Designed in partnership with a team of expert fell runners and ultra-marathoners, Bridgedale’s trail running sock collection is perfectly tailored for the uneven, steep ground of the UK’s gnarly mountains – but which is the best pair for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
Wearing an expensive pair of trail running trainers with a sub-standard pair of socks is like filling a high-performance sports car’s tank full of apple juice. It’s pointless, counter-productive and destined to lead to serious problems.
That’s why every trail runner needs a good pair of technical running socks. While a bad pair of basic, no-frills socks will give you run-ruining blisters and painful sore spots, a higher quality pair will empower you to smash out the miles with joyous freedom.
Sock supremos Bridgedale – a market-leading firm with over four decades of experience and millions of sales across 40 countries worldwide – are a safe choice for all trail runners.
The brand’s trail running socks, which are designed and knit in its own factory near Belfast, have been developed in partnership with an expert team of trail running ambassadors.
The end result? The ‘Trail Run’ collection features technical, high-performing socks that can cope with the rigours of big miles, steep ascents and fast descents, whether you’re taking on an epic adventure like the Paddy Buckley Round or simply enjoying social 5km jogs around your local woodlands.
The ‘Trail Run’ collection includes several design features specifically tailored to the unique challenges of trail and fell running in the UK’s steep, rough and uneven terrain, with every pair of socks fine-tuned to strike a perfect balance between comfort, durability and performance.
The four main design features are as follows: a wider toe box to allow your toes to splay naturally and aid balance; reinforced toe seams for enhanced durability (and no risk of seam “blowouts” on steep downhills); a slightly closer ‘Sport Fit’ to keep your socks in place at all times and thus prevent blisters and rubbing; and finally a zero debris ankle cuff to keep out mud, dust, twigs and leaves.
Bridgedale has four main designs in the ‘Trail Run’ collection, with varying thicknesses, lengths and materials. All are available in both men’s and women’s versions.
Three of the designs are made from merino, including the Midweight T2 Merino Sport (crew length), Lightweight T2 Merino Sport (¾ crew length) and Ultra Light T2 Merino Sport (¾ crew and low lengths), while the Ultra Light T2 Coolmax Sport (¾ crew and low lengths) is constructed from a bespoke blend of polyester, nylon and elastane. But with such a broad choice, which is best for you? Here’s the full lowdown.
4 Of The Best Bridgedale Trail Running Socks
1. Midweight T2 Merino Sport Crew - £20
This winter-ready sock has been designed to keep you running through the very worst of the UK’s weather. Rain, snow, sleet, deep mud-fest bogs – this sock can handle it all. There’s full cushioning across the whole foot area, while Bridgedale’s excellent Fusion Technology wicks away moisture quickly, so your feet stay warm and dry no matter how atrocious the conditions. There are also extra pads around the Achilles and ankle, and a longer leg length to keep you fully protected.
2. Lightweight T2 Merino Sport ¾ Crew - £18
Billed as a transitional sock for shoulder-season runs in spring and autumn, this sock comes in a ¾ crew height and it’s considered tough, protective and versatile enough to take you through pretty much any type of terrain and weather. It’s also a perfect choice for when you need a little bit of extra cushioning underfoot, with mesh ventilation on top for superb wicking too.
3. Ultra Light T2 Merino Sport ¾ Crew - £19
This sock has zoned cushioning exactly where you need it for impact protection, and nowhere else. Merino wool is a natural antimicrobial yarn, and using Fusion Technology it is blended with polyamide in this sock for perfect temperature regulation and super-fast wicking. You also get T2 targeted micro cushioning with extra ventilation, which delivers “the perfect balance of protection and comfort on the toughest terrain”. The Ultra Light T2 Merino Sport is also available in a low cut length (£17.50).
4. Ultra Light T2 Coolmax Sport Low - £17
This low-cut, non-wool sock is for “serious runners who like to explore the world’s trails at a faster pace”. It’s ultralight, super-breathable and fast-wicking, with micro cushioning for a fine compromise between all-day comfort and non-stop protection on rugged terrain. Bridgedale describe it as having a “super soft feel with built-in toughness” and “the lightest sock you can buy without sacrificing comfort”. The Ultra Light T2 Coollmax is also available in a ¾ crew length (£18.50).