Bridgedale Ventum Light Hiker - First Look

Price: £12.99

Weight: 74g (men's large)

Features Asymmetric lightweight hiking sock made from 415 merino, 33 per cent polyester, 23 per cent nylon and 3 [per cent Lycra, zoned cushioning, vented areas, anti-microbial, double cuff.

Designed to work well with lighter weight footwear, particularly in summer, Bridgedale says that the sock is designed to offer the cushioning of a normal walking sock with the ventilation of a much lighter running-style sock making it a good compromise between cushioning in strategic areas and breathability.

There's also an ultra low version which you can wear with approach shoes and trainers without looking daft in a 'Brit on holiday' sort of way.

For the first time we're aware of, Bridgedale is using socks which are specific to the left and right foot - which is embroidered inside the cuff of the sock. The idea is to mix thin, vented sock with strategic, thick loopstitch cushioning in the vital areas.

That means luxurious padding on the heel, toe and underfoot area, but thinner, more vented zones on the instep, cuff and top of the foot.

The fabric's a bit clever too being a mix of merino, with its excellent moisture-handling and anti-pong properties and Aircell polyester, for its wicking. There's also an anti-microbial treatment in the Aircell element of the sock consisting of eleven minerals which, it says here, are both anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. All very reassuring.

One of the problems with snugger-fitting, lightweight footwear is getting a sock that provides good cushioning without taking up half the internal volume of the boot or shoe. The good news is that the new Ventum, so far, seems spot on.

Even in close-fitting shoes we didn't get that uncomfortable, crammed in tight feeling, but cushioning was soft and luxurious thanks to the micro-looped stitch areas underfoot. We like the unpadded ankle area too - most modern footwear has enough ankle padding already without more from the socks.

So far both breathability and moisture handling seems good and we haven't had a pong problem even on multi-day use, suggesting that the merino / Aircell combination is a good one. Of course it hasn't been really hot so far this year, but early signs are promising. We can't comment on wear yet either.

Initial Verdict

Our first few weeks with the Ventum have been promising. It really does seem to deliver on its promise of proper cushioning but with good fit and low bulk and the material works well too.

At a shade under 13 quid, the socks aren't cheap, but you're getting great sock engineering for your dosh and let's face it, if there's one thing that'll ruin your day, it's uncomfortable feet. All in all, so far, so good.

* We've also been using the lighter weight X-Hale Trailhead for several months now for running, biking and light hiking and are equally impressed with their performance. Another really nice sock as is the Lo version of the same.

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