Bridgedale's New Lightweight Walking Sock

Dark areas are lavishly padded, light ones are thin and cool.

Latest from the sock folk over at Bridgedale is an ultra-lightweight sock intended for walking and hiking in warmer conditions, in the form of the Trail Ultra Light.

Bridgedale already has an excellent range of lightweight Fast & Light socks that we've found work brilliantly with lightweight footwear and approach shoes, but the new sock is intended specifically for walking use and is cut higher in the ankle than the lighter end of the Fast & Light range.

We've had a couple of pairs on the go for the last few months and we're quite impressed so far. What Bridgedale has done is combined thin, fast venting fabrics in areas where cushioning isn't crucial, with localised lavish loop-stitch cushioning in the heel and toe areas, where it's needed.

That's a big advance on many lightweight socks which skimp on cushioning. The sock uses Bridgedale's familiar WoolFusion technology with a combination of 35% Nylon, 31% New Wool, 31% polypropylene and 3% Lycra.

Weight for a pair of men's size 9s is just 45 grammes, which you're not going to notice on your feet, but may well count if you're carrying several changes of socks with you on a longer, multi-day trip.

They're particularly good in closer-fitting footwear and retail for £12.50 in both men's and women's version. Full review to follow once we've had some hot weather, don't hold your breath then...

More details at www.bridgedale.co.uk