wicking moisture away from your skin quickly and efficiently.
This ensures that your feet stay dry and comfortable, even when you’re working hard on your adventures. So by wearing technical socks even in warm conditions, you’re actually helping your feet.
And don’t forget, Bridgedale’s socks come with a lifetime guarantee against faults in workmanship or materials.
Gear in focus: 4 Bridgedale socks with FusionTech
1. Hike Ultra Light Merino Performance Crew Socks
Bridgedale’s Hike Ultra Light Merino Performance socks are built for long-distance adventures in hot weather.
They have targeted cushioning, in the form of “advanced T2 zonal padding that minimizes heat retention”, just where you need it and nowhere else. This means you’re protected in all the places that your feet impact with the ground.
Throughout the rest of the sock there’s mesh ventilation, helping to keep you cool and move moisture away from the foot.
This crew version comes up just above the ankle and features the brand’s Performance Fit, which is designed to be close and supportive to eliminate any slippage.
See the men’s Ultra Light Merino Performance Crew socks here, or view the women’s version.
2. Hike Ultra Light Coolmax Performance Socks
Just as the above model, the Hike Ultra Light Coolmax Performance socks also employ super light cushioning with lots of mesh ventilation, but instead of Merino wool they utilise Coolmax fibres twisted with polyamide to form a different type of FusionTech.
This makes these socks one of the coolest options in the Bridgedale range, helping you stay comfortable when temperatures rise. Plus, the lack of wool means they’re vegan friendly.
See the men’s version here or check out the women’s version.
3. Lightweight Merino Performance Boot Socks – £23
Not typically a big sweater? Weather not actually going to be that hot? The Lightweight Merino Performance Boot socks are a little more substantial than the ultra-light options featured here, so they bring a bit more warmth.
That said, they’re style very much designed for warm weather. Plus, you also get an increase in cushioning, which is great if you’re someone who finds the going tough underfoot.
You’ll find FusionTech at play here, with that multi-material blend continuing to bring the benefits of multiple fibres.
This option also uses Bridgedale’s Performance Fit to help avoid movement and reduce the risk of blisters, which is enhanced further with the presence of flat toe seams (this is present on all socks featured here).
See the men’s version here or the women’s version here.
4. Ultra Light T2 Merino Sport Low Socks
If you’re looking for something similar but for running, the Ultra Light T2 Merino Sport Low might be a good choice for you.
The socks utilize Fusion Tech with a mix of Merino (33%), nylon/ployamide (64%) and Lycra/elastane (3%) to deliver all the benefits we’ve been talking about already.
As the name suggests, this is one of the lightest options you’ll find in the range, and you’ll find micro cushioning in all the right places to help soften your landings.
They come with a compressive fit to help with stability, while the cut finishes just above the ankle bone in order to help stop dirt sneaking inside and to avoid the socks being pulled down and bunching up.
Find the men’s version here or see the women’s version here.