We've been hammering two pairs of Bridgedale's fast-moving socks for a year, how did they do?
Bridgedale X-Hale Trailhead -
Tested
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Price:
£12
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Weight: 40 grammes (pair - measured
weight)
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Features: Ankle
sock with targeted impact padding and ventilation areas, T2
anti-compression loop, mesh surround areas, WoolFusion
fibres. 41% polyamide, 29% merino wool, 29% polypropylene,
1% Lycra. Available as Trail Diva for
women
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What's It For?
Bridgedale say that their 'Fast and Light' style of sock are
designed to be worn with lighter more breathable footwear in warmer
conditions and during more fast-moving activities'.
Reading between the lines, they're ideal for lighter, lower-topped
footwear like trail shoes and mids, where traditional walking socks
are just too high and too bulky and look, well, silly really.
The Techy Bits
Socks may not seem the most exciting part of your outdoor
wardrobe, but they're getting more and more technical. The key to the
Trailheads is thick T2 loops to provide cushioning in areas where you
need it - under the ball of the foot for example and at the heel -
but thinner, better vented areas where you don't. See inverted pic
below...
The fabric is a an exotic melange of merino wool, polyamide,
polypropylene and and a little Lycra to provide stretch and a better
fit.
How It Performs
We've had two pairs of Trailheads on the go for about a year now
and they've seen some seriously heavy use for walking in lightweight
footwear, running and mountain biking.
The double thickness loop stitch isn't quite as perky as it once
was, but even in its compressed state, it still gives more than
adequate padding in strategic areas. Meanwhile the thinner zones
between mean the sock fits easily into snugger fitting footwear where
more traditional socks are simply too bulky.
Moisture handling's good too. Whatrever the different properties
of the fabric mix, they seem to work with good wicking and comfort
even when things get damp and sweaty. The thin areas mean they never
seem to get too hot either, which is great on warmer days.
We can't really fault these. True, the loopstitch areas have
flattened a little, but they've had some serious hammer and they
still provide cushioning even now. Combined with good fit and
moisture handling and we think Bridgedale is onto a winner.
The only downer is the price, which is on the steep side thanks to
all that technology, but they do seem to last and last and you can
find them cheaper than the SRP if you shop around.
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Good cushioning, fit, moisture handling and durability.
A tad expensive, but they do last.
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Performance
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Value
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