After initial concerns, Gemma Palmer warmed to these Bridgedale Women’s Heavyweight Merino socks.

Honestly, I was a bit worried about my feet staying warm in the sub-zero temperatures, and these Bridgedale Women’s Heavyweight Merino socks aren’t the best for the instant warmth I was looking for when I first put them on. A little cold at first but thankfully, they quickly warmed up and stayed toasty throughout the day, allowing me to enjoy the satisfying sensation of crunching frozen grass, mud, and the occasional icy puddle beneath my feet without a hint of cold seeping in.

Gemma Palmer’s Greener Choice

These socks are ideal for day hikes and multi-day trips, with enhanced technology for shock zones and odour control.
Pros
  • sole cushioning
  • stretch to fit cuff
  • multi-day ready
Cons
  • lack of initial warmth
Quick specs
Price: $37 / £28
Weight: 3g size L (UK 7 – 8.5)
Materials: 30% Merino Wool , 45% Coolmax® / polyester , 24% Nylon / polyamide , 1% LYCRA® / elastane
Sizes: UK 3 to 8.5
Men’s version: Yes
www.bridgedale.com

The softness and cushioning quickly won me over. I usually prefer compression socks or those with elasticated cuffs to prevent slouching and support my feet. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well these socks worked. The cushioning proved invaluable on the varied terrain, providing ample support and minimising impact. I was comfortable all day – no blisters, no tired feet, and no sweaty discomfort.

Initially, I was sceptical of the casual knit cuffs, but they stayed securely in place without feeling restrictive.

The merino wool blend effectively wicks away moisture, keeping my feet dry and comfortable even in muddy conditions. They’re also comfortable worn under or over leggings. Bridgedale offers a lifetime guarantee, which is a great bonus and provides the reassurance I need that my gear will last. While I haven’t experienced any issues yet, I’ll be keeping an eye on the high-wear areas.

These socks are ideal for day hikes and multi-day trips, with enhanced technology for shock zones and odour control. They hand wash well and dry quickly, ready for the next day’s adventure or to be rotated with other socks.

However, they might not be the best choice for those who experience cold toes at night. Overall, I’d recommend these socks to anyone looking for a long lasting, comfortable and supportive option for cooler weather hiking.

Testing conditions

Gemma, who is 5’10” tall and wears a UK size 8.5 shoe, experiences cold toes during winter hikes. She has a wide forefoot, high arch, and narrow heel. Gemma wore the socks paired with leggings when hiking across the diverse terrains of East Anglia, including coastal trails, nature reserves, heathlands, and riverbanks.

This review was first published in the May 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.